thanks for the advice guys! i think i may just buy a ticket for it (no customer service reps are saying a 'yes' to guitar carry-ons). i'm moving there so i've got a lot of stuff..plus my guitar is a custom martin (yeah i'm no django..was given to me as heirloom type gift from my uncle..my thought was why have it just sitting in a closet at my moms house..but now regretting it). i was given specific instructions not to check it..i assume les pauls and other electrics are much more durable and can withstand the temperature extremes a lot better. i'm afraid the temperatures under the cabin will warp the precision craftsmanship. plus i don't have the lock for the case..extra worry. was thinking non-air mail because of the temperature extremes. well, if you guys have any other pieces of advice, i'd appreciate it!
Off the beaten trek: Tiger Leaping Gorge part 1- Bamboo forest path
Posted byThanks Pieter! Really enjoying your site: trekhaba.weebly.com/. Seems like the ultimate in Haba hiking!
Off the beaten trek: Tiger Leaping Gorge part 1- Bamboo forest path
Posted byBeen waiting patiently for the next article about the high altitude trail through the 3 passes (Miner's Pass, Divide Pass and East Pass). Anyone have any info on it?
Preserving minority culture: Yuansheng Music and Dance Festival
Posted byThanks Jeff and GoK for the write-up before festivities! It's sometimes frustrating to know of these kinds of events after the fact.
Interview: Kunming Craft Beer Society founder Darryl Snow
Posted byLooking forward to tomorrow's meetup!
Interview: Kunming Craft Beer Society founder Darryl Snow
Posted by@ The Dudeson's I think he was referring to more blind willingness of many Chinese to accept German beer as best without them actually trying other countries' styles. Since Germans are good (even best) at many things, many Chinese will apply their preconceptions to beer.
Adding to this is that most Chinese drank a German beer as their first foreign beer giving them an emotional attachment to strictly German beer. I've had many conversations with Chinese drinkers about their opinions on beer and it is generally:
Chinese guy: Oh, I love beer!
Me: What kind of beer do you like?
Chinese guy: German!
Me: Why?
Chinese guy: It's delicious!
Me: Have you tried Belgian, English or American beers?
Chinese guy: No, German is the best!
(end of conversation..of course, depending on the level of inebriation or awkward silence, the rare inquiry to other countries' styles at times is asked)
My point is it's not 'German bashing' from craft brew enthusiasts, it's observation of countless conversations with Chinese about their experience with world beer culture. I've even asked a brewer/equipment manufacturer about styles he makes: only German lagers. Then, I asked him about interest in other styles..nope!
Don't get me wrong, Germans make great beer. But, when one doesn't even have any interest in the other traditional styles as well as the new craft styles popping off all over the world, other enthusiasts/brewers will not take you too seriously these days.
Darryl is a brave soul to tackle this dearth of beer knowledge in China/Kunming with KCBS. Seeing as he earns no money from it, it's quite respectable. And, his observation about Chinese beer drinkers—spot on!
Thankfully, local impressions seem to be changing with new styles and countries represented in many bars throughout Kunming. A bar by Green Lake, 'Fun Time' (where KCBS gathered for the 'beer pairings' last meeting), doesn't even serve Chinese beer! Times—they (hopefully) are a-changin'!