Last night I received a text message from a friend who lives in Beijing, just a stone’s throw from the Bird’s Nest Stadium where the Opening Ceremonies of the Winter Olympics are being held today. She told me that every night this week there have been helicopters circling over the stadium and her apartment building, […]
Book Review: Long Peace Street
Note: this post was originally published at www.chinasource.org I had the privilege of living in Beijing for almost 15 years. On its face, there’s not that much about the city to like. It’s too big. It’s too loud. It’s to square and boxy (I can think of only 1 or 2 roads that don’t run […]
Being Counted
I finally did my civic duty this weekend and filled out my census form. I noted with interest that this is the first time I remember being counted as part of the population of the United States. When I was young, we lived in Pakistan, so doubt I or my family were included in the […]
China is Complicated
Anyone who hangs around me even a little has heard me say, in response to almost any question about China, “It’s complicated.” This picture that I took outside the Haidian Church in Beijing last week illustrates my point. It’s got everything…. Chinese national flag Neon sign Giant Cross Political banner next to the church Surveillance […]
An Olympic Flight Path
It’s a long story, but I’m in Beijing for a short visit. The inbound flight path from Detroit to Beijing yesterday took us over the mountains to the northwest of the city, where the alpine events of the Winter Olympics will be held in 2022. They’re getting ready!
Rejuvenation Express
When China began building its amazing high speed rail system in the early 2000s, Hu Jintao was the leader of China. As with all leaders, he had a slogan or catchphrase that was used (ad nauseum) to symbolize his rule. With Hu Jintao, the slogan was “build a harmonious society.” For his 8 years in […]
