How do you give snakes feet?

Both yesterday in reading class and today in speaking class we coincidentally learned about a four word Chinese saying (hua1 she2 tian1 zu2) which translates to “drawing feet on a snake.” The story is about a drawing competition, where the competitor who draws the snake the fastest gets a nice bottle of booze. One guy draws the snake really quickly, but Continue reading

The South China Sees

Back in Chengdu. And one thing hits you on the head: that China is definitely becoming buddy-buddy with Africa. Read the papers or watch Chinese TV, and you’ll see China and Africa are getting really close. (For instance this article from the People’s Daily.)

Indeed, it seems China is aligning itself with whatever countries the US isn’t involved in Continue reading

Up Over – Tibet

Liz turns 26 at 4,990 meters 

I just got back from a fantastic trip to Tibet, whose highlight was a 5 day 4 WD trek over incomplete roads from Lhasa to the Everest Base Camp and back. Pastel mountains. Red and gold rimmed monasteries cast against a flawless blue sky. The glimmering white face of Mount Everest. The mystic smoke of incense wafting through the streets of Lhasa…. It was one of the most amazing places I have ever been. The next time you have two weeks to kill, seriously, GO TO TIBET. Continue reading