Congrats to Steve Jobs…

… for creating an irresistibly infringeable trademark. This one’s here in Tianjin.

Might I Recommend…

Recent Days

Tomorrow, Lord willing, I’ll be headed back to the U.S. for a few weeks. This seemed like the perfect opportunity to share a few random photos I’ve taken recently:

Among other things, these pics include:

• Christmas preparations at a local supermarket
• The Christmas program at the city’s largest government church
• The inside of the city’s French-built Catholic church
• A nighttime English class for 14-16 year-olds in the government’s volleyball program
• My friends eating grilled sheep legs
• A Chinese take on the Japanese
• My student Bi at his school (one of Tianjin’s two most prestigious)
• Men gathered on the sidewalk, as men often do, to play games
• My friend Seven

Unleash a Jaguar

The volume of copycat products here in China borders on ludicrous. I found this cat hanging out in my school’s bicycle lot this week. The art of performance, born to perform…

Chinese Cooking

Chinese cooking is, of course, world famous, but until last Friday, there was a lot about it I didn’t understand. For example, did you know that Chinese cooking has strong connections to the ancient Taoist concepts of the yin and the yang? For real– some ingredients are yin, and others are yang. Did you know that they use round cutting boards, cut ingredients to maximize surface area for fast cooking, and almost always use MSG as a flavor enhancer? Our school activity provided us students with a first-hand view of what happens in our school’s cafeteria every day of the week. Here are a few photos:

 

Un-Chinese Thanksgiving Break

It’s only Saturday night, but so far this holiday weekend has been unusually un-Chinese. Thanksgiving night I enjoyed chicken breast and mashed potatoes at a Western restaurant with a Western friend, then was treated to a Starbucks cherry mocha something by a Chinese friend.

Friday afternoon I got fries and a coffee at McDonald’s, then later enjoyed a latte while waiting for four Western friends at a nice Western restaurant. For dinner I enjoyed a hummus appetizer (my first in nine months) and a really good chicken noodle dish. I also enjoyed a bit of my friends’ ice cream and lemon cheesecake before heading to a cafe to meet a Chinese friend. The cafe was hosting a live music night, so I was pleased to hear a couple of Westerners cover the Pixies and whoever else.

This afternoon I ate a whole pizza while studying at a Western restaurant down the street, then met a couple of Chinese friends to play pool and drink Starbucks. This has definitely not been a typical weekend. Tomorrow, between Chinese church in the morning and lunch and dinner plans with Chinese friends later in the day, I expect a return to something more typical. Still, it’s been a nice break– a nice Thanksgiving break.

Giving Thanks

As my second Thanksgiving in China approaches, I’m counting my blessings. And among the greatest blessings I have are my friends, particularly those in the States. You’ve written me emails and messaged me on facebook, you’ve sent me gifts and even PayPal-ed money my way. Big thanks. That’s all been necessary to my staying this course. Today I even received a package from the Flickers and Hunsbergers that included drawings, photos, Halloween candy, and real autumn leaves. I’m very blessed, and I’m giving thanks for you all.

Beijing Excursion

Just got home from a weekend excursion to Beijing. My primary purpose was to see David Coleman, a friend and fellow youth leader, before he returned to Texas. He’s been to China many times, but this is the first time since I’ve been here. He’s also the first friend from home I’ve seen with the exception of Stacy Voortman, also a fellow youth leader, whose stay here preceded mine by a couple of years and ended with her return to PA last summer.

Anyhow, with David I saw for the first time not only the Silk Market and CCTV Building, but also several of his good friends. I also again enjoyed the Temple of Heaven, the 5th St. Mall, and Peking Duck.

By myself, I additionally experienced a different Beijing hostel (a good one across from the train station), a different Grandma’s Kitchen (off line 5), and two new neighborhoods. Most importantly, this was my first visit to Beijing’s primary art district, called 798. Occupying what had been an industrial park, art studios, art galleries, cafes, and unique gift shops form a right-brainer’s paradise. There was no time to see everything, but I enjoyed what I saw, and where I was allowed to take photos, I often did.

It was great to see David again. My attention was additionally drawn to how few bicycles there are, how many foreigners there are, and these ubiquitous siphons, who stand outside of hotels and restaurants, pushing you to choose their establishment instead. Another surprise this time was how pleasurable Chinese conversation is becoming. Hard to believe that just one year ago this was all brand new. Well, enjoy the photos, and if you think you see a bunch of people standing around a huge butt, with Jesus in the background, you’re not crazy:

Kiwi Birthday 2

So, my friend from New Zealand threw a second birthday party for this, his 40th birthday, and for this one, the main course was an entire roasted sheep. We had a good time at the “Sheep Up Tree,” and afterwards a few of us went to a place called Helen’s for hookah and a few more beers. Here are a couple of photos:

Kiwi Birthday

Tomorrow is my New Zealand friend Darryll’s birthday, so tonight our English study group treated him to a birthday dinner. These are some really great folks. Here are a few photos: