Yvonne's China Blog

Dancing lessons

2009-05-05T22:39:00.004+08:00

I've been taking dancing lessons in a gym for about a week. Dance styles include hip hop, jazz, pole dance, Chinese dance, belly dance, and aerobics. All lessons are introductory for amateurs like myself. Dancing is a fun way to exercise. I feel energized and refreshed after working up a good sweat in the dance studio. Though clumsy, I enjoy most of the lessons.

However, I could’t bring myself to finish my lesson tonight, mostly because I could not stand the teacher. The teacher was a guy teaching a feminine dance style. To say the least, he danced like a guy. I did’t have to be an expert to tell he was not a very good dancer. His moves were half-hearted and perfunctory. Worse still was his attitude – impatient and patronizing. I was under the impression that he either hated his job or just had a very bad day. Needless to say, it was not enjoyable to follow his moves.

The shorts I was wearing were not airy enough, which added to my discomfort. I should have put on baggy shorts so that my sweat could evaporate quicker. After struggling for twenty minutes, I decided to leave.

Adam Lambert in Bottom Three!

2009-05-01T14:05:00.001+08:00

American Idol Season 8 Episode 34

Adam Lamber was in bottom two. I was like,'What?! Are you kidding me?!?!'

Some say it could have been a publicity stunt to get better ratings for the show. The voting results could have been rigged. Or perhaps Adam fans forgot to vote!

Whatever the case, I don't think Adam deserves to be in the bottom two. In my opinion, he's clearly head and shoulders above other contestants. I'm tremendously fascinated by his remarkable vocal abilities, wide range, refreshing originality, engaging stage presence and interesting arrangements of songs. He's the real deal. He has the total package of a superstar!

Danny Gokey, despite his great vocals, shows little range and originality. Also, he's a clumsy dancer and has a less-than-compelling stage presence. Danny Gokey is Ok, but I am not a big fan.

By contrast, Adam Lambert is unbelievably talented and versatile. He works very hard to show range and variety,catering to different tastes.

With or without the crown of American Idol, Adam Lambert will undoubtedly go far in this business. I'm still betting on him.

By the way, I don't care if Adam is gay or not. He's one heck of a performer. I will definitely buy a VIP front-row seat ticket to his concert!

Go Adam!

Read and write!

2008-11-10T22:00:00.003+08:00

I got up around 5:00 a.m. today to catch the earliest train to Shenzhen, as I had to meet up with a client there. It turned out that I arrived about one hour earlier than scheduled. It was quite windy today and I felt kind of cold. So I hid in a telephone booth and flipped through Alias, while I waited for my client.

I often complain that I do not have time to read and write, but I know this is no excuse if I want to become a serious writer. No one else can say the words on my lips.

Alias is one of my favorite TV series. The novel is an entertaining read.

The neat desk in my room puts me in a good mood. I can't help typing on my laptop...

I forget half of my road-weariness simply by looking at this comfortable bed.

I'm gonna read a few more pages of Alias before I go to bed. :)

Melaka, Malaysia August, 2008

2008-11-09T16:14:00.006+08:00

Some photos from my backpacking trip to Melaka, Malaysia in August, 2008.

Sending postcards to my friends

Church of St Francis Xavier, built 1849

Invest in Germany- Simultaneous interpreting conference

2008-11-08T22:11:00.009+08:00

Invest in Germany - Your gateway to Europe

I did simultaneous interpreting for "Invest in Germany" today. It seems that governments at all levels are seeking investment vigorously. Germany has always impressed me as "solid and down-to-earth".

I'd like to visit Germany and other German-speaking areas one day, as I have a weakness for classical music. Mozart, Bach and Schubert are my favorite composers. I'm sure these areas have a lot to offer, aside from their fine cultural traditions and treasures.

MBA Program of Tsinghua Univ. and University of Northern Virginia

2008-11-07T20:50:00.000+08:00

I did consecutive interpreting for an MBA course today. It's a joint program of Tsinghua University (China's equivalent of MIT) and University of Northern Virginia.

I have to work for a conference tomorrow morning. Must quit now.

20:56 China time

Tsinghua University since 1911

Foshan Investment Environment Conference

2008-11-06T22:47:00.001+08:00

Foshan's about 40 mintues' drive from Guangzhou. I did simultaneous interpreting for 2008 Foshan Investment Environment Conference this afternoon.

The conference took place in Foshan Hotel, where I did my first interpreting assignment while I was still a sophomore in university. It was an emotional come-back for me after all these years.

Foshan Hotel

To my surprise, I ran into a former student of mine, who's now working in a foreign chamber of commerce. How time flies!

Simultaneous interpreting booth

My mike inside the simultaneous interpreting booth.

After I finished my conference in Foshan, I took a long distance bus bound for Dongguan for another conference. Dongguan is about two hours' drive from Foshan. It was a tiring trip for me. I arrived at Dongguan around 8:30 p.m. and had a late dinner.

My hotel room in Dongguan.

I have a long day ahead. I'd better quit now.

I am back!

2008-11-03T22:36:00.000+08:00

There was a time when blogspot.com was inaccessible in China, and I gave up this blog a long time ago.

Behold! I'm back! :)

J'ai froid.

2006-09-13T21:53:00.000+08:00

Temperature drops and it starts to rain… and I feel cold, especially in early morning, when I am not willing to get out of my bed. Fatigue has gotten the better hand of me. It feels as though winter has arrived. But it will warm up again and everything will be perfectly lovely again, I am sure.

We don’t really have a “well-defined” winter in Guangzhou. A December day can be as warm as an early summer day. Temperature never drops under zero in Guangzhou, but northern people find the winter in Guangzhou cold and unbearable.

Guangzhou can be decidedly freezing when it gets rainy and windy in winter. We don’t have indoor heating systems like people in northern cities. I prefer it this way, as it’s better for my health and skin. Moreover, we don’t really have many really cold days in winter, two weeks tops. What a nice place to live!

People from other provinces cannot stand the summer of Guangzhou because of the high humidity. Thankfully, autumn in Guangzhou is a bit dryer and much nicer.

The worst kind of nightmares

2006-09-09T01:05:00.000+08:00

The worst kind of nightmares are those that are so scary or so tragic that you wish they were only dreams and that everything would be fine once you open your eyes.

You kill someone accidentally, and you are completely shocked at what has happened.
Your hands are bloody as hell.
Blood is spreading like quicksilver...
You try to run… yet your legs feel extra heavy, however hard you try.
You try to hide… yet there’s nowhere to hide…
You’re wanted in 50 states and Canada!
Your head spins…
Your vision blurs…
You’re blinded by dreamy shades of colors… black…gray… bloody red… ghostly white…
You hear everything… ferocious dogs barking, sirens going off, men yelling…
You are so scared that you scream… but no one hears your silent screams…
Your most beloved dies in your arms ... you cry and beg for mercy... yet the world only mocks your pain...
You can’t believe what’s happening and wish it were only a dream.
It has to be a dream! You have to wake up!
For some brief moments, you thought you were awake, but you are still trapped in your nightmare, running, struggling and screaming, barely breathing…
And you struggle even harder, scream even louder, with ever-increasing difficulty and horror… until you are waken up by your own screams, open-mouthed, in cold sweat …
And you realize it was just a dream and that how wonderful it’s to be awake and alive…

Thunder...

