Author Archives: herschelian

About herschelian

Started my 60s by moving to China with my DH. Surprised to find I am still here in Beijing eight years later - still finding it an adventure!

Beggar’s Chicken – A Sunday lunch to remember.

Posted on November 18, 2018

Once upon a time – long, long ago in China’s ancient past there was an Emperor who was fleeing from his enemies after a battle. He disguised himself as a beggar, and whilst on the run, being very hungry he … Continue reading →

Posted in Food & Drink, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Chopsticks – everything you need to know (part 1)

Posted on October 27, 2018

The world can be divided into 3 areas depending on how people eat their food. The first area is where people use their hands to eat; this area, roughly speaking comprises most of Africa, the Indian sub-continent, the middle east … Continue reading →

Posted in Book reviews, Chinese cultural history, Food & Drink | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments

‘3 bowls of noodles’ let me introduce a brilliant blogger.

Posted on August 29, 2018

To all of you who read my blog (thank you!), I would like to introduce someone who knows far, far more about China than I do, and who really understands Mandarin with all its nuances. You will learn a great … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Himalayan viagra,冬蟲夏草, caterpillar fungus

Posted on August 28, 2018

I haven’t been writing this blog for a couple of months as I have had some health issues to contend with, and then – just as I seemed to be getting on top of things – my DH carelessly managed … Continue reading →

Posted in TCM, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

鲁班 Lu Ban and Leonardo da Vinci

Posted on June 10, 2018

A week or two ago an old friend invited me to the opening of a very high profile exhibition, and there were all sorts of dignitaries both Chinese and Western walking up the red carpet to attend the event – … Continue reading →

Posted in Chinese inventions, Lu Ban, Cloud Ladder, siege ladder, bicycle prototype, genius, carpenter, ancient China, exhibitions, Leonardo da Vinci, kites, Chinese idioms | 5 Comments

Why the Chinese are batty about bats and westerners are not.

Posted on April 18, 2018

The Chinese are not spooked by bats, in fact they really rather like them. Bats feature prominently in Chinese art, embroidered on silk robes for an Emperor, painted on porcelain, carved in lacquer ware or wood. On the landing outside … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 8 Comments

Fashionably Early or Fashionably Late?

Posted on March 26, 2018

In the west, when we send an invitation inviting people for lunch, or a dinner or what-ever, we give a time to arrive – so do the Chinese. But they don’t seem to really mean the time given. For example, … Continue reading →

Posted in politeness, timing, invitations, being a good guest,, Uncategorized | 13 Comments