How To Use Chopsticks

6 months post asia

2008-10-27T15:35:00.002Z

No don't worry Asia is still there, perhaps the title should be "Asia: 6months post James" but that implies im writing on behalf of the whole of Asia. And Asia is such a vague description anyway - invented so that Extreem examples of American Introverts can describe the areas of the world that are not "America","Europe","Ocean" or "Eye-raq".

It's been 6months now since I sampled Air France food on the return flight from Japan. A lot has happened though not as much as I would have liked, mostly because I haven't done it yet. You could say that there is never enough time but maybe there are always more things to enjoy would be more optimistic.

My chinese is still pretty basic but I have improved my vocabulary slightly, I've made dumplings on several occasions and Gong Bao Ji Ding (have a search through the blog if you want to know more) went down a treat for a family meal.

I have kept in touch with many new friends from my travels, though to my shame I have neglected some that I should have worked harder to keep. I am lucky others have done some of that work for me. So many dreams and ideas seem to have died, yet new ones have sprung up in their place.

Right now I am missing the searing heat of a Manila Sun and the taste of fried sweet snack from the muslim quarter of Xi'an. But I am also Happy to be working with good people around me and great people to share a home with - and greatful for so much more.

Hui Jia, Air France, Using Chopsticks

2008-05-07T12:46:00.002+01:00

No, I haven't joined a buddhist monastry in the foothills of mount Fuji. I have returned home.

Air France was a bizare experience, with serious indecision by both cabin crew and passengers on wether French Japanese or English was the best language to address me in. Though, air france definately wins the airplane food that is closest to edible award.

And finally, using chopsticks. Hold one chopstick firmly between a curved thumb and third finger. Hold the second chopstick between first and second finger. By moving the second chopstick (not the first) grab the noodles, pull upwards, spill vegetables and soup over you lap, curse quietly and ask for a knife and fork.

"Fuwuyuan, Wo bu keyi yong Quazi!"

Kamakura + Shibuya

2008-04-10T09:41:00.003+01:00

Go for a day trip to Kamakura, peaceful and pleasant, with a million temples sitting in some lovely gardens. Oh and a huge Buddha, completely without his house that was washed away by a Tsunami.

Shibuya at night is probably the most filmed section of Toyko, as lite up and crowded as Shibuya Tokyo at night... it`s its own simile really.

Have you gone totally Tokyo?

2008-04-07T07:43:00.005+01:00

Crowded markets in Asakusa Toyko, the extreemly polite people of Japan even get close to pushing their way past.

Head out to Shibuya on a Sunday and see crowds of people, some dressed up some with cameras up, and plenty of street performers and artists. Want to get something for free in Japan`s Temple to Consumers? How about a free hug from a choice of vendors.

Philosophical Walk

2008-04-02T11:14:00.003+01:00

If you are sick of sakura and tired of trudging around, then don`t take a philosophical philosopher`s walk in east Kyoto.

Each end of the walk is a crowded affair, dodge group photographs and avoid or give in to temptation from one of many snack shops. There are some more peaceful spots along the way and a few artists can be found sketching or painting. In on case, playing a flute.

Fushimi Kyoto - the Red Arches

2008-03-31T12:16:00.002+01:00

Fushimi, south east Kyoto a long way down the river and you get to one of the most famous shrines going. A very pleasant walk especially with the sunshine make criss cross dampled patterns along the path, with some amazing views of Kyoto at the top.

oh and a wee pond

Kyoto in Bloom

2008-03-29T05:02:00.009Z

Late March and early April are Cherry Blossom (sakura) time. In Kyoto they light up temples and streets at night.

During the day a cycle along the riverside under the cherry trees is a pleasant thing to do.

No More Pictures: Kyoto

2008-03-28T06:10:00.005Z

I really doubt it, here for your viewing pleasure are a few more photos:

More Kyoto

2008-03-26T09:26:00.006Z

Northwest Kyoto a short bicycle trip south from the Golden Pavilion is one of Kyotos many temples Ninnaji. The grounds are nice and the buildings impressive, but pay the 500Yen and get into the Palace grounds.

The buildings are linked by many wooden walkways, allowing you to wander around between the ornamental gardens. The feel of wooden boards through your socked feet.

A nearby lake is a pleasant place to sit and read, or just sit. The last photo is included just because it looks cool.

Golden Pavilion and Night Temple Kyoto

2008-03-24T15:39:00.006Z

The Golden Pavilion is short but very sweet. Head down to Gion at night and wander around a temple lit up beautifully.

Kyoto and the toilet sink combo

2008-03-24T03:26:00.004Z

A criss cross of old streets and new houses, packed with more shrines and temples than an illustrated guide to budhism, Kyoto sits somewhere in the Centre of Japan feeling old yet trendy.

I will be here for another two weeks, so expect a lot more on Kyoto and an explanation of the toilet sink combo... tune in next time.

Below are some photos from Nijo Castle or Nijojo

5 Star Stay - Hiroshima

2008-03-22T08:19:00.007Z

A reason to put Hiroshima onto your plan in Japan is Miyajima, one of the three best scenic spots in the country (the previous view expressed is not that of the blogger, just the tourist guide map you get at the door). It is good, an island with superlative views from the top of the hills, shrines, monkeys and more.