2006-09-05T23:26:00.000+08:00

It's almost midnight now. It' raining outside, and there's thunder. A night like this makes one want to stay indoors and to be quiet and listening.
The thunder is nowhere near deafening. It's more like muffled moans and suppressed wrath...

Belgian-born, multi-lingual singer, Lara Fabian

2006-08-27T23:38:00.000+08:00

I picked up the CD at random from a hawker a couple of years ago. I didn't know a word of French or the singer. It turned out I liked the songs and the singer, Lara Fabian a lot. I decided to start to learn French today. Being able to communicate in a foreign language is really a great asset. Fluency can take years to achieve, but I have the patience. I want to be able to understand my favorite French songs.
French is much more complex than English. I can't understand why nouns have genders in French and German. Men and women have created enough chaos. Is it necessary to know the gender of everything under the sun? English is probably the easiest foreign language for me.
A French friend has taught me some French four-letter words. Guess I will never have to use them.
I have learned a few French sentences today. Enough to tell people a little about myself. ;-)
J'aime beaucoup le cinema.
J'aime beaucoup la musique.
J'aime Lara Fabian.
J' aime lire.
Je suis chinoise.
Je m'appelle Yvonne
J' habite a Guangzhou.
J'ai chaud!

An error in Hong Kong & Macau Lonely Planet City Guide

2006-08-26T16:17:00.000+08:00

11th edition. By Steve Fallon
I borrowed the book from the library, as I plan on going back to Hong Kong one day. I spotted an error in the book. Yeah, I know it's weird for a Chinese person to read an English guidebook, but I practically read only English books and watch only English movies.

Key Phrases
...
Thank you - do je
How much? - nei sik m sik gong ying man a?
Do you speak English? - gei do chin a?
The translations for the last two phrases "How much?" and "Do you speak English?" do not match the original and should swap places.
Corrected:
How much? - gei do chin a?
Do you speak English? - nei sik m sik gong ying man a?
It's not a big deal, really. Many people in Hong Kong can speak English. You can just ask in English, "Do you speak English?"

I have a copy of Lonely Planet China guidebook. My former New Zealand gave it to me before she moved back to New Zealand. I plan to take it with me when I travel around in China.

Every girl in Guangzhou is pretty

2006-08-25T15:18:00.000+08:00

When I visited Shanghai for the first time in 2003, I put on some make-up before I met up with a friend in Shanghai. My friend said I looked pretty that day. I was like, “Well, this is Shanghai. I’ve long heard that Shanghai girls are pretty and pay a lot of attention to their appearances. I don’t want to look ugly by comparison. ”

Shanghai girls are reputed to be fashion conscious and meticulous about their looks, while Cantonese girls are mostly laid-back and prefer casual wear. It’s not surprising that some people have commented that there are no pretty girls in Guangzhou.

Interestingly, no one will ever call you ugly in Guangzhou. Guangzhou may lack the warmth of a small village, but it’s a society that values business courtesy.

Shop assistants often call a young girl “pretty girl”(靓女), an older woman “pretty older sister”（靓姐）, and a real old woman “pretty auntie”（靓姨）.
The titles “pretty girl”, “pretty older sister”, and “pretty auntie” have nothing to do with beauty. When someone calls you a pretty girl in Guangzhou, it just means you are female. It doesn’t necessarily mean that you are pretty.

Sometimes, it’s hard to decide whether to call someone “pretty girl”, “pretty older sister” or “pretty auntie”. It’s ok to call my mom, a fifty something woman, “pretty auntie”. But my mom will not buy anything if the shop assistant calls her “granny”!

One thing to keep in mind is that an old woman does not need to be reminded that she’s old.

If a shop assistant calls me “pretty older sister”, I will most probably not buy anything.
Although I am no longer as young as an 18-year-old girl, I still don’t like being called “old”.
One of my classmates has a prematurely wrinkled face. An inconsiderate shop assistant called her “pretty auntie”. Needless to say, my friend was indignant and turned her back without buying anything.

To sum up, it’s always safe to call a young girl “pretty girl”.
It’s flattering to call a not-so-young woman “pretty girl”.
It’s flattering to call a granny “pretty auntie”.
It’s never safe to call an old woman an old woman, or a spade a spade. LOL

People other than shop assistants can use “pretty girl” to address women,too. If you need to get the attention of a girl you don’t know, you can call her “pretty girl” as well.
For example:
(To a passerby)
“Pretty girl, can you tell me how to get to the train station?”
“Pretty girl, do you know where I can buy some English books?”
“Pretty girl, can you take a photo for us?”
"Pretty girl, we need more tea."
(To a waitress)
Since you don’t know the girl’s name, it’s convenient to call her “pretty girl”, without having to ask her name.

However, one should refrain from using “pretty girl” on formal occasions. Names and titles are preferred on business occasions.

English bookstores in Guangzhou

2006-08-25T14:09:00.000+08:00

Thursday, August 24, 2006 at 2:50 AM PDT
The best place to look is Guangzhou Book Center(广州购书中心）, which is conveniently located at No.123, Tianhe Road, Guangzhou. (广州市天河路123号) , opposite Teem Plaza.(天河城对面）

Guangzhou Book Center

You can find English books on the 2nd, 3rd and the 4th floors. Notably, there's a bookstore called New Page on the 4th floor, which sells exclusively imported English books . Unfortunately, the books are a bit pricey, as they are imported. Most books cost RMB100-300.

Sometimes, they have several versions of the same book. You might want to compare prices. I bought a copy of Anne of Green Gables at RMB25. I've noticed that there are about three versions of the novel, and the most expensive version is about RMB100. The books were published by different publishers, but the contents are the same.

The best thing I like about New Page is that I can sit down and flip through the books. I don't have to feel guilty even if I don't buy anything. Soothing music is often played in the bookstore. The atmosphere is quite friendly and relaxing.
You can check out their stock on their website:
New Page

A lazy day

2006-08-25T14:06:00.000+08:00

Wednesday, August 23, 2006 at 8:10 AM PDT
It feels good to do nothing after a busy stint. I finally get to take a rest these days.
What did I do today? Can’t even remember anything significant.
I made a few phone calls to the companies that still owe me money in the morning and took a long nap in the afternoon. When I had a nine-to-five job, I couldn’t take a nap, because lunch break was only one hour. Now that I am a freelance interpreter with a flexible schedule, I try to take a nap whenever I can. A nap can be very refreshing. When I fall into deep sleep, a nap can last for hours, well into late afternoon. Hehe, I can be lazy, too.
Oh, I did do something that enriched the mind -- I finished reading a biography of Tiger Wood today. I know nothing about golf, but I like reading biographies of all sorts of people. Biographies always make light reading and can be a source of inspiration.
Some quotes from the book:
“Like all great champions, Tiger has the ability to raise his game when he has to. He’s not going to burn out because he plays for his own joy and passion.”
“The mark of a champion isn’t how you play when everything goes right. It’s how you play when you’re struggling.”

