small town laowai

an Americanish life in backwater China

Page 15 of 19

“Little Apple” by The Chopsticks Brothers – it’s time to jump on the bandwagon

Two months ago, “Little Apple” by The Chopsticks Brothers (小平果 – 筷子兄弟) won the International Song Award at the AMAs. It had already spread like huo huo huo huo all over China, and it was ready to take over the world…. Continue Reading →

13 things I’ve learned about staying at Chinese hotels

There are a few important things I’ve learned over the years about staying in “hotels with Chinese characteristics.” Here are the highlights. 1. Slippers are your friends. As soon as they open for business, the carpet in Chinese hotels is basically… Continue Reading →

New Year’s is coming, the goose is getting fat

It’s T minus 33 days to the biggest holiday in China, and I’m just now starting to see signs of the season. Stores are starting to put out special gift packs of all the things you’re going to want to… Continue Reading →

How to dry Ziplocs like an ‘old China hand’

I have a Mother-Earth-slaying confession to make: I do not reuse Ziplocs in the U.S. I know, I know. It’s akin to throwing rocks at kittens or something. But maybe I make up for it while I’m in China, where… Continue Reading →

Minge Hu (Folk Song Lake) boat tour

Apparently I’m a sucker for boat tours. We’ve gone on a dinner cruise through Alaskan waters, a narrated Star Ferry tour in Victoria Harbour, an airboat ride through the Everglades, a tour of the San Francisco Bay, bamboo rafts in a couple… Continue Reading →

What in the Middle Kingdom? Meat pellets

  Do not be fooled. Despite the shiny foil wrappers and cutesy hearts on the package, these are not candy. They’re 肉粒, “meat pellets.” Wow, that really doesn’t sound appetizing. Let me try for a better translation: How about “meat granules”?… Continue Reading →

My hair and China are not on speaking terms

When we moved to China, I knew I’d have to learn a new language, a new culture, and a new toilet. But it never occurred to me that moving to China would affect my hair. Let’s explore the history of… Continue Reading →

Bloomability (Review)

If you’re looking for a great book for a middle-school TCK (third culture kid), you’ve found it. Sharon Creech is already recognized as an outstanding writer and storyteller. She is best known for her award-winning book Walk Two Moons. Bloomability… Continue Reading →

The top 5 questions I get asked on both sides of the Pacific

Chinese people are a curious bunch, and most have no qualms about asking foreigners all the questions that pop into their minds when we wander into their store, restaurant, or taxi. But the questions don’t stop when we leave the… Continue Reading →

7 more awesome recipe hacks using jiaozi and wonton wrappers (饺子皮,混沌皮)

My original post on using jiaozi wrappers to make life easier got an enthusiastic response, including creative ideas from you, friends. There’s so many great ways to use these wonder circles of dough. It seemed like a good idea to… Continue Reading →

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