Another is if you have Japanese friend`s in Hiroshima that meet you on arrival at the airport and let you stay over - not for just one night but the whole time you are there. Top class accomodation and hospitality, sleep in a traditional room on the 15th and also top floor of an appartment block.

I have become used to eating some slightly strange food while I have been travelling. Jelly fish, duck neck (nibbled rather than eaten) "a" chicken foot and now from Miyajima some raw oysters. Okonomyaky (spelling maybe inaccurate and should be confirmed before copying) tastes delicious and is a speciality of Hiroshima.

My Japanese hosts, Miki and Masao, also sampled some famous "Sheppard`s Pie" cooked by my own simple self for a small dinner party they had. A highlight of my trip as it was enjoyed.

thanks M+M

Hiroshima

2008-03-22T07:36:00.005Z

If you haven`t heard of Hiroshima then you fell asleep during every history lesson you ever took. The Atomic Bomb Dome is a building that was almost directly under the blast back in 1945 and survived; seriously scared but intact. Take a scene from any apocolyptic film, freeze frame and drop it into the middle of a modern day.

The Museum nearby has a lot to see. Touch a roof tile where the intence heat caused the surface to melt and reform bobbled and rough. Run your fingers from a shielded smooth "before" to the rough "after".

Watches stopped at the moment of detentation.

Suits You Sir*

2008-03-16T12:21:00.006Z

It will certainly suit your wallet if you are in need of a new suit, to make your purchase in Seoul's Itaewon area. Here a tailor made suit costs less than a decent off the shelf suit back home.

Give them a little time to do their magic with a couple of fittings to make fine adjustments. Don't be affraid to bargain a little (bag yourself an extra pair of trousers and a tie) and then all you have to do is decide which of the many shops around deserves your money. Dynasty Tailors gets my approval, say hi to Bruce for me.

(myself appropriately photographed in backpacker fashion wearing my new suit, walking shoes, tshirt and Philippine bought shark's touth necklace)

*For those of you British and old enough to remember the fast show

I Got Seoul

2008-03-15T06:13:00.004Z

So I am in Korea, hold on one second I have to say a fond farewell to China so zaijian! Anyway yes, I am in Seoul in South Korea, half way between Shanghai and Hiroshima.

Unlike China, you really have to pay attention here to avoid spending all your money in one go. Cheap places to stay can be found, 9 pounds a night with breakfast and all the time wasting on the internet you can managed thrown in for free. There is also something called a washing machine that can be used for free as well, I will have to investigate that later.

Got to the War memorial and Museum and learn about a lot of history that may have passed you by. Korea was split in a similar fashion to Germany when the USA and Russia took charge after the Japanese surrender at the end of WW2. North Korea later attacked the south and the border between the two shifted up and down as the UN and then China joined in the struggle. Officially the war has never ended a truce having been signed.

war memorial - Seoul

Shanghai Sights

2008-03-13T06:49:00.008Z

Shanghai Shanghai, fought over more than twice. Read over the history of China in the last century and Shanghai will come up again and again. A huge city enjoying plenty of business and trying to forget the opium business of the passed. It's had people from just about everywhere staying and building into its skyline.

Today it is busy as ever, jam packed and crammed full of people, trade and the immovably movable bicycle.

Huangshan - China at it's Peak

2008-03-08T09:46:00.011Z

Huangshan (yellow mountain)is the best of the best mountains as far as the chinese are concerned. Four hours bus ride from Hangzhou takes you to the base of this multipeaked range, reaching over 1800m high. A cable car up is worth the money as you will be doing plenty of climbing up and down steps at the top anyway.

The mountain is pricey, especially if you just miss the half priced low season ticket in winter.. but you can judge from the pictures if its worth the 200yuan. People have spent months up on the top, painting and writing to the beauty and sheer magnitude of the place. However, if you can't do a month then a night is worth the expensive hotel beds.

Get up early and go watch the sunrise, even if its cloudy or wet (which it sadly was) then it is still worth heading to refreshing terrace to see if the clouds are rolling around some of the mountain peaks, an ocean of mist with rock islands disappearing and reappearing.

Culture-Vulture And Gourmet Drives On 4 Continents has some nice sunrise over a sea of cloud photos if you are interested. If I wanted a reason to go back to China these photos are just that.

Hangzhou

2008-03-08T02:57:00.003Z

Two hours from Shanghai, circling a lake and sitting happily with its reputation for beauty is Hangzhou.

From the north peak you can look down over the lake (Xihu) and the city, watching the sunlight sparkle off the water. A walk through the botanical gardens is very pleasant. On a hot weekend day when there is blossom on the trees you can enjoy watching hoards of people enjoying themselves chinese style, playing cards, badmington, eating and taking photographs. Also the chance of being pounced upon by a tv crew who want an interview for the local evening news.

A walk or a cycle around the lake is well worth it, so is the museum. Sitting and listen to musicians and singers in 1st park is a pleasant way to while away an afternoon.

Xiamen - The Chinese Talk Back

2008-02-29T07:23:00.007Z

In a continent far far away...