As I see it, we are more likely to be phenomenally successful if we play for our own joy and passion. Otherwise, we just burn out and get stuck.
I have read a book today. I should not feel guilty. :-)

Götheborg - Departure Ceremony August 19 Guangzhou

2006-08-25T13:40:00.000+08:00

Sunday, August 20, 2006 at 6:34 AM PDT
A grand departure ceremony was held for the Swedish ship Götheborg on August 19.
After a month’s stay in Guangzhou, Götheborg set sail for its second stop in China, Shanghai. The ceremony was televised live by Guangdong TV and Guangzhou TV.
If you happened to have watched GDTV or GZTV on the morning of August 19, you would have seen on TV many times.
I was the interpreter for the crew members of Götheborg, which was a great honor for me. Thousands of people lined up to get tickets, just to catch a glimpse of the legendary ship and its crew members, while I got paid to be with them. I was responsible for picking them up, telling them where to go, when to move and what to do. As the ceremony was televised live, I had to make sure that they did the right thing, at the right place and at the right time. Everyone had to follow my instructions. For one day, I felt like a captain. ^__^

With Chief Engineer of Götheborg Mr. Nilsson

With Philip, sail-maker of Götheborg

Crew members of Götheborg

With Consul of Consulate General of Sweden in Guangzhou
I like her hat. She looks so lovely with the hat.

Talking to Captain Peter Kaaling of Götheborg

Sonja, Captain Kaaling, Yvonne and Mrs. Kaaling

Captain Peter Kaaling waving good-bye to Guangzhou
I felt a sense of loss when Götheborg left Guangzhou.
I am missing the ship and its people.
Bon Voyage, Götheborg!

My first trip to Hong Kong

2006-08-25T13:25:00.000+08:00

Saturday, August 19, 2006 at 6:10 AM PDT
I went to Hong Kong for a business trip on August 17. It was my first trip to Hong Kong. My former American colleague told me that going to Hong Kong was like going to a developed world, as opposed to Guangzhou.
I didn’t really have that kind of impression. But I was quite impressed by the cleanliness and orderliness of Hong Kong. Guangzhou does trail far behind in this regard. Every sign is in both Chinese and English. A westerner should have no trouble getting around in Hong Kong
What impressed me most was that Hong Kongpeople walked very fast. It looked as though everyone had a train to catch. Being a fast-walker myself, I felt quite comfortable in a fast-paced city like Hong Kong.
I noticed that there were jaywalkers in Hong Kong, as in Guangzhou. I was extra careful not to jaywalk in the beginning, as I didn’t want to break rules in a strange city and get into trouble. After seeing some Hong Kong people jaywalk, I followed suit.
You know, when in Rome, do as the Romans do. *LOL*
As soon as I got to Hong Kong, I tried to locate a subway station. The subway is the most efficient, fastest, cleanest way to travel in Hong Kong. I bought an Octopus card, which is accepted by every mode of transportation in Hong Kong. Besides, using an Octopus card is slightly cheaper than paying in cash. The card itself costs 50 Hong Kong dollars.

Octopus
Octopus’s Guangzhou counterpart is Yang-Cheng-Tong. The card costs only RMB30. You can recharge your card at subway stations or in banks, such as China Industrial and Commercial Bank. Yang-Cheng-Tong is accepted by bus, taxi, subway, and even Tianhe Bookstore!

Yang-Cheng-Tong
The metro system in Hong Kong is not much more complicated than the one in Guangzhou. After changing lines twice, I felt as though I was taking a subway in Guangzhou. I didn’t like the black color of the subway floor, though. It gave me a sense of pressure and menace.
I didn’t really have time to look around in Hong Kong. I had to interpret for a two-hour meeting in the evening and hurry back to Guangzhou after that. When I got home from Hong Kong, it was already 1: 30 a.m. After taking a shower and checking my e-mails, I went to bed at around 2: 30 a.m. Worse yet, I had to get up at 6: 30 a.m. for the rehearsal of Gotheborg Departure Ceremony.
My schedule has been really hectic lately. I often have to rush and do my make-up, read conference or catch up on some sleep in a taxi.
Such is my life. :P

Golden Bauhinia Square

An encounter in an elevator...

2006-08-25T13:11:00.000+08:00

Wednesday, August 16, 2006 at 8:37 AM PDT
I avoid talking in an elevator, as the space is really confined. Even the softest spoken word sounds too loud, especially when the elevator is packed. Perhaps, it’s just me.
Some people obviously do not mind talking in an elevator. The other day, I ran into an obese girl in an elevator. The girl was about ten years old. She was accompanied by her mother and two skinny little boys who seemed to be her cousins. The girl yelled at the top of her lung to the boys and hit them, completely ignoring my presence.
Needless to say, I was forced to pay attention to her. She was ungainly and obese, even fatter than her mom. Worse yet, she had a filthy mouth. She said horrible things like, “f**k your mother” and used the dirtiest swear-words. Where did she pick up all those words? Possibly from her dad.
The mom didn’t say a word, but she seemed a bit ashamed. Why didn’t she tell her daughter not to talk so loud and fight with boys in an elevator? Why didn’t she tell her daughter it was not appropriate to swear?
The girl is still very young and impressionable. It’s her duty to teach her right from wrong.
As they walked out of the elevator, I noticed that the girl had difficulty walking because she was so fat.
I kind of feel sorry for the girl and the mother. As the girl grows up, she will become acutely aware of her obesity and plain looks. Our society can be so superficial. Looks and manners do matter! Kids become obese for different reasons. Some parents just let their kids be. Others are more proactive in helping their children lose weight.
A mother in my community goes jogging with her fat son every evening to help him loose weight. That’s really commendable. Good parenting does make a big difference.

The Swedish Ship Götheborg III

2006-08-25T12:22:00.000+08:00

Tuesday, August 15, 2006 at 9:09 AM PDT
Sooner or later, my blog will become a graph-based one, as I am really busy with work and have very little time to update it on a daily basis. That said, I do like blogging when I have something to say and a little time to spare.
They say one picture is worth one thousand words. This entry should be worth several thousand words. :-)
The Swedish spent about ten years building this replica. The crew of Götheborg spent 9 uncomfortable months at sea before they arrived in Guangzhou in July.
I admire their patience and their commitment to their dreams. How many people are willing to spend ten years doing something single-mindedly?
Götheborg will set sail again and leave Guangzhou on August 19. I will write more about it when I can. For now, I really need to hit the sack. I've been sleep deprived lately.

