The China Monologues
The China Monologues: Keeping calm in tense reality
“Do you think they’ll recognize us?” I whispered to Manfriend. “Well, I haven’t seen...
The China Monologues: Agony and awe along China’s riversides
I was fairly confident I could tackle what was advertised as a lovely bicycle ride...
The China Monologues: The (now) COVID-19 Virus, update No. 2
As he rolled up his sleeves, Manfriend told the guard, “I’ll guess … 35 degrees...
The China Monologues: Coronavirus, update No. 1
We’re living and working in a city with millions of others, in one of the...
The China Monologues: Beautiful temple tour leaves no time for pupu
“But what about pupu*?” our driver asked in Mandarin. I looked over at Manfriend. His...
The China Monologues: Sometimes the malady can be learning the language
Every textbook to teach adults Mandarin has the basics for sicknesses — the primary ailment...
The China Monologues: A stunning sub for holiday spirit
Bobbing and weaving through the crowds, we were off to our second of two light...
The China Monologues: Somehow trips tend to end up at the mall
Dressed in what I can only describe as “weary traveler chic,” I was shocked to...
The China Monologues: Searching for new sick-day solaces
And while I feel better now, this latest bout of illness made me realize how...
The China Monologues: Lessons easier taught than learned
After five minutes of trying to explain his idea, Manfriend threw up the white flag.