I think China will be embarrassed while hosting the Olympic games in Beijing. Tourists will be afraid to cross the streets when they see the unruly drivers cause havoc on Beijing’s crowded multi-lane boulevards and small streets.
With few people speaking English well, foreign tourists will have trouble maneuvering through the country. Now, all [...]

Before my recent trip to China, I heard many political commentators and other TV personalities speak of China taking over as the world’s next superpower. With what are they going to lead? With fake Prada purses and cheap electronics?
After spending two and a half weeks in the country of 1.3 billion people, I don’t see [...]

In front of me I see the incredible Forbidden City, the imperial complex of 9999 rooms and the expanse of the seemingly never-ending Beijing skyline. I have both gorgeous music and dark thoughts in my head.
“E’ la principessa…”
Giacomo Puccini’s famous aria “Nessun Dorma” (No one sleeps) from Turandot rings in my head. I recall seeing [...]

Photos: In the 47 countries I’ve been to, I’ve never seen condoms for sale in a hotel room. The Chinese government is trying to control the population growth but they don’t give out free condoms in hotels!
China holds 1/6 of the world’s population. That’s incredible. Maybe the country needs such a strong government that [...]

Photos: In the 47 countries I’ve been to, I’ve never seen condoms for sale in a hotel room. The Chinese government is trying to control the population growth but they don’t give out free condoms in hotels!
China holds 1/6 of the world’s population. That’s incredible. Maybe the country needs such a strong government that [...]

Though the government has cracked down on public spitting, it’s common to hear men loudly clear their throats and then eject their spit in a dramatic jest on the sidewalk. They also blow their noses onto the floor without a tissue. I saw a man spitting on Tianammen Square with Chairman Mao’s portrait in the [...]

Top photo: Dark Beijing street with a man pushing a cart of goods.Bottom photo: Tianammen Square. The Communist red flags are “red flags” that repression is here.
Upon arriving in Beijing on Monday evening, March 24th, I was surprised to find myself in a city that reminded me too much of the former Soviet Union. Despite [...]

Top photo: Dark Beijing street with a man pushing a cart of goods.Bottom photo: Tianammen Square. The Communist red flags are “red flags” that repression is here.
Upon arriving in Beijing on Monday evening, March 24th, I was surprised to find myself in a city that reminded me too much of the former Soviet Union. Despite [...]

I was hesitant about traveling alone in China. Perhaps it’s because I was so used to being in a group in Taiwan and not having to think about accommodations, food, transportation, etc. Having traveled in so many countries, some of which spoke languages I didn’t, the prospect of going to a country that was completely [...]

In Yangshou, I went to an acupuncturist who had these two large snakes prominently displayed in large glass containers in her waiting room. She uses them to make Chinese medicine. However, she told me that the liquid she gave me for my toes was not made of snake venom or any other snake ingredient!
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