Destination: China

Dancing Bear

Sat, 5 Apr 2008 | By bodiekern | Views [364]

It is grand to live in a land where Bicycle is King.  And to prove it, Disney Beijing has an exhibit almost ready to open: Stalin's and Mao's formaldehyde-preserved bodies riding bicycles in circles around a dancing Panda.  They're just waiting on Castro.... Read more >

On Hostels & Public Restrooms

Sat, 5 Apr 2008 | By bodiekern | Views [398]

You can stay in Beijing REAL cheap ($5-8) if you stay in a dorm.  In the off-season you might not even have to share it.  Never pay the posted rate.  I am happy to pay 100Y ($15) for my room with 2 beds and 2 windows.  Ask for a room with a window ... Read more >

Stewardesses

Sat, 5 Apr 2008 | By bodiekern | Views [400]

I got my ticket, Santa Barbara to San Francisco to Beijing, for $558.  Less a $50 rebate for joining and quitting Great Fun, an affiliate of Priceline.  I got it just one week in advance, and flew on Thursday going into Easter break, so Chinese-Americans ... Read more >

Women of Beijing

Sat, 5 Apr 2008 | By bodiekern | Views [395]

If you doubt me when I say, "All the women of Beijing are beautiful," perhaps it would help if you accept the statement in the way that Ghandi meant when he said, "If you don't see God in the next man you meet, you might as well stop looking.... Read more >

Gallery: The Forbidden City

Sat, 5 Apr 2008 | By enanareina | Photo Gallery

Gallery: Tianenmen Square

Sat, 5 Apr 2008 | By enanareina | Photo Gallery

Friday at Temple of Heaven

Fri, 4 Apr 2008 | By enanareina | Views [1279]

Friday was a national holiday for tending the graves of the dead, so we went to sightsee as a group instead of going to the hospital. First, Henry walked us down the street aways from our dorm to see a tiny museum. Inside was the carefully preserved ... Read more >

Tags: houhai, pearl market, shopping, sightseeing, temple of heaven

Gallery: Tomb Sweeping Festival

Fri, 4 Apr 2008 | By avant-garde_chauvintist | Photo Gallery

Gallery: Temple of Heaven

Fri, 4 Apr 2008 | By enanareina | Photo Gallery

Gallery: Tiantan Hospital

Thu, 3 Apr 2008 | By enanareina | Photo Gallery

Gallery: Beijing 2008

Thu, 3 Apr 2008 | By travelheart24 | Photo Gallery

I tried really hard

Thu, 3 Apr 2008 | By avant-garde_chauvintist | Views [569]

I did.  I wanted it to happen.  But the fates were against me today. No matter what I did, I couldn't get out of class early.  I just kept talking and explaining.  I just kept asking questions and getting blanks stares and occasional laughs.  I just ... Read more >

Another Day at Tiantan

Thu, 3 Apr 2008 | By enanareina | Views [1257]

On Thursday, we went back to Tiantan Hospital. In the morning, we toured their central ICU and answered many questions about end of life care in the United States versus in China. Apparently, in China, families can request that their loved one remain ... Read more >

Tags: capital medical university, first week, tiantan hospital

This is China

Wed, 2 Apr 2008 | By avant-garde_chauvintist | Views [699] | Comments [1]

That's kind of the mantra of expats living in this country. When something seems ridiculous or doesn't go as you expect it, the only reason that ever crosses anyone's mind is "This is China." Friends have actually shortened it to T.I.C.... Read more >

Tags: culture

First Day: Tiantan Hospital

Wed, 2 Apr 2008 | By enanareina | Views [1679]

Morning came way too early the first day (as it usually does for me--I'm big on sleep). My cell phone alarm went off an hour early because my phone is convinced that we're in daylight savings time here. Then, Henry rapped on each door on our floor, ... Read more >

Tags: first week, neurosurgery, peking duck, tiantan hospital