Failing to learn Chinese: Trying too hard
After some time not really learning Chinese, then taking a rapid leap forward online, I decided to try an Intensive Mandarin Course.
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Getting tired of being Civilised – Chaoyang, Beijing
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.
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A less than tempting visit to the Beijing Public Security Bureau
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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A Day at the Shooting Range – Beijing, China
Once you escape the traffic, the China North International Shooting Range is only about an hour northwest of Beijing.
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Observations on London, after a year in China
Observations on the differences between London, the UK and China. There's no clear winner...yet
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A guide to the top rated street food of Xi’an
At the end of our trip round Gansu province we made our way to Shaanxi province, and the capital Xi’an. With only one night in town, we looked up the top five street foods on DianPing, which all seemed to be concentrated in the Muslim Quarter. The main thoroughfare through the Muslim Quarter is Huimin Street, but the best-rated street…
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Maijishan Grottoes – Tianshui, Gansu Province
I love when somewhere I’ve never heard of, and stumbleupon by accident, becomes one of my new favourite places. The Maijishan Mountain Grottoes are one such discovery. The mountain’s sheer face rises vertically out of the ground, an oddity amongst the surrounding rolling hills. Maijishan translates as Wheat Stack Mountain as it looks (somewhat) like a solitary pile of straw.…
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Grasping Chinese – Beijing, China
Following my earlier post about Failing to Learn Chinese and all the excellent feedback, the creator of a system called Grasp Chinese contacted me.
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The perils of drinking rice wine for lunch – Lintao County, Gansu Province
There really is no good time to drink cheap rice wine, but sometimes it's unavoidable.
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Labrang Monastery – Xiahe, Gansu Province
The reason that pilgrims and tourists alike come to Xiahe is to visit the Labrang Monastery, an ever-expanding complex of temples and accommodation that now resembles a sprawling village.
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