After the sunshine and sand of the Philippines, James returns to the ice cold world of China.*

Actually it is quite nice to be back, I am very happy to be gorging myself on chinese food again. My first stop was Xiamen: a peaceful place, not a lot going on there but easy to waste away a few days reading and walking around.

Xiamen is right next to Taiwan on a map and has a lot of very un chinese looking buildings to proove its colonial passed. A trip out to Gulangyu (a small island) is well worth it. Xiamen University(Xiamen Daxue - your language lesson for the day) is peaceful and worth a walk through. There is even a beach of sorts on the other side.

After Xiamen a train up to Hangzhou. Apparently Marco Polo had a rave about how beautiful it is here, and it is pretty good. A big lake and hills disapearing into the distance. When I have been here longer I will let you know.

*if you got the starwars reference then you might want to check if you are a nerd. If you placed it as the empire strikes back then consult your nearest comic book store immediately.

Hong Kong

2008-02-20T11:08:00.008Z

So I couldn't be bothered thinking up a more original title... no that's a lie, I tried and failed. Anyway, back to the subject.

If you take London, swopped the chinese population and english population of London over, added a wopping great big sea thingy and a couple of thousand neon light bulbs and you are quite close to Hong Kong.

Oh and one more thing, Hong Kong doesn't need a wheel (cool though the London Eye is) to give great views of the city. Take a tram if you are a tourist or a bus if your not, and you get to look down over the city from Victoria Peak.

Scorchio!

2008-02-17T10:14:00.012Z

Magandang Arawpo - Good day from the Philippines. Been here three weeks and no news so I thought I'd repy your patients before I go back to Hong Kong.

If you remember the fast show, Scorchio is about right.

Sabang - Puerto Galera - the island of Mindoro. Take a boat from Batangas for an hour and arrive at one of the many beaches. There are lots of them. A tour snorkelling over coral and diving down to get a closer look at some Giant Clams. Don't touch if you value your fingers. Also a ox cart ride out to a waterwall and pool for some swimming and a lunch of mangos, fresh cooked fish and chicken and all the beer you want. Throw in some friendly aussies for company and its a good time over there. The furthest south I have ever gone.

Up at the northern end of the Philippines I recommend Sabang as a quiet peaceful hideout. Hikes galore, caves to explore, accidental rhymes and the eighth wonder of the world (comes in joint 8th with a lot of other hopefuls but it is good).. the famous rice terraces.

The caves involve a lot of wading through water, barefoot clambering over rocks, optional swimming pool and listening to bats chattering overhead.

The walk to Bomod-ok falls is as good as the destination. Starting from the top of a hill of rice terraces and walking down betweem them, getting deeper and deeper into the valley. A local family with a tour guide might even be around to go along with you, everyones so friendly here.

In Sagada, you will be alright with a group of strangers (as long as you met them when at the tourist information office looking for a guide to the falls as well) and in Sabang their whole economy is based on tourism, so they tend to be treated well. In Manila you want to watch yourself, lock your taxi doors when you get in at night and let the security guard check your bag everytime you go into the shopping centre.

Jeepney - think of it as a routemaster bus for the whole of the Philippines, paint and decoration are customised according to the owner

Yangshuo

2008-02-04T04:41:00.000Z

An hour and a half bus ride from Guilin is the small town hide away for all backpackers in the area known as Yangshuo. Tightly packed bulbus yet towering hills over look the streets. Rivers wander slowly around, allowing the fishes to admire the view as they go passed.

Along west street are craft, clothes and caligraphy shops*.

Take a bicycle ride with a group of random people you met wandering around looking for their hostel and you can see many more beautiful hills and rivers. Pay a man with a bamboo raft and a spade for a paddle 5yuan to take you across the river.

Take lessons in Cooking, Caligraphy, Chess, Ma jong, whatever you wish.

A boat trip on the Li river is worth it as well. Though in winter you do tend to grind along the bottom a little bit, the water has all gone somewhere warmer.

*You can also find shameless use of illiteration

Out of China as fast as a streak of paint drying

2008-01-30T10:52:00.000Z

From Guilin onto Yangshuo, a small town nearby (maybe an hour and a half on the bus, blaring a horn the whole way) very very pretty, though still as cold. A post about those four days coming soon, but first on my escape from China.

I took a train trip to Shenzhen growing rich off the nutritious tourist and business stream entering Hong Kong. Instead of the 12 hours it was supposed to take, I waited at the station from 9pm to 7am waiting for news.

In all I prefer the honesty of the train station signs to those at an airport, where the flight time is put back again and again and again and finally is cancelled. All we were told was "no news" for 6 hours until it was hinted at the train would get in at around 6am.

The train got moving, very greatful to be able to lie down on my bed after sitting wrapped around my bags at Guilin station for so long. However when the train got to the source of the delay arriving it did what you would expect and stopped again. For about 16 hours. I was greatful for buying an expensive ticket, played chinese chess late into the night with various people and talked to an america guy trying to get home. After a total of around 40 hours we made it into Shenzhen, through imigration into Hong Kong (Xiang gang to the Mandarin speakers) with just enough time to find a guest house, sleep grab breakfast and head to the airport.

So here I am, roasting in the heat of a Manila evening in the north of the Philippines.