Busy people have no words

2006-08-25T12:21:00.000+08:00

Saturday, August 12, 2006 at 7:02 PM PDT
A friend of mine once said, "Happy people have no words." Happy people are busy enjoying themselves. Only unahppy people have something to say.
Now I know that busy people have no words, either. I've been really busy these days. I really need to get some rest. I wish I had more time to think and feel. But I guess being busy isn't that bad. At least, I am still alive.

Don't be a pushover.

2006-08-25T12:10:00.000+08:00

Thursday, August 03, 2006 at 9:18 AM PDT
The other day, I saw a video clip from a TV news program. The video clip featured several teenaged girls taking turns slapping a girl and unbuttoning her blouse. The bullied girl just stood there and did nothing to fight back. I was appalled to see how savage the teenaged girls were.
On the other hand, I was upset to see that the bullied girl just stood there and took things lying down. She was such a pushover, which only made the bullies more sadistic. If I were the bullied girl, I would fight back and report to teachers and even call the police. I wouldn’t let them get away with beating and humiliating me.
It was a boy who filmed the torture. The boy did nothing to stop the girls. Men without compassion are useless and despicable.
I am sure the bullies will end up in jail, on the streets or doing low-income jobs. They won’t go far. Life has a way of evening things out. I believe in karma and poetic justice.
According to the news anchor, the video clip has been circulated on the Internet for a while, and its authenticity has yet to be confirmed. Whoever orchestrated the scene was perverse and shameless.
Personally, I have a strong sense of right and wrong and abhor injustice and cruelty. If I had a daughter, I would teach her to act like a lady and fight like a man. I want her to be full of warmth and strength. I want her to stand up for herself when wronged. I want her to be strong and brave no matter what. Most of all, I want her to be safe and happy.

Sacrificial Ceremony to the Sea Gods in Honor of the Swedish ship, Götheborg III

2006-08-25T11:27:00.000+08:00

Wednesday, July 19, 2006 at 1:39 AM PDT
Following the ancient route of the maritime Silk Road and after crossing many oceans, the Swedish ship, Götheborg III, a replica of an 18th Century East Indiaman, arrived in Guangzhou yesterday, carrying a cargo of glorious history and dreams aboard. A sacrificial ceremony to the sea gods was held in honor of the Götheborg at the Temple of the South Sea God. I was very honored to work as a simultaneous interpreter for the ceremony.
Here are some photos and tidbits to share with you.

Her Majesty Queen Silvia of Sweden

Their Majesties King Carl Gustav and Queen Silvia aboard a replica of a Chinese ship the "South Sea God - Guangzhou Daily"

Me in front of the Chinese ship the "South Sea God - Guangzhou Daily" Why Gunaghzou Daily? Well, obviously, Guangzhou Daily is one of the big shareholders of the ship. :P

VIP Seats

The Temple of the South Sea God
The Temple of the South Sea God is the place where emperors of ancient China performed sacrificial ceremonies to please the Gods of the sea and where commoners perform sacrificial ceremonies to honor the South Sea God.
Each year, on the birthday of the South Sea God, the 13th day of the second lunar month, villagers from the 15 villages of Huangpu District of Guangzhou traditionally perform sacrificial ceremonies to honor the South Sea God. It has become a custom to perform a small ceremony every year, a medium-scale ceremony once every three year, and a grand ceremony once every five years. The grand ceremonies are quite magnificent, with villagers paying fervent respects to the five sea Gods.
On July 18, villagers from the 15 villages of Huangpu were gathered in front of the Temple of the South Sea God to hold a sacrificial ceremony to pray for a prosperous country, a smooth sea, and to extend their warmest welcome and wishes to the Swedish honored guests.
The main part of the ceremony was a sacrificial ceremony performed by villagers from the 15 villages; with Cantonese folk culture performances to add a little spice to the proceedings.
The participants of the ceremony are mostly high school and primary school students from Huangpu District of Guangzhou. They have spent months practicing for the ceremony. I have been to three of the rehearsals. Here are some photos from the rehearsal:

On one of the rehearsal days, the wind was so strong that the kids had a hard time standing firm and keeping their flags from being blown away.

Having a rest after a rehearsal session

Giving a pep talk to the kids.

It was either raining or sweltering hot when we rehearsed. The ceremony was performed in open air. On a rainy day, the kids got soaking wet and had to kneel down on a wet ground when they kowtowed to pay respects to the sea gods.

Thank God, July the 18th turned out to be a perfectly fine day. We’d been so worried about the weather. The local government spent a lot of time and effort and money to prepare for the ceremony. We all felt greatly relieved after the ceremony.

What was the sacrifice? Well, aparently not me. LOL
The offerings were five baskets of fake fruits, because fake fruits look better on TV and are much lighter.
It was a blessing ceremony for the Swedish ship. We were very civilised. No human sacrifice;-)

Cantonese girl returns

2006-08-25T11:25:00.000+08:00

Saturday, July 15, 2006 at 8:04 AM PDT
It’s hard to like Guangzhouat a passing glance. Guanghzou is a rapidly growing city plagued by overcrowding and pollution. High-rise buildings rob the city of character and history. Attractions are few and far between. As such, Guangzhouis often described as a city without culture by many in the rest of the country. I wonder what “culture” means to those people. I personally find Guangzhou a lovely place with exceptional vitality and efficiency.
Guangzhou has developed into an economic powerhouse, partly because it’s not burdened with a glorious past. Having traveled to Beijing and Shanghai several times, I know for sure that Guangzhou is a much more tolerant and down-to-earth city by comparison. People in Guangzhou are hard-working, practical, open-minded and quick to accept new things.
My best friend moved to a small city to work not long ago. She became a head turner in that small city by wearing an in top, which is commonplace in Guangzhou. All that attention made her feel uncomfortable. She returned to Guangzhoua few days ago, and the moment she set foot on Guangzhou, she felt free. Nobody will stare at you in Guangzhouno matter what you wear. It’s easier to blend in when everyone else is as in and respects individuality. One has to live in Guangzhou long enough and leave her to be reminded of her many merits.
We watched Superman Returns in a movie theater to celebrate her return.
One line from the movie struck me: Superman says to his young son, “You will be different. You may be an outcast, but you are never alone.”
It speaks to me.

Little Miss and Little Emperor?

