I live in a city which, according to an older Australian student I met at school, is not the real China. “Nothing here is more than 60 years old,” he said. “I really don’t like Hangzhou.” “But,” he whispered conspiratorially, “I gotta be careful of who I say that to.” I laughed with him at this comment, but still felt bothered …
Yearly Archives: 2010
Blueberry Bagels
Blueberry bagels inspired me to write this post. More accurately, the lack of blueberry bagels inspired me to write this post. China has odd flavors. It goes without saying that any country different from your norm will have flavors that seem “odd” to the norm of your tastebuds. But really. Here’s a selection of the Lays Potato Chips …
Huangshan! Or, Why Western ≠ West
Dear Lonely Planet, When you recommended that we fearless adventurers ascend the famed Huangshan via the 7.5 km, 3+ hour Eastern Steps route, then descend via the far less crowded, much more strenuous, 15-km Western Steps route, I’m sure you never imagined that 3 travelers would (attempt to) follow your advice so doggedly and STILL get lost (with …
Advice, unheeded.
A conversation between myself and a local friend J… Me: Any advice for going to Huangshan? J: When are you going? And for how long? Me: Um, in a few days. And I’m not sure for how long. J: [Look of disbelief] Me: [Innocently] What? J: You should book rooms AT LEAST a month in advance! Me: But… …
My awareness is the size of a pea.
A week ago, I went out for dinner with 9 of my classmates. Together, we represented 10 countries: Algeria, Congo, Indonesia, Iran, Cameroon, Japan, Thailand, Spain, Korea, and the USA. (And that’s with Russia, Canada, and Italy missing from the evening’s festivities.) Among the many delicious dishes we ordered at 外婆家 (Grandma’s Kitchen) were 4 orders of 土豆高兴 …
Assumptions. Or, Why I’m In China
It was Chinese New Year in San Diego and my family was decked out in red at a friend’s house, ready to enjoy good food and good company. CCTV (China Central Television) was playing in the living room and I glanced over to see a blond-haired Caucasian TV show host speaking perfect Chinese. “What? Not fair?!” I thought to …