Watching the news in Hong Kong I saw how some serious bad snow storms (probably the worst on some record somewhere) where stranding tens of thousands of people trying to get home for Spring festival. Have a thought for those people next time the tube train takes 6 minutes to arrive instead of 3.

somewhere between Guilin and Shenzhen

Manila - Philippines

"Guilin's scenery is the greatest under heaven"

2008-01-20T15:47:00.000Z

Well, id have to go for Iceland above Guilin, but maybe because its a tad cloudy? The ancient chinese didn't do a great deal of exploring outside China, so I am guessing they missed Iceland. Guilin is pretty good though.

Chinese Blues

2008-01-18T11:46:00.000Z

Passing a bar - minor chord - 30 seconds from my hostel I heard a small band playing. I figure why not and go in and have a beer. Talk to the barstaff in chinese and english (mostly english) then talk to some of the people playing up on the miniture stage. They had great voices, good drummers and nice guitar work. They spoke next to no english so it was up to me to use my chinese, but we talked some and drank some.

Then a battered looking harmonica held together with wire was produced by one of them and I gave them a quick demo. I haven't played for 4 months but they were impressed and we had a jam on stage. It was a lot of fun though I couldn't get across the concept of one last time, so they didn't stop and round we went again with another 12 bar phrase.

After a slow and a quick i let them get on with it and sat and watched. They really were great, one guy from denmark or similar asked me to let them know how good they were and it was a great night.

Thanks the guys from Yunnan.

Shilin - the stone forest

2008-01-17T05:36:00.000Z

If it hasn't been used as a set for a fantasy adventure film involving goblins, the occasional wizard and a magic sword, then it should have been. We are back in Kunming briefly to visit Shilin - the stone forest. The big black hole of a tourist attraction sucking everyone away from Kunming and pulling 140 yuan out of their pockets for the privaledge of visiting.

But it was worth it.

Get right inside the major forest, the huge slabs of stone forming archways and semi cave like structures. Trees and vines clamber and grip to the rock, with an occasional pool of still water.

Meet a couple of chinese students (kevin and perfect; no not a description, their names) whose English is much better than your chinese, then wander around some more.

Now admire the view

Orient Express

2008-01-16T10:33:00.000Z

Well the name is half right. From Kunming to Guilin by train takes 18 hours, thankfully there are beds if you are prepared to pay a british sarcastic massive 25pounds for your soft sleeper ticket. Although express might not be exactly appropriate (though it is around a 1000km trip) it was on time, which after 18 hours is pretty impressive. It was also comfortable and warm, with wake up calls for your stops. And, like everywhere in China, a constant supply of hot drinking water for your tea leaves.

Guilin does have the scenery going for it though im back to wearing a hat and scarf etc. This was taken 100m from my hostel. Yes, that's a cormorant catching fish from that boat.

Warning: the following photos may produce feelings of extreme jealousy

2008-01-11T08:59:00.000Z

Viewer discretion is advised, particularly if you are experiencing heavy rain.

Kunming, south China; plenty of noodles, lots of Chinese people and not a single hint of a cloud for a week. Nothing. Not even a faint wisp that's got lost or decided to run away from the big bully nimbus.

The most famous landmark in the area is the stone forest (visiting tomorrow) but a trip out to Xishan (western mountain or hills) was well worth it. After 3 or 4 hours walk depending on how often you stop to admire the view, or if you fancy some lunch at the restaurant along the way, you reach Dragon Gate. Here you have some spectacular views of lake Dian and Kunming itself.

The Cuihu park - mostly consisting of a lake with lots of walkways is great if you want to listen to random groups playing traditional chinese music. The hostel is warm clean and full of friendly people. Did I mention it is sunny?

QI things from China - Receipt Scratch Cards

2008-01-04T07:18:00.000Z

Some quite interesting things from China are the receipt/scratch cards given at the end of a meal. To insure that the restaurant records the transaction at the end of a meal, the customers are given an incentive to ask for a receipt...

The receipts have a small scratch off panel which may reveal a prize of some money.

So far in the 12 weeks I have been here I have only seen them win twice (in both case 5yuan or 33pence) the most you can win is 100yuan (6pounds).

Travel Plans

2007-12-30T14:24:00.000Z

Well, I've finished my teaching work at Longre - Xi'an, and im planning out the rest of my trip. More details later but for now...

Xi'an to Kunming (warm sunshine, stone forest)
Kunming to Guilin (someone famous said something about the most beautiful scenery under heaven)
Guilin to Hong Kong (that place)
Hong Kong to Manila (Philippines)
back to Hong Kong
Hong Kong to Xiamen (port town)

Xiamen to Shanghai, Wuxi, Huangshan in Anhui province (all close.. well ish)
Shanghai to Seoul (Korea)
Seoul to Hiroshima (Japan)
to Kyoto
to Tokyo
Home

see you then!

China's low budget Titanic

2007-12-20T12:08:00.000Z

Listen out of your window during the day in south Xi'an and you could be forgiven for thinking an out of season Ice-cream van was plying its trade.

In fact, what you are hearing is the warning cry of a truck of doom. Spraying water over the road and any hapless pedestrian not moving out of the way fast enough, it slowly progresses up and down the streets, blaring out a mobile phone ringtone version of Celine Dion's "My heart will go on" with each high note ever so slightly out of tune.

