Travel time :)
Xiao Qin has never been on a plane and the idea of luggage limits was incredible to her. I appreciate moments like that – when I am reminded just how different my experience of the world is to the experiences of others.
Some more Chinese food favourites
I introduced you to some favourite Chinese food in an earlier post. Apparently I made friends around the world hungry and homesick – hopefully in a good way! Here are some more dishes – with love to ex-China friends all over the world.
Mind your Ps and Qs: the Chinese please
In English we use “please” a lot. Use it and you’re polite. Don’t and you’re rude. So an English speaker learns the word 请 [qǐng], often translated “please”, and starts throwing it around in Chinese. Problem is, that’s not how Chinese use 请.
Mind your Ps and Qs: the Chinese thank you
Many of the simple words one relies upon in one’s native language don’t exist in other languages – not in the form one is accustomed to. For example, in China it’s uncommon to say 谢谢 when the person is doing something they are paid for.
Accent Wars
Changes in my accent and vocabulary have been a big part of my expat experience. There is an emotional toll that comes with having an accent that doesn’t match your passport. But it is a choice, and what I gain is worth the cost.
Family stories from Driver Shi
Last week Driver Shi told me some stories about his family. He doesn’t talk much about himself so it was quite a treat. He casually dropped in that he used to own and run a restaurant! I can easily picture him as the brains of the operation.
Last, but not least, #Camp Hashtag
The last two weekends were my last Fall Youth Camps in Beijing. Youth camps are a LOT of work but worth it. The shared experience of camp helps lasting friendships develop. It’s also a chance to get away from “real life” and have space to think.
Bare branches and single celebrations
Singles’ Day, an anti-Valentines’ day, has become a MASSIVE shopping day, especially online. Last year Alibaba processed over $3 billion in sales on this one day. I hope Singles’ Day means the stigma of singleness is slowly lifting for Chinese.
Some Chinese food favourites
When expats first arrive in Beijing, we learn a list of basic dishes to order in every Chinese restaurant. Some people don’t get far past this list of foreigner favourites, but there’s so much more out there! Here’s a few of my favourite dishes.
How do you 怎么?
怎么 [zěnme] is a great word because it is so useful. I love that something simple on the surface contains great subtlety, and learning to communicate implied messages simply and fluently – like a Chinese – not spelling it out – like a westerner.
BIG, bittersweet news
This will be my last year in China. I have no doubt that this is right for me – but that doesn’t mean it’s been an easy choice to make. I will be moving to Australia to spend three years working on a Master of Divinity degree, starting in January 2015.
More stories from Cambodia
I really do love visiting Cambodia. I don’t feel drawn to live there, but I very much enjoy having a safe and comfortable place to visit. I was inspired during my recent trip to Phnom Penh so here are some Cambodia stories for you.
Stories From Tanya 