Category: culture
Updated on August 4, 2011
My Lijiang friend
Unfortunately, Kami spent a lot of our time in Lijiang cooped up in the hotel room with the flu. This left me on my own to explore the city, which those of you who know me well realize… Read More
Updated on August 4, 2011
Ready to GO
I have yet to crack open a suitcase, laundry is far from complete, and my to do list remains a mile long, but I am ready to get out of dodge. Why the sudden change of heart when… Read More
Updated on August 4, 2011
A Foreigner’s Guide to Chinese Performances
Performance shows, or as they’re referred to in China, Parties, are about as common in China as dumplings and tea. They are held to celebrate all sorts of important occasions, and they always follow the same procedure. Below… Read More
Updated on August 4, 2011
Thanksgiving Trees
This past week, the freshman and sophomore English majors were informed that each class would be required to hold a “Thanksgiving Party” on Wednesday afternoon. There’s nothing to put you in a festive mood like an order from… Read More
Updated on August 4, 2011
Redeeming Moments
There are moments when I have a strong dislike of China. Moments where I find myself wishing I was in America. I had one such moment this afternoon at the train station. Of all places in China, except perhaps… Read More
Updated on August 4, 2011
How can you wear yourself in winter
Confused by the title? Worried that five years in China has severely impaired my English? All will be clear soon enough. This evening, all of the foreign teachers received a guide for how to dress during the winter. … Read More
Updated on August 4, 2011
Monochronic vs. Polychronic (and the grocery store)
This past week in our sophomore oral classes, we were discussing the cultural value spectrum on time. We talked about a continuum ranging from extremely monochronic to extremely polychronic. Monochronic refers to those cultures who believe that time… Read More
Updated on August 4, 2011
The Hair Salon
My first three years in China, I was too terrified to set foot in a Chinese hair salon as a patron. I had heard horror stories of chic cuts turned mullets, and the necessity of releasing control into… Read More
Updated on August 4, 2011
The Zoo Animal Experience
Sometimes, living as a foreigner in China feels like you are a zoo animal on display. People stare, point, take pictures, laugh at your actions, discuss your every move with other onlookers, try to touch your hair (seriously), and… Read More
Updated on August 4, 2011
Chinese hospitality
If I had to name one thing that the Chinese excel at, hospitality would be awfully close to the top of the list. I hate to make generalizations, but on the whole, the Chinese know how to take care of… Read More
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