2006-08-25T11:23:00.000+08:00

Saturday, July 08, 2006 at 10:01 PM PDT
We see the world through different colored glasses. So it’s not surprising that the author of Little Miss and Little Emperor came to sweeping and worrying conclusions about China’s children by examining the behavior of just one spoiled girl from a filthy rich family. The author is a British reporter stationed in Beijing. She sees China’s kids through her perspective as a professional reporter and describes them as a hopelessly selfish and spoilt lot.
As a former English teacher, I have come into contact with hundreds of young students aged 10 – 18. The majority of them are normal kids who show respect for learning. Of course, I have had a few disruptive spoilt brats in my class, but they are not the norm. It’s unfair and incorrect to say that children from the one-child generation are mostly spoiled brats.
The arrogant behaviors of the little girl depicted by the British reporter should be blamed on bad parenting, instead of the one-child policy and a stronger economy.
Here’s a better example of parenting: A friend of mine started to instill a sense of responsibility in her three-year-old daughter by letting her pick up all family phone calls in a polite way.
When I visit, my friend lets her daughter fetch a glass of water for me, as a way to teach her to be polite to guests. To teach her daughter to think strategically, my friend plays Chinese chess with her after she turns 4. Will the daughter turn out to be spoilt, selfish and stupid? I don’t think so!
When I was in college, I tutored a ten-year-old boy who exhibited exceptional self-control and talent. The boy would ask his parents to turn off the TV when it was time to study. But he would object if his parents planed too many academic activities for him on the weekends, saying he needed time for relaxation. Such self-control is rare even in adults.
Both of his parents are well-educated and spend a lot of time nurturing him. Also the only child of the family, he’s far from rude and selfish. He uses “please” when talking to the housemaid. As a result of good parenting, the boy is good-natured and multi-talented. I am sure the boy will go far.
I am not saying that the majority of Chinese kids have exemplary behaviors like the girl and boy I mentioned, but we surely do not lack good kids, who will become the movers and shakers in every area in China.
I have acted as a judge for an English speech contest for contestants from primary schools, high schools and universities. The students from the primary school category were the most impressive in terms of fluency, creativity and performing skills. Some of the pupils have lived abroad for a few years with their parents and therefore can speak English very fluently. Even those who have never been abroad can speak extremely well, which makes them all the more impressive.
I couldn’t help feeling pressure listening to those kids speak English fluently. It’s not hard to see that the parents are able to spend more time and money nurturing their kids because of the one-child policy and a better economy. When I started to learn English, I didn’t have any language tapes and had only a few textbooks. Today, children have easy access to a huge array of English books, tapes, CDs, VCDs, and DVDs, which makes learning fun and a lot easier.
Do I see the doom of China’s future looking at these kids? My answer is a resounding No!

Fortune-telling

2006-08-25T11:22:00.000+08:00

Saturday, July 08, 2006 at 1:14 AM PDT
What kind of people would have their fortune told? People who are superstitious? Probably.
Based on my own observations, people who are overwhelmed by the misfortunes in life, who are helplessly stuck in a rut, are more likely to have their fortune told.
A friend told me that a guy had his fortune told by a company, which produced a printed analysis of his “fate” at about a third of his monthly salary. I was like, “What?!”
If I wanted my fortune told, I would go to a thousand-year-old temple and beg for enlightenment from an old monk, or go to a fortune-teller who has a crystal ball. :P
A printed analysis is way too cutting-edge for something as old as fortune-telling. And unlike other printed statements, a printed fortune-telling statement looks false!
Why did a guy with a master’s degree sink into such desperation? He gets stuck in a low-paid dead-end job and is still single at 40.
If I were him, I would spend the money on self-improvement books or courses, improving my professional and interpersonal skills.
Even if there’s a destiny for everyone, I don’t think God has the time to design every detail of the day for us. It’s up to us to live our day and make the effort.
It’s all too easy to take the path of least resistance and get grumpy when things are not the way we want them to be. Getting out of a rut is not always easy. Sometimes, it takes just a lucky break. Other times, it takes tremendous courage and dogged determination to change the undesirable status quo.
There’s an old joke about fortune-telling --- a poor man visited a fortune-teller, who told him that he would stay a poor man before 40. The poor man asked, “What happens after I turn 40?” The fortune-teller replied, “You get used to being poor.”
It’s not an exaggeration to say that millions of people live their lives in discontent and resentment yet do not have the means or courage to change their lives. Over time, one just becomes numb and stops thinking about change and finds some comfort in something as incomprehensible as fate.

More marriage alternatives?

2006-08-25T11:20:00.001+08:00

Wednesday, July 05, 2006 at 8:24 AM PDT
My French friend showed me a link about a 41-year-old British woman marrying a dolphin. If this is not breaking news, I don’t know what is. Who are people marrying these days?
A dolphin can make a good pet, and sometimes, even a good friend. But a husband? Don’t kid yourself!
If a dolphin could really take the place of a man, the woman wouldn’t keep open the option of marrying a human at some stage. She couldn’t even declare her undying devotion to the dolphin. Her "pure love" for the dolphin could be ephemeral, after all.
A marriage takes two consenting adults. Does the dolphin know what he’s marrying into? Probably not!
IMHO, the human-dolphin wedding smacks of desperation and ridicules the institution of marriage. (And I am not talking about gay marriage, which I can understand.)
A lot of people love their pets dearly, partly because they cannot find someone to dedicate their love and attention to.
If a woman lowers her standards and explores far beyond the human race and the Earth, her choices for marriage is indeed terrifyingly limitless! But a human-pet relationship can never take the place of human interactions, the tango of souls ... however hard one tries to pretend otherwise.

What was your name again?

2006-08-25T11:20:00.000+08:00

Sunday, July 02, 2006 at 8:41 AM PDT
I am terrible at remembering names, which sometimes causes me some embarrassment. I took the subway to see my best friend off today. A teenage girl blurted out my English name “Yvonne” when she saw me. I used to be an ESL teacher. She must have been one of my students, but I couldn’t recognize her. She blurted out my name in a “what-a-pleasant-surprise-to-run-into-you” tone, while I couldn’t even remember knowing her.
Feeling almost apologetic, I combed my mental databases desperately, but couldn’t find a match for her face. Instead of revealing my mental struggle and looking confused, I lost no time to ask the girl, “Where are you going?” The girl smiled sweetly and replied, “I’m going to…” She got off the subway with her friend, saying those words. I waved goodbye to her, hugely relieved.
It embarrassed me that she could blurt out my name, while I didn’t even know who she was. I could always argue that she only needed to remember the name of one teacher, while I had to remember the names of hundreds of students. But I still feel bad about not being able to recognize her. Why didn’t I ask her name? Well, wouldn’t it be better to have her believe that she’s well-remembered instead of forgotten?

