Writer. Traveler. Tea Drinker.

Have I said yet how nice my students are? They have just returned after a month and a half long break and many have brought us presents. Of course this being China the gifts are not what you might expect. No paperweights or apple magnets with a little cute saying. No, they come bearing Chinese [...]

China is known as a non-religious country but it is home to many amazing Buddhist temples. While traveling we got to see these temples and learn about Arhats.
What’s an Arhat you ask? Well allow me….
According to Buddhism an Arhat is a person who has reached enlightenment (nirvana) and is lifted out of the cycle of [...]

Last week, I broke a tooth. Not just a tiny bit, but the entire back half of my back bottom tooth. I’m all for going “native” when it comes to food, clothes and other things but dentists? Get me a western trained English speaker fast.
I found a Westernized clinic in Hangzhou recommended by some ex-pats. [...]

These are some funny English signs that we saw on our trip that didn’t really fit into any category so I’m putting them all together here for your comedy pleasure.

Hi Y’all,
Ni Hao. I want to start off by saying I really, really like this town. You’re all so friendly, the scenery is gorgeous and those little potato things that are a local dish are absolutely delicious. That being said, there is something I would like to discuss. It has to do with fireworks.
Now before [...]

Some day I hope to know enough Chinese to be able to read these crazy bathroom signs and understand what they really mean to say. But until then I’ll just enjoy the English translation.

One of the most amazing features of Yangshuo, China is the karst peaks that encircle the city. The sight of these rising crooked limestone peaks is something to behold in person, and the best place to really get a look at the peaks is along the Li River.
The Li River runs alongside the city and [...]

Ever since the start of our trip, something was wrong with our bags. We were using our trusty backpacks which we originally got over 10 years ago for our first round-the-world backpacking trips. But now they were awkward and uncomfortable. What was going on?
I started to look at all the other travelers and realized that [...]

To get an idea of how big Chinese New Years you need to roll Christmas and Thanksgiving together. Add a pinch of Valentine’s Day (as they are on the same day this year) and multiply by 1.5 billion people. Then, replace each and every pine needle from the average numbers of Christmas trees all over [...]

Yangshuo is well known for its courses. That is, classes you can take after you’ve enjoyed all the beautiful scenery. There are calligraphy course, language courses, tai chi courses and cooking courses. Guess which one us little piggies took….
Despite not ever cooking at our apartment (it is cheaper to eat out) Ryan has been dying [...]