Alternatively and slightly less painfully a similar sounding "Happy Birthday" repeating endlessly is the tune of preference for a second truck driver.

Chinese DVDs

2007-12-19T02:38:00.000Z

So you can walk into any number of stores and hand over 10 yuan (66pence) and receive in exchange, a very nicely boxed DVD with one or multiple films hidden on its shinny surface.

Many of the covers are excellently designed, though occasionally the films description on the back of the box can leave a lot to be desired. This is NOT the case with the DVD box for the film "Material Girls". What else could you possibly want from a DVD box than an honest and open review of the contents? On the other hand, it might be better to get someone who can read english to copy paste the review from the internet next time. (the image on the right... go on have a click)

There's Ink Everywhere

2007-12-18T05:25:00.000Z

Proped up against the Xi'an city wall and tucked around the corner from the south gate you will find art street. There are numerous shops selling paint brushes, inks, paper, carvings, paintings, musical instruments... you get the idea. After I finish my volunteer work in 2 weeks time I am planning to stay in a hostel on art street for a few days to get used to living on my own in China, and because it looks like a cool place to stay.

And I haven't yet mentioned you can get a big plate of pork or beef dumplings for 66pence here.
Or that the hostel is 2pounds a night for a bed, or 4 pounds for your own room.

A Tree An Elephant And A Hat

2007-11-26T09:41:00.000Z

No this title is not the start of a bad joke, I went to Beijing for the weekend. There I got to visited China's Garden wall; very impressive, very pretty but a little excessive; most people make do with a hedge for privacy. This was the section at Mu Tian Yu.

The forbidden city

Tianamen Square

Sweet Potatoe Salesman (with cool on the move weighing scales) and KFmrLees?

Oh and the reason for the title...
the following are the chinese characters for beijing (yeah a tree and an elephant with a hat).

北京

Im on top of a Mountain

2007-11-18T16:23:00.000Z

What the hell am I doing? I'm not covered in Bee's, just at the top of a mountain with ridiculously steep sides. Huashan has a reputation for being the most dangerous mountains in the world (100 deaths a year.. tip if someone fell off 3 days ago, today is a bad day to visit). But they have improved the paths, put in railings (in most places) and there is even an austrian cable car up to the north peak now. Still, you couldn't help wondering.

But it was beautiful, a gorgeous day despite forecasts of fog and clouds and well... take a look.

The red ribbons are for luck, the paddlocks are left by visitors to the mountain (get your name engraved on your padlock for 20yuan) for good luck also. The golden gate up near the north peak has something to do with it.

It did take three buses to get us to the cable cars, which was slightly bizare. We caught a bus, to catch a bus to get tickets to get on a bus to...

Ni Jiao Shenme Mingzi?

2007-11-15T15:19:00.000Z

James or thanks to my students, Tian Ying Hua 田英华 aka Field (family name translates directly into a surname) Ying - england, Hua - abrv* for China. So English Chinese good relations basically. A tad on the girly side, seeing as Hua said with another tone means flower... but I can live with that. And yes, I can write my name.

*abrv is an abbreviation by the way; but you have to guess what for.

Its like riding a bike on the Xi'an City Wall

2007-11-10T08:01:00.000Z

You never forget how hard you held onto the handle bars of the tandem bicyle or the menacing row of pot holes swiftly approaching. The Xi'an city wall is well worth a wander. We walked around half of its 8 and a half mile length (in a rectangular shape) and cycled the rest. Hopefully I will have a video of the death tricycle ride home uploaded soon.

Half way point, the north gate is hiding somewhere beneath the castle/fort in this photo

This is Xi'an train station as viewed from the city wall

Slightly less prosperous parts of the city

Ma Jiang (Ma Jong) being played by a group of friends (we assume)

The south east corner of the city wall

China Horror Picture Show

2007-11-01T15:50:00.000Z

I have no idea what Halloween is about but Clare organised a cake and CCS staff found some pumpkins. Following on from a shopping spree for cheap tacky items and weird and wonderful clothing; well just have a look at the photo.

Fire Crackers and Break Ins

2007-10-31T01:42:00.000Z

One of the staff memembers Anna has a friend getting married last Sunday, to which we were invited.

Arriving at the grooms appartment block to see a massive long line of fire crackers, a couple of guests casually having a smoke next to them. After someone broke one off and set it off for a loud bang and a laugh, we all wondered what the whole row would sound like.

It sounded spectacular! And looked it as well, even in bright early morning sunshine with bits of shrapnel flying off all over the place. Then off to the brides house, the groom leaving in a car dressed up very cooly in its own rows of flowers.

At the brides house, after the mandatory firecrackers are let off, the groom (well mostly his friends) literally break into the place. I only heard it from the bottom of the stairs but once in the brides house, they find her cousin/brother guarding the door to her bedroom. After some shouting at each other and laughter, they then proceed to try and drag the cousin away from the door and he puts up a real fight. Once out the way its, Yi Ar San and break through the door to find the bride sitting up on her bed with her pristine dress around her.

