You see them everywhere and every time you go into a shop, bar or restaurant. But do you make a fool of yourself pulling instead of pushing? No more, thanks to this simple Chinese lesson!
Door Signs: 入口 rùkǒu = Entrance, 出口 chūkǒu = Exit, 拉 lā = Pull, 推 tuī = Push
Gazing from the top of Mount Tai (Tai Shan 泰山), Chairman Mao proclaimed, ‘The East is Red’. Confucius st0od on the peak – outside his temple door I guess – and uttered the words, ‘The World is Small’. I ran up, stood at the summit, opened a can of beer and shouted, ‘Cheers.. One day my son will do this climb.’ (more…)
Even though China ‘opened-up’ to foreigners there are still some parts that are strictly ‘no-go’ areas: Lushun 旅顺 is one such place, a bus-ride from Dalian city centre.
The lady at the bus ticket office had no problems selling me a ticket (more…)
There are many rumours surrounding Sichuan food and none more so than its spiciness and heat. In Chinese, la 辣.
Is it really as hot as people say it is or is it just another Chinese myth?
When we toured Sichuan in the winter of early 2007 I admit to being a little concerned that we may starve to death because there would be nothing to eat. (more…)
Tackling that Tricky Turkey (updated)
December 24, 2007
Christmas Eve has never before caused me such difficulty; I’m generating seasonal stress though I’m sure I shouldn’t panic! I’m ingredientally-challenged and so I’m worrying about my turkey stuffing. Whatever I do end up creating tomorrow morning, I’m sure it’ll be unique. If you’re living outside Beijing or Shanghai then [...]
December 20, 2007
My father sent me a parcel, which never did arrive. It were packed full of crisps for Christmas, Salt & Vinegar (there’s no surprise). So I penned a little poem,
