I think I would have trouble sleeping in the room with strangers. I’m sure I would be guilty of snoring. Do you stay in that room all the way? Do the beds fold into seats? How does it work?
I would love to take a train ride someday. I’d love to sleep on a train but I wouldn’t like to miss any of the scenery. So maybe they could just ride around in circles all night or something.
I think you’re riding a wave of change through Chinese history. You’re catching the last glimpses of traditional Chinese life as it speeds faster and faster to the future. Savor it, the days of abandoned antique railroads will be here quicker than you think.
Gardener: The bed doesn’t fold or anything. It’s just a bed. Each room has six, three on each side. The bottom one is considered the most convenient because you can sit on it and you don’t need to climb to get to it. We both had the top ones and we both think it’s actually better than the bottom and middle ones. Tim said I looked like a kongfu girl when I climbed on it. So you can imagine. The bed is clean. And when you want to sit, you climb down and sit on the seat outside the room, by the window.
Tim thought the train was pretty cool. I enjoyed the flight back much better than the train trip there. So I probably need to talk to him about his “train ride to Russia” plan. :p
I really like the new look and I’m glad you brought the stamp back. I always thought it was rather unique and something that people could easily reconize
and identify with your website. Almost like a brand logo. Thanks for all the
great stories, we love each great adventure.
Hi Tim, haven’t seen you for a long time~
I always enjoy reading your blog, but I really didn’t want to ask you about this in the comment: where did you and Ning get the pre-wedding photos taken? I found they’re great and now I want to know the name of that company and have my own pictures there, too. However, Timothy and I can’t contact you in any other ways recently
Hey Tim. Seems like you are having fun in China! I love all the pictures you have uploaded! one of my roommates is from mainland China, so i have been learning a lot about Chinese culture. Maybe you should come to Kyoto, Japan!!
Shanghai is just like any given big metropolis, not to mention Hongkong. But Beijing is just Beijing, like it or not, you’ll never find resemblences in other cities.
P.S
I heard that you had dinner with some young hot ladies today, and also a couple handsome young man, why don’t you blog about this,son?
“Mom” is such a general term these days. Shouldn’t be taken to literally
May 8, 2008
Tim had lunch with a young hot lady and a couple of handsome young men. He ordered the Japanese-curry-hamburger … and was surprised to NOT have a stomach ache. During their lunch, they discussed NGOs, blogs and dogs named after former bosses.
Good point about Beijing: it definitely wins the Most Unique award.
Gardener: I’m not famous, I know someone (or I should say: someone knows me). My quote will probably be edited out anyway. But I don’t rely on mass media to make my voice heard. As the lyrics to Oasis’ song, “Supersonic” go: “You need to find a way for what you want to say…” That’s what blogs are for.
…Westerners and Asians literally experience the world in very different ways. Westerners are the protagonists of their autobiographical novels; Asians are merely cast members in movies touching on their existence [Nisbett, The Geography of Thought, p.87].
On every visit to South Africa I have to confront the situation of giving or not giving a lot more than in Dallas. The other day I got so mad with a “able-bodied adult” beggar pestering and nagging for money. I almost wanted to punch the guy. I wish I had more time to teach the guy “how to fish” instead of giving him a fish every time.
Tim, I have been thinking about why the songs you hear in junior high become such a strong influence, I’ve found the same to be true in my life.
I think for one thing you’re awakening to the power of music and your power to choose what kind of music “you” want to listen to. You devote hours to exploring your new frontier of music. The older you get the busier you get and the less time you can devote to your adolescent crush.
Second, when you are in junior high you have a feeling or perception of about what you think it’s like to be grown up. A lot of that perception is based on music and entertainment. But, when you grow up you find, of course, that reality seldom lives up to fantasy. Some experiences are great while others are terrible. So the rose colored glasses lose their lovely tint and somehow new music seldom takes us to that anticipated thrill or escape we once experienced.
Many cry fear that musicians are part of an evil plot to capture our children in these early, plaible years and indoctrinate them with some new age philosophy or social doctrine…but I have to think, which comes first, the chicken or the egg? Does music seek out young minds or do young minds seek out music? Is music, perhaps, one of the universal baby steps from concrete to abstract thinking? I don’t know, but I’m sure there’s a song about it.
Very true, we seem to naturally take up for the underdog without understanding the point of contention. I too have seen the videos but like you I don’t fully understand the struggle.
You have to be careful that during your struggle you don’t become your enemy.
Good article! I would have thought a “half-pat” was someone who was married to a Chinese citizen, ie tied to the country by more than business opportunity.
Reminds me of the C. S. Lewis quote from the book by Donald Miller, “Blue Like Jazz.”
All this is flashy rhetoric about loving you.
I never had a selfless thought since I was born.
I am mercenary and self-seeking through and through:
I want God, You, all friends, merely to serve my turn.
Peace, reassurance, pleasure, are goals I seek,
I cannot crawl one inch outside my proper skin;
I talk of love–a scholar’s parrot may talk Greek–
But, self-imprisoned, always end where I begin.