To spit or n ot to spit

2006-08-25T11:19:00.000+08:00

Saturday, July 01, 2006 at 8:31 AM PDT
I’ve worked with people from Canada and Germany before. People from both countries told me that chicken is served without bones in their countries, with KFC chicken being an apparent exception. I’ve never been to a foreign country and do not know how foreign chicken is served. In China, chicken is served with bones, and one will have to spit the bones out on a plate.
A Canadian man told me that no one spits on the street or on the plate in European countries, which I cannot verify. But I knew he was implying that Chinese people spit on the street and on the plate, which I cannot deny.
Let me say I was not ashamed to hear the Canadian’s comments about spitting. Why should I? I don’t spit on the street. I never pretend that China is a country that's beyond reproach. Neither do I hold myself accountable for how the Chinese government or another Chinese person acts.
Personally, I look askance at someone who spits on the street, but I also accept the plain fact that a great many Chinese are still living in poverty and have not acquired “civilized and refined” manners and tastes. As I see it, spitting is nowhere as bad as dishonesty and cruelty.
As to spitting on the plate, the practice dates back thousands of years. Unlike westerners, we use chopsticks, which cannot cut meat into small pieces. Spitting out the bones is inevitable. Undoubtedly, we Chinese can serve chicken without bones, too. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to remove the bones. On the other hand, the process of removing bones can make chicken cost more. That wouldn’t be a welcome change to most, especially to those who are content to have enough food on their plate.
Ever heard about the Gang of Beggars depicted in Chinese martial arts novels? It was a powerful gang of beggars, headed by the King of Beggars, who was exceptionally accomplished in martial arts. If one hoped to become a member of the Gang of Beggars, one had to be spat on by each of the old gang members, which was a ceremony designed to toughen an entry beggar.
That would be the most disgusting ceremony of the century. Yuck! You wouldn’t want to go there! Thank God, it’s just an imaginary ceremony.

Goodbye, my friend...

2006-08-25T11:15:00.000+08:00

Wednesday, June 28, 2006 at 6:35 AM PDT
Today， I went back to my alma mater, Guangdong University of Foreign Studies (GDUFS) to attend my best friend’s graduation ceremony. It must be one of the happiest moments in her life. She finally got her master’s degree after two years’ hard work. It was a time of harvest, and, unfortunately, a time of sad parting. Photos were taken. Tears were shed.
My friend will move to a faraway city for work in a few days, which means we cannot hang out like we used to. We’re the best of friends – having compatible personalities and similar values. Best of all, we can be totally relaxed and true to ourselves in each other’s company. A lot of times, we hang out like two goofy girls in a candy store.
I had hoped to write more about our friendship, but I am useless when it comes to words. Ironically, I make a living by interpreting words. I am just sad…
I wish my friend every success and happiness!
My best friend Ivy and me:

Ivy heading toward the principal:

Flowers make good accessories for the MA gown! Girls without flowers would look green-eyed. @__@

I love you the way mice love rice

2006-08-25T11:14:00.000+08:00

Monday, June 26, 2006 at 9:27 PM PDT
An American friend of mine told me that he heard a Chinese song, “I love you the way mice love rice” at the factory restaurant.” Someone translated the song name for him, but he didn’t think the song title made sense. I asked him why it didn’t make sense to him. He said he didn’t think mice loved rice. I was like, “Of course, mice love rice. You don’t know that?” He told me American mice loved cheese. Oh, no wonder! I should rewrite the song title like this, “I love you the way Chinese mice love rice, the way American mice love cheese!” LOL

Qipao - Traditional Chinese Dress

2006-08-25T10:20:00.000+08:00

Monday, June 26, 2006 at 8:23 AM PDT
Originating in the Qing Dynasty, Qipao has survived political changes and become part of modern Chinese fashion, thanks to its simplicity and distinctiveness. Movies featuring beautiful actresses in tailor-made Qipaos also help revive interest in Qipao.

Hong Kong actress, Maggie Cheung wears a different Qipao in each scene of the award-winning movie “In the Mood for Love”. In my opinion, no one looks more elegant in Qipao than Maggie. The distinctive style of Qipao sets off Maggie’s beauty. Or rather, Maggie’s well-proportioned figure, slender waist, nice legs and elegant carriage combine to bring the charm of Qipao to life.

Ailing Zhang (a.k.a Eileen Chang), the literary icon of Chinese literature, was noted for her passion for fashion. A TV series about Ailing Zhang is in the making. Taiwan actress Liu Ruoying plays Ailing Zhang. It’s said that 80 Qipaos have been made for Liu Ruoying to wear in the TV series.

Ailing Zhang
In my opinion, Ailing Zhang’s image has been indelibly etched in the minds of her many fans. However hard Liu Rouying tries to impersonate Zhang, she would be a knockoff of Zhang at best. Liu lacks Zhang’s edges.

Liu Ruoying and Ailing Zhang
Tight-fitting, Qipao flatters the figures of slim Chinese girls. However, a shapeless woman is strongly advised against wearing a Qipao, as it will only accentuate the undesirable features of the body. Undoubtedly, Qipao can come into different sizes and designs to fit different women, but the end result would not be the same.
A woman’s figure can change dramatically after giving birth to a baby. Having a sedentary lifestyle will definitely exacerbate the deterioration. However much money a woman spends on cosmetics and plastic surgery, she cannot beat gravity and stop the wheels of time. A woman needs to make peace with the fact that, looks, however good, will deteriorate with the passage of time. That said, a woman can still retain a youthful look for very long with proper diet, regular exercise and a positive outlook on life.

Me in my beloved Qipao

Beijing Road Pedestrian Street, Guangzhou

2006-08-25T10:11:00.000+08:00

Sunday, June 25, 2006 at 5:34 AM PDT
Coca-Cola has a strong presence on Beijing Road Pedestrian Street:

You can see the ground of Guangzhou in Song Dynasty and Ming Dynasty. But you can't do that without looking at Coca-Cola's logo. Talk about advertising!

A sketch map of Guangzhou in Qing Dynasty:

On Beijing Road Pedestrian Street, you get the best of two worlds. It's a paradise for shoppers and history buffs.

Do not throw stones in a glass house

2006-08-25T10:06:00.000+08:00

Saturday, June 24, 2006 at 3:41 AM PDT
I risked my life to take these photos. Enjoy!

Glass rooftop. Very hot!

There are many expensive shops inside this glass building, with Louis Vuitton being the most prominent. A pair of Louis Vuitton sandals can cost as much as RMB6,400. One must feel noble and rich wearing Louis Vuitton sandals. :p I personally wouldn’t buy such exorbitantly priced sandals even if I could afford them. It’s sin to squander so much money on a pair of sandals while many people are still starving in the world.
Other shops in the building are very expensive as well. Given the high-value goods in the shops, security is very heavy inside the building.
Most shops do not allow visitors to take photos, the reason being that they are afraid others might copy their design. Knowing that, I didn't take photos of the shops, but I find the building interesting and took some photos of it. When I was taking a photo of the glass rooftop, a security guard shouted behind me, “Wai!!!!!”
That’s an exceedingly rude way to attract someone's attention in Chinese. I was like, “What? I was just taking a picture of the rooftop.” He said it was not allowed, so I stopped. I was about to put my camera back into my bag, another security guard walked up to me and shouted at me menacingly, “One more photo, I will confiscate your camera!!!” The man was utterly rude and obnoxious!
I am not a persistent perpetrator. If you ask me to stop, either nicely or rudely, for just once, I will stop. I was about to put my camera into my bag, but the security guard lost no time to teach me a lesson.
No one has ever talked me to like that before. I was in my Sunday best. If I was in rags, he could have been much ruder. Indignant, I was tempted to throw stones at the glasshouse! But that wouldn't be a smart move. If I did that, dozens of security guards would jump on me and beat the last breath out of me, and I wouldn't live to tell the story.
Do you know what my biggest fantasy is now?
A hailstone storm smashing the glasshouse! LOL