There is an eat the egg gloopy mixture ceremony for the husband and wife before he carrys her away all the way to the car downstairs, being hounded at the door by the wifes auntie who they first try to pay off with a red envelope, then literally push her aside (all in good humour).

Around to the new appartment, bang go firecrackers and a quick look around. Then off to the hotel for a meal and ceremony.

The ceremony seems to be conducted more like a stand up comedy gig. After the couple walk to the stage with the famous music playing in the background, and speaches by every family member going; random games insue. The couple try to bow to each other but are pushed forward by the friends, the couple have to adress their parents like little children. And then we are invited up on stage to say a few words? It seemed to be greatly appreciated however. And after a short speach in English it fell to me to try and copy the garbled local dialect that was said to me, which got a loud laugh from the 100 or so people gathered there. Followed by someone from another part of china giving me something else to try and say - apparently both times it was "from my home town" but who knows.

Straight after the meal, middayish... everyone packs up and leaves, and that was it.

Carrying bike up mountain gives you long life

2007-10-30T09:29:00.000Z

On saturday the 27th we got up early to go for a hike up a valley in a mountainous area near Xi'an. The advice given to people not enjoying the short drive up the start of the valley was to close your eyes but we have done this many times before.

The first thing you noticed was the air... it was clean mountain filtered air. The air quality in Xi'an is terrible, adding a ghostly quality to distant buildings, but here the mist was genuine 100% water vapour mist.

The second thing you noticed was how beautiful the area was.

The third thing was that the toilet consisted of two walls about 5 and a half feet high; presumably they hadn't seen a James when they designed them.

The walk was lovely, with pictures to proove it. Chinese people seem to hike in very large groups and about a quarter of them seem to be carrying bikes with them. Whether this is extra excercise or just because they don't trust anywhere to tie them up at the base of the walk was unclear.

Chengdu

2007-10-28T12:19:00.000Z

First, sorry I have neglected my blog for a week, monday night and tuesday were spent in bed feeling sorry for myself but enough about that. As I very briefly wrote, last weekend involved an hour and a half plane trip to Chendgu. A group of 6 of us went and had a great time.

Our evening meal, after it was suggested to us that we try hot pot at some point in China and especially at its home - Chengdu was the weirdest meal anyone in our group had ever had. A huge vat of bubbling liquid was placed in the middle of our table on a bunsen burner, while three waitresses fought over who was going to sell us a beer. We were then talked loudly at for five minutes to choose items from the menu, which were then brought and put into the bubbling pot of hot liquid. On our return we found it was more usual to cook on piece at a time while holding it with your chopsticks; but I think they had become a little impatient with us.

The rest of the meal consisted on laughing, fending off waiters and fishing for the bits of meat doing laps to the bottom of the pool spurred on by the convection currents in the cauldron.

Our trip out of the city to see a gigantic buddha which had been carved into the rock face of a mountain followed. It was gigantic, crossing the river would have let you see it all.

The surroundings and the buildings were beautiful. Our lunch was much calmer than the hot pot; a very nice lady guarding the back gates to the area let us sneak out to a wee family restaurant, though an old gentleman being shouted at by his wife for trying to offer us a large lump of some sort of meat was interesting.

The next day started early to catch the Pandas at the largest breeding vacility in China (and presumably the world) having their breakfast. Feel free to say "awww" (oh and I think the Panda in the second Photo suits the name John).

Then, when I got back... they had a party ready and waiting to suprise me. Pass the parcel, musical chairs, a banner and a cake. Perfect weekend.

Chinese Pepsi Bottle

2007-10-28T12:05:00.000Z

There are plenty of examples of "Engrish" about; the local store Trust Mart has shelves of note books with some of the strangest poems and phrases on. However the funniest lost in translation example we have seen, has to be the label on the side of bottle of Pepsi. Somehow the cool soft drink for people that are so hip they never need to wear a belt image... doesn't quite come off.

A gigantic Buddha, a red panda and a foreign girl

2007-10-21T16:13:00.000+01:00

Went to Chengdu for the weekend, its in Sichuan - China; about and hour and a half flight from Xi'an. With 5 others I saw the most gigantic Buddha, with many temples scattered about and an awesome wee restaurant. Sunday brought Panda's; adult, infant and wee red ones. Clare managed to organise a "hold a red panda" session for the lot of us... picture of the most adorable creature being held by me to be put up soon. Lastly when we got back... my first suprise birthday party ever with a present of some wine labelled "foreign girl" just so I could say I picked one up while I was out here apparently. A lot more to be told about everything later, but for now here is our Chengdu group.

(anna, elizabeth, james, clare, ped, nancy)

Would Yao Ming or Jackie Chan win in a fight?

2007-10-17T04:26:00.000+01:00

So, new lesson idea that seemed to go down very well... debating sessions. Gets everybody talking, a wee bit of writing preparation before hand and it might even be possible to keep it going for the full two hours.

The tricky bit is finding topics that aren't politically or culturally contraversial. So far we have looked at weather chinese or english is a harder language to learn, and if sports are better than computer games.

Coming up next, would Yao Ming (famous chinese basketball player) or Jackie Chan win in a fight? Any more suggestions welcome, but here are some photos from the first class... wo keye pai jaopian ma?

