Now That’s the Real Mandarin
In Mandarin, instead of saying ‘humph’, you say heng（哼) when exasperated. If you want to…
Browsing: Culture
To Slurp or Not to Slurp, a Family Communication Workshop
As anyone who has ever tried to get me to go to anything knows,…
Reading Glasses and Other Ways China Takes You Down a Notch
I love living in China, but I swear to goodness, it’s not doing a…
The Cultural Custom Gray Zone
The rules can seem endless sometimes. Ganbei with your glass lower than your host’s, never stick…
The New Romance (Novel)
“Oh Lance, your so strong and brave.” “Thanks, Larry.” I’m sure it’s…
Beijing Temple Fairs
Temple fairs used to be an event of worship, in which people might pray for…
Dining: The Rites of Spring
We’ve made it an annual New Year’s tradition to wander the grounds of Yonghegong and…
It’s Just Different Here
When I was young, and foolish, I left the United States for a year and…
Autumn in Beijing
Autumn in Beijing is blessed with a brilliant blue sky, crisp clean air and cool…
Variations in Eastern Education
Finding the right school for your children is a difficult decision many parents face. Finding…