Category: culture

Calling all Koreans

During our stay in Yanji, a city with many Korean residents, we discovered a previously unknown correlation. Where there are Koreans, there are coffee shops. And not just any old coffee shop, but cozy and inviting coffee shops…. Read More

Waterfalls and Washing

I do not share the above picture because of it’s quality or beauty. In fact, I don’t even really like the photo. The lighting was horrible, the time of day not ideal, and I was incredibly rushed in… Read More

On the border

Tuesday morning, we rolled into Yanji (a town near the border of North Korea and China) at 4:30 AM. It was early, but it certainly wasn’t bright. We took a taxi down sleeping streets to the one open… Read More

The Sports Meet

In the States, university track meets feature stellar athletes who have trained for years fighting for the glory of first place finishes. In China, university sports meets feature teachers and students from every major competing for the glory… Read More

One of a kind

She hates cilantro. She loves cheese (and therefore adores pizza). She always wants ice in her drink. She not only understands, but also uses sarcasm. She helps herself to stuff in my fridge. She finds it hilarious that I have… Read More

Images from China

One of my favorite photojournalism websites, The Big Picture, recently featured a of pictures from China.  Enjoy this glimpse at the many facets of China!  Just to whet your appetite, here’s a peek at what university freshmen have been up to the past reviews… Read More

Tomorrow is next Thursday

Which means I work on Sunday. For an entertaining second perspective on the riddle that is Chinese holidays, head on over to one of my favorite blogs. Added to the already confusing schedule is the fact that our school… Read More

All in a day’s “work”

Yesterday, a student called to inform me my graduate reading and writing class was canceled for today.  I don’t know why it was canceled.  I don’t know if we have to make it up.  All I know is… Read More

Sunday snapshot: Home sweet {disgusting} home

I returned in the wee hours of the morning yesterday to my {mostly} vacant apartment.  My apartment presented as blank a slate as the coming year. With just the bare bones furniture the school provides. What makes the place… Read More

From the news

With departure less than 24 hours away, China is definitely on the brain.  Here are two recent news items you may be intrigued by: The one-child policy: an interesting commentary on the possibility of changing the policy.  The preference… Read More