Wicker Basket in Bei Chen is serving turkey dinners on Thu & Fri. We have been there twice for their turkey dinners and it's just fine.

Cheers - - JJ

I went to inquire about a drivers license - - was told could not get one since I'm over 70. The "official" told me I should go to my embassy and get the birthdate changed on my passport! I decided to keep taking taxi's.

Cheers - - JJ

Hi Jules - - this from an American who has also traveled extensively. Although there are many (some?) foreigners here who make no attempt to speak Chinese - - it makes life much easier to learn the basics. Most younger Chinese have an understanding of English since it is a required course in school. There are also commercial interpreter services as close as your cell phone if you're in a store and need immediate assistance re: a purchase.

Don't let the naysayers give you the wrong impression. Kunming is a great place to live. About 80% of our "interaction" is with Chinese and 19% expats - - with the 1% being those who can't quite make the human category. Generally speaking, you find the type of folks you look for.

We live in the BeiChen area which is in the north. It is a newer area and generally considered up-scale. There are several western-style eateries in our area for those who need a taste of home (and their food is good!).

Certainly give it a try. We would love to meet you for coffee and give you the benefit of what experience we have had.

Good Luck - - and - - Cheers. JJ

For Laotou: as to onomatopoeiaaah, I think you can just ignore her comments - - "...glow 5 times one day." !!!!

I "growed up" in West Texas where you looked everyone in the eye at all times - - even meeting on the street. It's an old habit which I still have.

When I'm on the street here - - about 60% of folks (Chinese and otherwise) quickly avert their glance when eyeball contact is made. Of the remainder, I quickly smile - nod - and a "Ni Hao" or "Howdy"
About half of that group also quickly avert glance - - often jerking their eyeballs away. Most of remainder respond with smile and/or verbal greeting. A small portion just keep looking with no response as if they are surprised that a stranger would speak to them.

As a side note, most of those responding are female - - and mostly young! (As to me - - my self-image is that of a tall dashingly-handsome cowboy - - but wife has corrected that to read white-haired old man!!)

In my neighborhood of Bei Chen, many folks are used to me and I get smiles and "Hello" from a very large percentage.

Kinda leads me to believe that you find what you look for.

Cheers - - JJ