Destination: China

I tried really hard

Thu, 3 Apr 2008 | By avant-garde_chauvintist | Views [480]

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 [1136]

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 [596] | 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 [1554]

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

Setting out

Wed, 2 Apr 2008 | By snaps | Views [751] | Comments [1]

Hi I had been thinking that life was a tad dull so have been itching for an adventure.  Like most this adventure started on a bar stool, when I persuaded Alison to join me on a trip from Lhasa to Istanbul on motorbikes.  Needless to say, the trip has ... Read more >

Gallery: Arrival in Beijing

Tue, 1 Apr 2008 | By enanareina | Photo Gallery

Beijing Airport

Tue, 1 Apr 2008 | By enanareina | Views [953]

When we landed, it took surprisingly little time to deplane from the 747. I think everyone was just desperate to get the hell out of there; I know I was. My Chinese seatmate was actually leaning on me in her haste to get out of the window seat, ... Read more >

Tags: beijing airport, capital medical university, first week, tourist restaurant

Huangshan and Hangzhou

Tue, 1 Apr 2008 | By nomadnorrie | Views [3924]

I was finally returning to the east of China and preparing for my exit. There were just two last stops that I wanted to make before Shanghai - Huangshan (Yellow mountain) and Hangzhou. Huangshan I arrived in Huangshan and settled in to relax and ... Read more >

Tags: hangzhou (west lake)., huangshan (yellow mountain)

On Emergency Exits

Tue, 1 Apr 2008 | By bodiekern | Views [314]

After a lifetime of being taught, "Walk, don't run" to the emergency exit, I find it odd that the universal lighted "emergency exit" sign in China shows a running human figure.  I said to my Chinese friend, "If everyone runs, ... Read more >

Ugly Girls

Tue, 1 Apr 2008 | By bodiekern | Views [318]

There are no ugly girls in Beijing. There used to be one but she moved to Detroit.

Kernfucious Say: Lateness

Tue, 1 Apr 2008 | By bodiekern | Views [346]

A Chinese who is late for his own birth will blame it on the traffic.

Chinese Girls

Tue, 1 Apr 2008 | By bodiekern | Views [363]

Chinese girls, unlike American girls--who have the bizarre desire to be called "women"--have an innate mysterious ability to make you feel comfortable immediately. You just don't feel threatened or insecure or nervous. This quality that ... Read more >

On Twins

Tue, 1 Apr 2008 | By bodiekern | Views [334]

I saw a pair of twins in China for the first time and thought, "That was a neat trick." After all, there must be an exception to the "One-Child Policy" in the case of twins, mustn't there? Mustn't there?

Time Difference

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 | By bodiekern | Views [402]

In California it is 15 hours earlier than China, and yesterday.  16 hours when California is on Daylight Wasting Time.

He Isn't Dead Enough Yet

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 | By bodiekern | Views [396]

 On yesterday's bike ride I came across a scene that was drawing a crowd.  It was in front of an unmarked (as far as I could tell) government building.  An old man lay on a stretcher, covered by a dirty old blanket.  At first he appeared to be dead;... Read more >