Yet you invite direct, serious judgments of life the US knowing full well that this means a one sided conversation without comparisons. Your topics seek to promote criticism of Westerner, Americans in particular, and I wonder why.
What do you think of a discussion of the Hukuo System? Its history, origin and effectiveness. What role does it play in contemporary Chinese society? In light of China's drive to urbanization, does the Hukou System result in uneducated, low cost workers and save social costs as claimed by some in the Chinese medial?
Alien, have you ever been to the US? Is your knowledge of US life first hand?
This is other sensitive topics you are proposing. I am confident most expats understand any frank discussion of western (US) lifestyle would involve comparisons and judgments and ought to be avoided in public forums.
For years I have been getting news from Yunnan from google news. Today up popped a Beijinger article: In and Out (Yunnan): Diverse Cuisine with an Authentic Ethnic Flair. As a meat eating lover of horrible American burgers and thinking In-N-Out Burger was coming to Kunming I clicked. Turns out it is purported Yunnan cuisine in Sanlitun.
This place has an interesting deal: "On Mondays, the restaurant has a unique promotion where customers can get 50 percent off the bill – provided they seal their mobile phones into a box that remains untouched for the duration of the meal." Hmmm... maybe a restaurant called "Mobile in the Box" would work.
Many years ago in Beijing on a very cold and windy winter day, I had to go to 中关村 (zhongguancun) to buy some camera stuff to take on Spring Festival. Walking out of the campus I ran into a student who was going there as well so I invited him to join me in the taxi ride. For some reason we could not get closer than 3-4 blocks to destination and were left with a walk facing North into the biting wind. No problem as my student turned guide and led me into a building and down stairs deep underground. We walked through huge underground rooms with high ceilings. I was amazed so the student took me down another level as we walked North,
My guess, after checking a map, was the we walked about 700 meters and the voids were about 80-100 meters wide. My guide told me this was a bomb shelter.
A few years later, these spaces were, in true Chinese style, were bustling with businesses. All partitions and fixtures were movable and temporary so it wouldn't take but minutes to restore most of the empty space. In some areas, escalators descended and rose and it seemed as if the buildings above expanded downward. In other areas, the huge void spaces remained empty.
Clearly a plan was in effect. I have no idea what it was and I had no interest in asking questions.
@bilingualexpat Thanks. My first trip into China was in 1984. Didn't get to Kunming in those days and probably wasn't allowed to go. Today's Chinese kids should see these photos. I am fortunate to have witnessed China's progress over 30 years.
Be aware they will push whatever they are selling. Some of the staff have no idea about the technical side of appliances.
I went there to buy a stove. I repeatedly told them I would be using bottled gas. They sold me a stove. When I went to my local gas guy, I learned there are at least three kinds of gas sold. Luckily, B&Q did not deliver as promised. I went back to the store and discovered they had sold me a stove they needed to be hooked up to the gas main. I got my money back.
The sales lady was almost in tears, 没有问题！I don't know if it a safety or design issue, but I would think B&Q would know and care.
Subway starts at 9am. I have no idea where to catch an airport express bus. Eight taxis refused to go to the airport. After almost an hour standing on Beijing Lu took a black taxi, this dude drives slower than my mother, 120 yuan.
Flight back was delayed so I learned the subway stops running at 6:10pm.
Getting a taxi back was easy, more taxis than customers. Taxi was 87 yuan including 1o yuan toll, airport to Beichen area. Yes, he took a longer route than necessary.
Kunming imagines being a gateway for international travelers. New airport but hard to get to and from it.
Join us December 15 for the fourth annual Have a Heart Fundraiser!
Posted byIs Dr. Detrano still associated with this excellent program?
Iconic Kunming landmark getting subterranean facelift
Posted byMany years ago in Beijing on a very cold and windy winter day, I had to go to 中关村 (zhongguancun) to buy some camera stuff to take on Spring Festival. Walking out of the campus I ran into a student who was going there as well so I invited him to join me in the taxi ride. For some reason we could not get closer than 3-4 blocks to destination and were left with a walk facing North into the biting wind. No problem as my student turned guide and led me into a building and down stairs deep underground. We walked through huge underground rooms with high ceilings. I was amazed so the student took me down another level as we walked North,
My guess, after checking a map, was the we walked about 700 meters and the voids were about 80-100 meters wide. My guide told me this was a bomb shelter.
A few years later, these spaces were, in true Chinese style, were bustling with businesses. All partitions and fixtures were movable and temporary so it wouldn't take but minutes to restore most of the empty space. In some areas, escalators descended and rose and it seemed as if the buildings above expanded downward. In other areas, the huge void spaces remained empty.
Clearly a plan was in effect. I have no idea what it was and I had no interest in asking questions.
Fulintang: Yunnan's oldest apothecary
Posted by@bilingualexpat Good to hear. This is great old building. I hope no one gets greedy enough to tear it down. 不拆！
Summiting Yunnan's majestic Haba Snow Mountain
Posted byI have to agree with @alien. New or borrowed boots can lead to misery and pain. Take care of your feet.
Gulls arrival in Kunming warrants special treatment
Posted by@bilingualexpat Thanks. My first trip into China was in 1984. Didn't get to Kunming in those days and probably wasn't allowed to go. Today's Chinese kids should see these photos. I am fortunate to have witnessed China's progress over 30 years.