The-Orient-Express - The Diary:

Manchester China Town - a home from home

Last week I decided to visit Chinatown in Manchester. It used to be the biggest 'chinatown' in europe but is now, sadly, 3rd. It is still the biggest in the UK though. Why did I go? Well, I was craving 东北饭. Dongbei fan or 'Dishes from the northeast (of China).

(Pics) Jun 7th, 2010 Read more

Take Every Opportunity To Speak Chinese

Chinese students will always tell you they have no opportunity to practise their oral English. Of course, that's absolute twaddle. The truth is that they are to shy to approach even their foreign teacher, let alone a stranger. Well, not so with me.

May 26th, 2010 Read more

Party, Party, PARTY!

Geez, it's been a long time, hey? I bet you all thought I'd died! Well no such luck. Morgan, the American girl who has kindly, or unbewittingly, stepped into the breach just couldn't log in. I'll fix that ...

Mar 26th, 2010 Read more

Easy, Tiger

To my Chinese friends, I wish you all a Happy & Prosperous New Year. Stoves will be running hot tonight as every houehold in China will be making jiao zi 饺子. Please, do not call them 'dumplings'. They are not!

(Pics) Feb 13th, 2010 Read more

Occidentally Adjusted

People talk about Melbourne, Australia having four seasons in one day. Well, Manchester in the northwest of England could well become the twin city of Australia's sporting capital. Today's temps. ranged from 0C to +6 with rain, light 'hail', snow and then brilliant...

(Video) Feb 10th, 2010 Read more

The Occidental Express

Well.. My first notes from the Occident in more than 5 years! My Chinese friends have been asking me if I miss China? I've been too busy to miss anything to be honest. It's good to be back in the west. I needed a break I guess, and of course ...

(Pics) Feb 1st, 2010 Read more

Up, Up And Away

Thanks to the wonderful work by Miss Vivian Gou, the BA representitive on the ground at Beijing Capital International Airport, not only was I spared another 3 nights of using the airport as an hotel but she also upgraded me from 'cattle' class.

Jan 22nd, 2010 Read more

Beijing Airport Take(-off) II

飞机场 Take II It's 8.40p.m. and in a little over three hours my resident status will be void. There is a grace period but I'm safe in the airport. I've checked my bags into left luggage for the next 24 hours. With the possibility of my being here for 4 days,

Jan 21st, 2010 Read more

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