Being a foreigner can sometimes be difficult. With my blond hair I stick out just about everywhere. And the locals are never shy about talking about us as they are standing right next to us. The most uncomfortable is when people come and stare at us while we are eating.
So You Wanna Learn Chinese (or some other language)
I can’t say I’m a language learning expert but I have tried my fair share of language programs over the years. After all, I’m an American. That is, I am interested in learning another language but absolutely terrible at it. I’ve traveled all over the world and it’s true, you
Construction in China: Plans vs Reality
Ever since I moved here there has been constant construction going on right outside my window on the West Gate Road. I love the West Gate Road, it is the place with all the restaurants, little shops and fruit stands. Since we aren’t located right in town, the west gate
Ginkgo Nuts
The other night we had the honor of being invited to a birthday celebration of a 6-year-old boy. The party, or banquet I should really call it, was held at a very fancy, very traditional Chinese restaurant. The setting was amazing, a private room complete with scroll artwork on the
Fake Eggs in China
China is well known for counterfeits and knock-offs. In most major cities you will be constantly harassed to buy Rolex watches, Prada shoes and Chanel bags. It is so rampant I don’t even trust the names of stores anymore. Is that store, named the Disney Store with Mickey Mouse clothes
It's Chinglish Time Again!
I always have my camera at the ready to capture the hilarious Chinglish I see throughout my day. Here is a random assortment of things I’ve seen recently.
Qingming–or Tomb Sweeping–Day
While everyone in the west is celebrating spring, rebirth and chocolate bunnies we are celebrating something entirely different here in China: Death. Today is Qingming Day, or Tomb Sweeping Day. When I first signed my contract it listed all the holidays I would have off: Spring Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, National
April Fool's Day
I expected that my students would know about the major western holidays such as Christmas and Thanksgiving, but I’m surprised at how much they know about our minor holidays. They love Valentine’s Day and of course, they seem to know all about April Fool’s Day. I had one class today
Chinese Food Daily Diary: Day Five
This is a week long series on the different Chinese food I eat on a regular basis. To start at the beginning, click here. I’m not including breakfast because I eat the same thing, yoghurt, every day so I don’t feel that a picture is necessary. I try to describe
Chinese Food Daily Diary: Day Four
This is a week long series on the different Chinese food I eat on a regular basis. To start at the beginning, click here. I’m not including breakfast because I eat the same thing, yoghurt, every day so I don’t feel that a picture is necessary. I try to describe