When you hear the metallic, slightly creepy jingle of a child’s song playing on the breeze every kid in America knows what to do. Grab some money and follow that sweet sound to the ice cream man. Here in China they have the same thing but instead of running towards
Happy Birthday Ryan
Last weeks was Ryan’s birthday. We didn’t do much to celebrate it because it was on a Wednesday, and that is the day we are both very busy. But, I had to do something so I secretly ordered a cake. With the help of some students I went to a
2-Year-Old Newborns
When I asked my students how old they were I got a lot of different answers: 20, 21, 22. I found that odd. These kids are all in the same grade, sophomores in college, how could they be such different ages. And a lot of them at 21? That seemed
Gotcha!
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