Category Archives: Uncategorized

Baby Milk Formula vs Breast Milk in China

Posted on May 24, 2013 by

If you are only going to have a single child, as most Chinese couples do, then it is axiomatic that you want the very, very best for your one ewe lamb – and not only you, but your parents and … Continue reading →

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Jeepers creepers…where’d ya get them peepers?

Posted on May 3, 2013 by

In early spring each year thousands of young hopefuls apply for places at China’s drama colleges.  Here in Beijing there are two particularly prestigious institutions, the Central Academy of Drama, and Beijing Film Academy.  Competition for a place is extremely … Continue reading →

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Farewell Iron Lady – 送别 铁娘子 – sòng bié tiě niáng zǐ

Posted on April 17, 2013 by

I have been watching TV reports and reading with interest all the brickbats and bouquets being thrown at Margaret Thatcher the former British Prime Minister who died last week. She was a formidable woman of strong principles who had a … Continue reading →

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Hi-tech hotel life

Posted on April 15, 2013 by

We’re down in Shanghai for a few days as my DH has some business to attend to, and I thought I’d tag along, get out of the Beijing air, and have a mini-break.  It has been great, the weather is … Continue reading →

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A lesson on domestic violence

Posted on April 5, 2013 by

As my loyal readers may know, I am trying to learn Mandarin whilst living here in China.  I don’t want to blow my own trumpet, but I think I am making steady progress.  Every week I have two or three … Continue reading →

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Self-motivation to study: the Butterfly effect

Posted on March 27, 2013 by

Sometimes I wonder what the hell I’m doing,  living in China and trying to learn Mandarin in my 60s.  The set task for the day may be a piece of comprehension that try as I might I just can’t comprehend.  … Continue reading →

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A nursery rhyme from China – with apologies to Mother Goose

Posted on March 24, 2013 by

These little piggies went to market – These little piggies stayed at home – These little piggies were tattooed Whilst these little piggies went diving Some little piggies were roasted But these little piggies floated down the Huangpu River and … Continue reading →

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Resting In Peace or Pieces?

Posted on March 10, 2013 by

The powers-that-be in Venezuela have decided to have their late president Hugo Chavez  embalmed so that his body can remain on display “for all eternity”.  His corpse joins a select club of embalmees (I think I just made that word … Continue reading →

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Guò nián hăo 过年好 – it’s the Year of the Snake

Posted on February 11, 2013 by

As today is the first day of the New Year let me begin by wishing you Health, Wealth and Happiness! This year is the Year of the Snake, and more specifically, the Year of the Water Snake. The snake is … Continue reading →

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Homowives – a Chinese phenomenon

Posted on February 7, 2013 by

[Advance warning - some people may find this blog post offensive - sorry about that - but  I feel it all needs to be said.] I’m back in the UK at the  moment, and the media has been covering the … Continue reading →

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