Four-letter Words

2006-08-25T10:04:00.000+08:00

Friday, June 23, 2006 at 4:38 AM PDT
When it comes to swearing, human beings are surprisingly unimaginative. Swearing in English is mostly about sex, sexual organs, body waste and insulting one's mother. A friend of mine told me that he spent RMB300 drinking with some foreigners in a bar, just to learn some four-letter words. I was tempted to say, “Give me the money. Let me teach you the four-letter words.” LOL
How do we swear in Mandarin and Cantonese? Well, more or less the same things: sex, sexual organs, body waste and insulting one's mother, death and the like.
Nothing original!
Ok, kiddos, here are some new four-letter words: LOVE , LIFE
The most thought-about five-letter word: MONEY $___$
The most difficult to say five-letter word: SORRY

Guangzhou Police Cars

2006-08-25T09:57:00.000+08:00

Thursday, June 22, 2006 at 8:23 PM PDT

No, no.. That's just a fake police car. Here comes the real thing :-) Not bad, huh?
The two blue Chinese characters "公安" on the car mean "Public Security". (Gong1 An1 in Pinyin)

Guangzhou is not a crime ridden city, but it can be dangerous.
Security has worsened in recent years as a result of the ever-increasing influx of migrant workers. Some find work. Others go home with a broken dream. Still others end up on the streets and become beggars or robbers.
Defenseless old people, women and children are easy targets of robbery.
If you are a man, you are far less likely to be robbed in Guangzhou.
Panhandlers are best ignored. One common scam is strangers approaching with a sob story about being robbed in Guangzhou and having no money to go home. If they had a legitimate problem, the police could help them. Pickpockets and swindlers often work in teams. Sidewalk card games are most often scams as well -- participation almost guarantees you'll be flushing your money down the toilet.
On crowded buses, keep your wallet in your front pocket, rather than the rear, and keep your purse closed and held in front of you.
Most of the popular tourist destinations are well populated and safe. One can survive with some common sense.
In case of an immediate emergency, yell for help or call 110. Not 911, this is NOT America!
Gee, that's actually a real police car. I saw two policemen riding it today. (updated on June 24)

World Cup in Guangzhou

2006-08-25T09:49:00.000+08:00

Wednesday, June 21, 2006 at 5:34 AM PDT
I know what I'm about to say would make me sound like a granny: I have never watched any of the World Cup games. Half the world is going crazy over these games. How could I ever miss out on such wonderful games?! Well, I have my excuses. First, I am never a sports fan. Second, I have serious business to attend to and can't afford to stay up to watch the games. Anyway, I am content enough to take some photos in front of theWorld Cup posters.
Match Timetable:

So many handsome guys. *drooling* LOL

Well, it's just me this time.

Life is not like a box of chocolate.

2006-08-25T09:48:00.000+08:00

Tuesday, June 20, 2006 at 6:00 PM PDT
Sometimes, I don’t understand why this quote from Forest Gump is so well accepted:
“Life is like a box of chocolate, you never know what you are going to get.”
As I see it, a box of chocolate is far more predictable than life. You get either tasty or expired chocolate. What’s so hard to predict? Life is sometimes a lot more complicated than a box of chocolate, full of ups and downs, full of surprises. Other times, life is more predictable than a box of chocolate --- maddeningly routine, disappointingly uneventful and utterly dull and dreary.

What I Want in a Man (a joke)

2006-08-25T09:43:00.000+08:00

Tuesday, June 20, 2006 at 2:04 PM PDT
I came across this joke today. It's absolutely hilarious yet brutally true. Don't we all want princes when we are young? Sadly, princes do not mellow like wine, they just go sour like milk. LOL The same can be said about women. As a woman ages, she has to lower her standards a bit (sometimes more than a bit). Young guys may find older women mature and attractive, but all old guys want younger women. This is true! But age isn't everything.
---------------------
What I Want in a Man
Original List (age 22):
1. Handsome
2. Charming
3. Financially successful
4. A caring listener
5. Witty
6. In good shape
7. Dresses with style
8. Appreciates finer things
9. Full of thoughtful surprises
10. An imaginative, romantic lover.

What I Want in a Man,
Revised List (age 32):
1. Nice looking (prefer hair on his head)
2. Opens car doors, holds chairs
3. Has enough money for a nice dinner
4. Listens more than talks
5. Laughs at my jokes
6. Carries bags of groceries with ease
7. Owns at least one tie
8. Appreciates a good home-cooked meal
9. Remembers birthdays and anniversaries
10. Seeks romance at least once a week.
What I Want in a Man,
Revised List (age 42):
1. Not too ugly (bald head OK)
2. Doesn't drive off until I'm in the car
3. Works steady -- splurges on dinner out occasionally
4. Nods head when I'm talking
5. Usually remembers punch lines of jokes
6. Is in good enough shape to rearrange the furniture
7. Wears a shirt that covers his stomach
8. Knows not to buy champagne with screw-top lids
9. Remembers to put the toilet seat down10. Shaves most weekends.
What I Want in a Man,
Revised List (age 52):
1. Keeps hair in nose and ears trimmed
2. Doesn't belch or scratch in public
3. Doesn't borrow money too often
4. Doesn't nod off to sleep when I'm venting
5. Doesn't re-tell the same joke too many times
6. Is in good enough shape to get off couch on weekends
7. Usually wears matching socks and fresh underwear
8. Appreciates a good TV dinner
9. Remembers my name on occasion
10. Shaves some weekends.
What I Want in a Man,
Revised List (age 62):
1. Doesn't scare small children
2. Remembers where bathroom is
3. Doesn't require much money for upkeep
4. Only snores lightly when asleep
5. Remembers why he's laughing
6. Is in good enough shape to stand up by himself
7. Usually wears clothes
8. Likes soft foods9. Remembers where he left his teeth
10. Remembers that it's the weekend.
What I Want in a Man,
Revised List (age 72):
1. Breathing
2. Doesn't miss the toilet

Ours is a time of desperation.

2006-08-25T09:41:00.000+08:00

Tuesday, June 20, 2006 at 6:20 AM PDT
If I had to pick one word to describe our time, it'd have to be “desperate” .
Some suffer in quiet desperation; others resort to extreme means to find an outlet for their desperation, to be seen, to be heard ...

