The China Monologues: Keeping cool at Thailand’s Grand Palace
“Wow, would you look at this? It’s the library and housing,” I said — I thought — to Manfriend. A confused Chinese tourist stared back at me. Sigh. I started...
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The China Monologues: Perfect blend of novelty and routine
“So, what do we think?” I asked with a grin. Manfriend pretended to shudder. “My god,” he said, smirking at the bob atop my head. “I rather fancy it,” I...
The China Monologues: More waste than you can shake a chopstick at
As they argued, I smiled awkwardly. "Of course it's everything. Look at how much there is!" "But are you sure you got everything?"
The China Monologues: Personal and Chinese history mix in the Forbidden City
"That's it," I said, utterly out of breath. "I'll just stay here." "Come on now, babe. It's just up ahead ... ish." Oh sure, Manfriend. Sure. This Coloradan knows all...
The China Monologues: Impressive growth in tight spaces
"Remember to take up space!" "Yea, Adriene! (my YouTube yoga teacher) Let's take up space!" Halfway through the practice, I was in the zone. I raised my arms up to...
The China Monologues: No use crying over spilt milk tea
Today, I share a cautionary tale, all about an unfortunate meltdown in a Thai restaurant. Let's call it the Curry Puffs Caper. Yep. It all started with curry puffs. Prior...
The China Monologues: The honeymoon phase has faded
Gritting my teeth, I stared across the subway car. At 7:30 p.m., I'd expected a little more breathing room. I'd even left late from work to guarantee it. "Surely rush...
The China Monologues: Gorgeous sights amid hard memories
"Seriously, Alex?" "What? It's gorgeous here!" "It's Mansfield. People are going to think you're nuts, taking photos of this place." I shrugged, trotting off for a better angle. And so...
The China Monologues: Time out to pat the ass for good luck
"This place is just creepy," Manfriend mumbled. A cracked and faded fish-headed man stared out at us. He had a point. As we moved through the 76 Taoist Departments of...
The China Monologues: Frozen city was loaded with surprises
At every turn, Harbin kept surprising me. This frozen city, far up in the northeast — a stone's throw from Russia ... ish — was not at all like I...