I’ve only been through Lanzhou, Gansu on the train, but after seeing this video, I’m ready to make a visit! I’m not a fan of the proliferation of drones, but they certainly make for some spectacular shots! Source: DistrictyMedia, on Vimeo Related Posts: Mercenary Masonry “Live the Language” – A Great Beijing Video Guilin and…
Month: September 2015
When the Media Come Calling
Here’s a pro tip for those of you living in China or planning to travel there. If you are approached by a member of the Chinese media (either national or local) and asked to give an interview or just answer some “quick” questions, JUST.SAY.NO! I was reminded of that when I saw this cringe-worthy video…
Friday Photo: VIP Section
Nine years ago this weekend I travelled from Beijing to Changchun in order to attend the 60th anniversary of the founding of Northeast Normal University. The organization I worked for has a relationship with that school and had been invited to send a delegate. I was thrilled for the privilege to be the official representative because,…
State Names in Chinese — Literally
When I began studying Chinese (years ago), one of the first things I wanted to learn how to do was answer the question about where I am from. That meant learning how to say Minnesota in Chinese. It is simply a phonetic translation: ming ni su da (明尼苏达). On top of that, there is Minneapolis:…
Remembering Jewish Refugees in Shanghai
Last week, China staged a huge parade to commemorate the end of World War II. While everyone was focused on the pomp and ceremony in Beijing, there were a couple of events in Shanghai to honor the city’s role in taking in Jewish refugees during the war. In fact, on September 6, the city opened the…
Friday Photo: Curious Shepherd
On a trip to the autonomous region of Ningxia many years ago, I had the chance to visit the small town of Guyuan. During a walk with my hosts into the countryside outside of town, we ran accross a shepherd with his flock of sheep. He was surprised to see 4 foreigners wandering around and watched us…