Subway in Guangzhou

2006-08-25T09:35:00.000+08:00

Monday, June 19, 2006 at 6:41 PM PDT
Entrance to the subway:

I'd lived in Beijing for about one year before I moved back to Guangzhou last July. The subway in Beijing is old and very crowded, almost as crowded as the buses in Guanghzou. It's not hard to figure out that there are more people in Beijing. The subway in Beijing is equipped with electric fans only. Given the large crowd on board, the electric fans are not sufficient to keep you cool on a hot summer day. You have to buy a ticket and show it to the ticket conductor at the entrance of the subway in Beijing. The ticket conductor will tear away part of your ticket and then let you in. By comparison, the subway in Guanghzou is really state-of-the art. It's air-conditioned, clean and spacious by comparison. You can buy a plastic coin or swipe your transportation card to go through an automatic entrance. No ticket conductors will be there tearing tickets.

English Corner, Guangzhou Library

2006-08-25T09:32:00.000+08:00

Monday, June 19, 2006 at 7:12 AM PDT
If you are a foreigner travelling in Guangzhou and want to talk to local people in English, you can go to the English Corner of Guangzhou Library on Sunday mornings. After entering the gate of Guangzhou Library, you will see a big tree. People gather under the tree on Sunday mornings to practice their English. The big tree is over 130 years old.

A few years back, people started to show up at the English Corner around 9:00 a.m., but people are getting lazier these days. You're well-advised to go there after 10:00 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. if you want to see more people. Don't worry, no one will try to get money out of you. People go there mainly to practice their English and meet new friends. Theire English levels vary greatly. Some of them can keep a conversation going for some time. Please be warned that a foreigner will attract a lot of attention at the English Corner and will be surrounded by a crowd of people. If you want some fresh air, you'd better stay clear.

I used to go there a lot when I was a high school student. Some of the English-Corner-goers are very enthusiastic about practicing their English. They can stand and talk until 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. without having lunch! Ladies are advised against wearing high-heeled shoes, as the few benches near the English Corner are always occupied.

Getting a tattoo in Guangzhou

2006-08-25T09:25:00.000+08:00

Sunday, June 18, 2006 at 9:59 PM PDT
If you want to get a tattoo in Guangzhou, you can get it here. It's a new shop. However, I don't recommend getting a tattoo and ruining your skin.

Personally, I don't find tattooed men sexy. The sight of a tattooed man can be a bit disturbing sometimes. What kind of men get tattoos, anyway? However, a woman can become more seductive by getting a tattoo,depending on the design and location of the tattoo ;-)
A good example is Diao Chan - one of the Four Beauties of ancient China. According to a TV series, Diao Chan got a tattoo on her back in order to make herself more seductive to the evil tyrant Dong Zhuo. Diao Chan was not just another "Asian woman with smooth skin". She used her beauty and intelligence to help a greater cause. As part of a ploy to bring down Dong Zhuo, she became Dong Zhuo's concubine and seduced Dong Zhuo's adopted son Lv Bu. Diao Chan manipulated the two men with her charm and wrapped them around her finger. As a result, Lv Bu killed Dong Zhuo out of jealousy. A girl with stunning looks and good brains can be lethally dangerous. :-)

Diao Chan (c. third-century, Three Kingdoms period), is said to have "a face that would make clouds cover up the full moon" The full moon is afraid that it would look ugly by comparison. LOL

Chinese Puppet Show

2006-08-25T09:21:00.000+08:00

Sunday, June 18, 2006 at 7:17 AM PDT
I have watched some puppet shows on TV before, but I've never seen a live performance offscreen. The picture was taken in Guangdong Musuem.

Lu Xun in Guangzhou

2006-08-25T09:01:00.000+08:00

Sunday, June 18, 2006 at 6:32 AM PDT
If you happen to take an interest in the Chinese writer, Lu Xun, you'd be glad to learn that Guangzhou salutes Lu Xun. Here's the evidence:
A statue of Lu Xun in Renmin Park, Guangzhou :-)

A statue of Lu Xun at Guangzhou Library:

There's even a musuem for him! Musuem of Lu Xun, Guangzhou:

The following pictures feature characters in Lu Xun's works. The first picture features Hsiang Lin's Wife.

A man-eat-man world, depicted by Lu Xun:

Hmm, I don't remember who they are. I haven't read Lu Xun's works ever since I graduated from high school.

Three-flavor Study, a private school Lu Xun attended as a child:
Soul of our nation:

I was the only visitor when I visited the musuem today. I couldn't find another soul other than "the soul of our nation". That's pretty heavy. :P
Admission is free. Address of the musuem: 215 Wenming Road, Guangzhou
The pictures in the musuem do not have English captions. One can always look at pictures. LOL
Going through the musuem is like brushing up on my high school history and Chinese textbooks.

Green Snoopy & Woodstock

2006-08-25T08:43:00.000+08:00

Sunday, June 18, 2006 at 3:48 AM PDT
I found the green Snoopy & Woodstock at the gate of Guangdong Musuem today. I'm a big fan of Snoopy, because I think he's so cute. Who was the genius that made them?

Here's my collection of Snoopy dolls:

You can see some of my dictionaries in the pic below:

Kidnapping Hsiang Lin's Wife -- Sculpture

2006-06-17T22:26:00.000+08:00

Hsiang Lin's Wife is a tragic figure from Mr. Lu Xun's story "New Year's Sacrifice" (《祝福》)
These sculptures were inspired by Lu Xun's story - "Kidnapping Hsiang Lin's Wife. You can find these sculptures in the Chen's Clan Hall (陈家祠) , Guangzhou.

"Hsiang Lin's Wife" is only known as "Hsing Lin's Wife" in the story. After Hsiang Lin dies, Hsiang Lin's mother wants to sell Hsiang Lin's Wife so that Hsiang Lin's younger brother can have the money to get marry. Unwilling to take things lying down, Hsiang Lin's wife runs away and makes a living by working as a housemaid. Unfortunately, she's kinapped by two strong men when she washes rice at the riverside. Her mother-in-law orchestrates the kidnapping.
It looks as though the two men are pulling Hsiang Lin's Wife in two directions. Hsiang Lin's Wife could be torn apart literally. :P The old woman is the wicked mother-in-law, who's holding one of Hsiang Lin's shoes, it seems.

Clicke here to read the whole story: New Year's Sacrifice

And who is the author, Lu Xun? He was dubbed "the father of modern Chinese literature". Don't ask me about his writing. His articles are must-reads for Chinese high school students. Things are not as interesting when they are imposed upon you. I was made to read too much of Lu Xun at high school, so much so that I never wanted to read another page of Lu Xun's works after I graduated from high school. :P

Blogging in English

2006-06-17T22:14:00.000+08:00

I'm a native speaker of Mandarin and Cantonese. English is my second language, but I have a passion for the English language, whose distinct sounds never fail to fascinate me. Calling my blog "China Blog" may be too ambitious. You're not going to find breaking news about major events in China on my blog, as I am not big on politics and fanfare. But my blog can definitely give you some glimpses into the daily life of my home city, Guangzhou, a busy metropolis in Southern China. Blogging in English can help me gain a larger readership, as English is an international language. Besides, it’s a superb way to practice my English writing skills.