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steve

asia

Failing to Learn Chinese: Beyond the tipping point

November 11, 2011 0 steve

After a sudden burst of learning Chinese on an intensive course, I became caught up in work and barely practiced for a month. Inevitably, starting one-to-one lessons with the same tutor was an exercise in embarrassment as I’d nearly forgotten everything she’d taught me that wasn’t related to ordering in restaurants.

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Avoiding horse rides in Weichang Scenic Area – Hebei Province

October 25, 2011 0 steve

A visit to Weichang Scenic Area, a few language mistakes and a lot of avoiding horses.

asia

Notes from a drive to Weichang, in Hebei Province

October 18, 2011 0 steve

For the October week of holidays we left behind the partially deserted confines of Beijing to drive up to Weichang Scenic Area, about 450km north. A few observations along the way:

asia

The Laowai Death Stare

October 10, 2011 0 steve

The Laowai Death Stare, also known as Marco Polo syndrome, when foreigners are upset about meeting other foreigners in their own little corner of the world

travel

A visit to the bank – Beijing, China

September 29, 2011 0 steve

Due to way too many rules and regulations on foreign currency, a visit to the bank in China can be a random and long-winded process

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Tips for visitors to The Forbidden City in Beijing

September 27, 2011 0 steve

The Forbidden City is probably China’s most famous museum, and second only to the Great Wall as a tourist attraction. For nearly 500 years the 10m high walls have housed the Ming and Qing emperors up until 1911. It was opened to the public in 1925 and made a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 1987.

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Mythology at the Mid-Autumn Lantern Festival – Longtan Park, Beijing

September 22, 2011 0 steve

On the 15th day of the eighth month of the Chinese calendar, people all over China celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival. The celebration takes many forms such as hanging lanterns, getting together with family, exchanging mooncakes, dancing and matchmaking.

asia

Failing to learn Chinese: Trying too hard

September 20, 2011 17 steve

After some time not really learning Chinese, then taking a rapid leap forward online, I decided to try an Intensive Mandarin Course.

asia

Getting tired of being Civilised – Chaoyang, Beijing

September 13, 2011 0 steve

The run up to the October 1st National Day holiday coincides with the judging period of a national civilisation contest. Chaoyang has entered independently of the rest of Beijing and is vying against 80 other cities like Hangzhou, Lhasa and Guangzhou in the competition run by the Central Civilization Bureau.

asia

A less than tempting visit to the Beijing Public Security Bureau

September 6, 2011 0 steve

A visit to the Public Security Bureau (Gōng'ānjú or PSB), can be a common if unwelcome recurrence for the foreigner living in China. Other changes, such as registration of residence, or employment permits can be done at the smaller local Police posts, or Pai'chūsuǒ, which can be found dotted all over town.

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Author Archives

steve

Failing to Learn Chinese: Beyond the tipping point

Avoiding horse rides in Weichang Scenic Area – Hebei Province

Notes from a drive to Weichang, in Hebei Province

The Laowai Death Stare

A visit to the bank – Beijing, China

Tips for visitors to The Forbidden City in Beijing

Mythology at the Mid-Autumn Lantern Festival – Longtan Park, Beijing

Failing to learn Chinese: Trying too hard

Getting tired of being Civilised – Chaoyang, Beijing

A less than tempting visit to the Beijing Public Security Bureau

Social

Popular Posts

How to apply for a Chinese visa in Hong Kong

Simple guide to choosing a VPN for China (and elsewhere!)

One born every minute : Chinese Scams in Beijing

Beijing Zoo is horrible

Less common tips for first-time visitors to China

Recent Posts

Sapsan fast train – Moscow to St Peterburg

In Photos: Hermitage Museum – St Petersburg

A view across St Petersburg

Catherine’s Palace – Pushkin, near St Petersburg

Nevsky Prospect Walking Tour – St Petersburg, Russia

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