You have probably seen this before. You are ordering at a restaurant when the server asks what sort of water you would like – still or sparkling? – and the Chinese diners at your table, usually women but not always, chime in: “Warm water”.
Many Chinese believe that drinking warm water, or, more precisely, avoiding anything cold, is good for one’s health. As a child, my mother tried to stop me from consuming cold food and drinks because “it will make you sick”.
“Then why aren’t Europeans and Americans dropping like flies?” I would ask.