22 floors up with 15 students

2007-10-17T04:05:00.000+01:00

Yesturday a happy coincidence of nice weather, open windows and me teaching on the 22nd floor of a building, means I have some nice overhead photos for you all. These will hopefully give you a better idea about the city of Xi'an.

And you think they stand still outside Buckingham Palace

2007-10-13T09:55:00.000+01:00

Yes its the world famous, london visiting, motionly disadvantaged Terracotta Warriors. One Gigantic Hall with around 6000 of these guys in, (they have only uncovered 1000 so far... the soldiers in the next pit were more varied and interesting and after 10 years ever the archaeologists fancied a change). Very cool, very tall (6'2" some of them) with authentic weapons made from a bronze,tin,lead alloy. Chemistry lesson came in useful, our guided didn't know what the third metal was, but Pb broke the language barrier.

Final note to those who may follow in our tourist shaped footsteps; when the gift shop tells you 100yuan for the box of 5 replica soldiers, within 2 minutes walk back to the car park you will be offered the same thing for 20, ok no 10, ok no 5 for you one dollar!

(Pit number 1, yes they are the heads of chinese tourists to the bottom left)

(Pit number 2, you might notice the wee bit of yellow on one of the guys necks... original colouring oooooh)

(and finally, archer guy who apparently has the same silhouette as the shape of shaanxi province)

Korean Warcraft player

2007-10-11T02:55:00.000+01:00

I'm on day four of teaching a small class of twenty at most, in english speaking, writing and listening. All of them can speak english about as well as I can speak german if not better, infact some of them are really impressive. Trying to teach them to play 20 questions was interesting, especially when at one time, the person we were guessing was a korean famous for playing Warcraft. But I guess I should count myself lucky as another volunteer trying the same game with another group of people had someone choose laughing gas!

On wednesday Andrew (a young lady) had a birthday, and interestingly the cake had some slices of cherry tomatoe on.

(cake with cherry tomatoes ontop).

Today im planning to try a roleplay suggested by another volunteer (there is a primary school teacher in our group! He has been so helpful, thanks Ped).

I also attended an english corner last night, a free for all of chinese people wanting to practice english. It was very quickly remarked upon that I was a "gentleman" though this turned out to be less to do with my manors but because I have a very clear and proper english accent and should be a news reader.

Speaking English in Xi'an

2007-10-08T16:09:00.000+01:00

Put infront of a group of 10 chinese students, all with pretty good english that seemed to refuse to talk for about half an hour. Ok mild exaggeration but come break time and everyone comes up and starts talking to me... where were you 10 minutes ago. After that it livened up quite a lot but I am very greatful for Ped - (teacher volunteering over here doing a similar job) who I am going to exchange ideas for lessons with. I have been offered a guided tour of Xi'an so I can't be doing too badly (even if I did have to go back and add an extra o to the to i just typed).

Xi'an from above (6'5" up anyway)

2007-10-07T15:21:00.000+01:00

Taken out for a wonder around the centre of Xi'an today. Xi'an's centre is a big waller rectangular area (about 8.5km circumference) jam packed with stuff. You think some of the shops along oxford street are packed together close and spilling out onto the pavement - try the market in the muslim quarter over here.

Anyway, was too busy staring most of the time to take some photos but thought id give you a glimpse of what the place is like.

cool buidlings

If I remember correctly this is the entrance to the arts market

out the window where we are staying - our place looks like these from the outside

Just a note, I can only seem to make new posts at the moment but can't get my blog to upload so I can look at it. So if the formatting comes out a bit strange, ill sort this as soon as I work out how to say... how much for internet cafe?

Zaoshang Hao!

2007-10-06T02:13:00.000+01:00

A Goodmorning to you all, coming all the way from Xi'an China! Yes there are likely to be a few exclamation marks in this one; just a few!

Had a safe trip, no problems, asked for around 50 glasses of water to show off a tiny bit of chinese, asked for some tea as well but didn't work so well.

Everyone here is very friendly, warm welcome from the staff and a tasty breakfast (haochi) from Ms Li. Some really broken conversation on my part and now at the computer taking full advantage of the fact no one else has arrived yet.

Getting into Shanghai was interesting, huge crowds from all over and lots of polite chinese staff directing everyone in excellent english. As you got further from the arrivals area the amount of english disapeared very quickly, but I am enjoying the excuse to make bumbled attempts at speaking chinese... chinese pod's lesson "too polite" has prooved very useful! (just another wee ! there incase you hadn't noticed)

So yes, appropriately silly and happy photo of me in our homebase to follow soon, take care everyone, ziajian

Right now

2007-10-04T15:21:00.000+01:00

I'm packed, going in an hour and a half, see If I can bag myself an emergency exit row seat for the crazy length flight. Take care and will say hello again soon.

What already?

2007-10-03T01:24:00.000+01:00

I'm leaving, really soon. When did that happen? Trying to finish reading Wild Swans in a hurry as I don't really want to try and read that on a plane to China. Saving as many Chinesepod lessons onto an old Ipod as I can cram (plus plenty of music) and have forgotten how you say "pleased to meet you" already... erm gaoxing renshi ni? something?

Do you know what your doing?

2007-09-27T11:41:00.001+01:00

Yes I do. Well, I know what I am supposed to be doing when I arrive. Ever heard of IELTS or international english language tests?

