A little scrap story
While I am not one for following major scrap stories like some folks, it is nevertheless amusing to hear the backstories of what, why and how involving “DIY…
Street Stories
If a Tree Falls in a Forest*
A purposeful pathway slices through Wuding Lu (武定路）(formerly known as Wuting Road) and Kangding Lu （康定路）(formerly Conaught Road), parallel to Xikang Lu (西康路) (formerly Ferry Road). On the…
Le Printemps Arrive!
The current ugly smog Shanghai is experiencing right now might have fooled us into thinking the past two days of brilliant weather was a dream. It wasn’t. I hope you…
Say it loud, but say what?
When someone writes anything ugly or inflammatory on public walls, it doesn’t take long for the authorities or the local committee to come along with a paintbrush to…
“You’re only has good as your last haircut.”
I thought this perfectly captured how it is like to peer into the lives of others on a cold and windy day. In this case, the lives of…
And it’s back to business!
The whole country went back to work today. Well, officially that is. Major retail shops began opening as early as the 3rd and 4th day of Chinese New…
Another year goes by … 春节快乐! (and links)
I realize that I fled Shanghai without wishing all my readers a very Happy New Year, pardon my lack of manners. But as far as the Chinese calendar…
Why aren’t you coming home?
If you’re still in the big cities, you may have noticed a slow exodus of people as the holidays near. Your ayis (domestic helpers) have taken leave, as…
Getting into the mood for Chinese New Year (Part 1)
[imagebrowser id=20] We are a little over a week away from Chinese New Year. China goes on holiday on February 2nd (night before Chinese New Year or 除夕…
A slice of winter wonderland
[imagebrowser id=19] In the three years living in Shanghai, I’ve never really encountered a good snow day. You know, the kind that can silence a city, or in…