Students from all over the place wishing to study in the Europe and the US take these tests; on the strength which they get a place on their course or not. My job will be to prepare Chinese students for these tests and for the weird and wonderful world of western culture.

Can anyone suggest films about living in london that don't involve rage infested zombies, football violence including vinnie jones, or hugh grant stuttery his way into someones bed?*

*however if anyone comes up with a film involving all three I am ready to watch

When You Gooooo...

2007-09-25T18:44:00.000+01:00

I have left bonnie Scotland but I won't be sending anyone any letters from America in the near future. Thanks to all that came out on very very short notice (so short that it has to use a ladder when climbing stairs) to see me off.

Have a laugh on me...

Water!

2007-09-14T12:09:00.000+01:00

So the best way to learn a language is to use it as much as possible. In a Chinese restaurant buffet menu style, I went up to the bar (choosing a moment when it wasn't surrounded by waiters) and politely asked the waitress if she spoke Chinese.... in Chinese. The answer was yes in Chinese (even though I had managed to make a mistake already and told her she spoke Chinese not asked her if she did).

After that I managed to ask for a glass of water, and got.... a glass of water. It did take two goes but I wasn't handed a napkin or given a slap in the face.

After that I got pointed at a lot (apparently, I was too busy enjoying my glass of water to notice), but wow did that feel good.

Chinese Pod - Newbie - Requesting a Glass of Water
if you too wish to get some water in a Chinese restaurant.

Cross-Cultural Solutions

2007-09-12T02:01:00.000+01:00

I had a look at a good few international volunteer schemes, and Cross Cultural Solutions seems to have the important things just right*.

It isn't (thank your choice of deity or rational lack of super-being) about teaching backward foreigners how to live better lives, it is an exchange of ideas to increase understanding between different but mutually respected cultures.

CCS is an international not-for-profit organization with no political or religious affiliations, so neither is it about making money or converting people.

The places and people you work with are NOT paid to take you on, so you are really wanted.

If your interested their link is at the base of this page and it is NOT a sponsored link, I just like them.

*the views expressed in this blog entry are not the views of cross cultural solutions or its associates or non existent game show assistance called Samantha; though then again they maybe but I haven't actually asked them so best be on the safe side.

Chinese language warning

2007-08-31T19:00:00.001+01:00

Be very careful when saying: excuse me you are looking for your wallet. Asking a stranger for a passionate kiss because you can't find your foreskin does not make for polite conversation.

Chinese Visa application advice

2007-08-30T03:00:00.000+01:00

When applying for your Chinese Visa in Edinburgh, make sure you arrive at the Consulate before 12midday and bring a glue stick with you.

If you haven't already attached your photograph to your application there are notices everywhere reminding you to do so, but sadly there isn't glue everywhere to allow you to do so.

If you have attached your photograph, bring some glue along anyway and make instant friends of glueless applicants. You can even practice your Mandarin... how do you say "your welcome" again?

As for scissors, they have a really neat little passport photo cutter outer device, which almost makes up for the lack of glue.

Where In the East are you going?

2007-08-27T23:53:00.000+01:00

After musing over my choice of China, where I am actually going is perhaps surpisingly the next logical question. China, yes I know i've said so already, but where in China? For how long and do I happen to be planning on coming back via say Japan?

I'm going to Xian the old capital and home of the Terracotta Warriors. Lisa Simpson's heard of them even if you haven't (saldy no prizes for remembering the reference). From there, ill head over to Beijing and then down south providing I haven't frozen solid. Wuxi and Shanghai are on the way, arriving in Hong Kong for Chinese New Year at the start of february.*

After that, depending on how much money I have left, I will pay a quick visit to the Philippines and a good friend of mine there (if you like cool clothes of the decorative variety or want to see some pewter work of mine http://sillymeclothing.multiply.com/ is well worth a look).

Then konichiwa to Japan; Kyoto for a month and Tokyo for a week before catching an already booked flight home. Yes its risky booking it this far in advance, but it saves me £650 or 151 214.178 Japanese yen (thanks google) or 2080 pieces of Tekka Maki Sushi so I am willing to risk it.

(*thanks for the map google, if its a problem please tell me and it will go faster than road runner on rollerskates)

Choosing to visit China

2007-08-27T00:44:00.000+01:00

Spinning a globe of the earth and pointing to a country at random is a rather China biased way of choosing a holiday destination.

The first reason is that the place is huge. Second is that from your vantage point sitting above the globe you are more likely to point to the northern hemisphere. Lastly you didn't want to loose digits to frostbite in Russia.

I am not quite sure how I came to choose China, but that was my choice; embodied by the one way plane ticket to Xian sitting in my top draw. It is just six weeks until I leave; a trip that will combine cramming 6 foot 5 inches of pure James into a budget airline seat and enough carbon dioxide to put my "TV off standby" global warming efforts to shame.

At this point my Mandarin is liable to get me a pup of hot green pencils rather than some Chinese tea and any games of Chinese Chess I join will be over before you can say "ai you". But I've go six weeks. Right now I am waiting to find out just exactly what volunteer work I will be involved in while I am there, very excited and mildly terrified at the same time.