It is an eye opener to realize how much of the problem lies within you.
Thus the saying, “many a truth is said in jest.” ,
Tyler Perry, the famous black play and film writer/producer, is going through much the same critique, from Spyke Lee no less. Lee accusing Perry of furthering racial stereotypes with his plays, sitcoms and movies. Perry’s defense, if someone of another race were writing about black people that would be stereotyping, but I am writing out of experience reflecting the strengths, weaknesses, quirks, drama, heartaches and humor that make up a way of life, where it came from and where it’s going.
Well, I somehow like your ending, but I just don’t think that the world will be all under water no matter what, and not that the continent of Antarctica will all be melted either. And well, I think the satellites will still be working also, just because they are outside the atmosphere; another point, I suppose there would be some astronauts to be on the ISS (International Space Station), and that all tells that the people would know about the current situation gpong around the planet, or say identifying lands. Well, I do agree with you that there may not be a really happy ending like it has in the movie, and I really like how you have analyzed the movie.
wait, sorry, i just found ur blog and i am curious about everything. so is this a story u write or what? i saw from ur photo and assumed that ur work in china in a radio station, it that true? well, if this post is ur story then i have to tell u it’s really good. :]
are u going to finish this?
Very good Tim, your description of American healthcare is very accurate. I would also add that the wait for a scheduled visit with a doctor in the US can be almost as horrible as an emergency room. Even when you have an appointment it is not uncommon to sit in a waiting room for an hour or two and even then the personal attention you get might be questionable. In addition to that, there’s also the often wasteful practice of what’s called a “follow up” visit. For example, after many routine tests a patience is ask to come back for another office visit even when it’s known that the test results indicated no problems.
i agree with you about the line of individualistic and collectivist? it is way to simplistic,and contextual.
At the moment i n study in a business school in a western nordic country,with their observation of china,i m really being skeptical. Have corrected some mistake of what the professor made…now he is very skeptical in the lecture when he has to make example of china…
336 Comments
We did the 26 hour Beijing to Hong Kong 6 people to a room hard sleeper so I feel your pain!!! Makes you reconsider cost vs value of a plane hehehe.
I think I would have trouble sleeping in the room with strangers. I’m sure I would be guilty of snoring. Do you stay in that room all the way? Do the beds fold into seats? How does it work?
I would love to take a train ride someday. I’d love to sleep on a train but I wouldn’t like to miss any of the scenery. So maybe they could just ride around in circles all night or something.
I think you’re riding a wave of change through Chinese history. You’re catching the last glimpses of traditional Chinese life as it speeds faster and faster to the future. Savor it, the days of abandoned antique railroads will be here quicker than you think.
Gardener: The bed doesn’t fold or anything. It’s just a bed. Each room has six, three on each side. The bottom one is considered the most convenient because you can sit on it and you don’t need to climb to get to it. We both had the top ones and we both think it’s actually better than the bottom and middle ones. Tim said I looked like a kongfu girl when I climbed on it. So you can imagine. The bed is clean. And when you want to sit, you climb down and sit on the seat outside the room, by the window.
Tim thought the train was pretty cool. I enjoyed the flight back much better than the train trip there. So I probably need to talk to him about his “train ride to Russia” plan. :p
Wow. Gardener, I think Tim should quote your comment in his book!!!
I really like the new look and I’m glad you brought the stamp back. I always thought it was rather unique and something that people could easily reconize
and identify with your website. Almost like a brand logo. Thanks for all the
great stories, we love each great adventure.
Hi Tim, haven’t seen you for a long time~
I always enjoy reading your blog, but I really didn’t want to ask you about this in the comment: where did you and Ning get the pre-wedding photos taken? I found they’re great and now I want to know the name of that company and have my own pictures there, too. However, Timothy and I can’t contact you in any other ways recently
Tim, the comment section works fine on internet explorer but the comments aren’t working on mozilla firefox.
And yes, I like the new look, very simple, very clean, very zen, and I like the stamp.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! How proud your mother must be.
DD coffee is my favorite in states!
My favorite is the cinnamon donut filled with apple.
Hey Tim, this is really great. Love the continuing story and pictures from your trip. Keep up the good work we all enjoy it.
Ning took most the pictures (including the picture of me taking a picture).
I love the pictures, that is a beautiful place.
Hey Tim. Seems like you are having fun in China! I love all the pictures you have uploaded! one of my roommates is from mainland China, so i have been learning a lot about Chinese culture. Maybe you should come to Kyoto, Japan!!
Definitely Nori, I need to get my cherry blossom thing on in Kyoto! Good to hear from you. Come visit me in Beijing sometime.
Tim, we love the pictures, hope to see more. Also, did you take a picture of where you stayed?
What a great picture, a modern city with a colorful history.
How did this newspaper decide to interview you? Are you famous or something, or do you just know someone?
Shanghai is just like any given big metropolis, not to mention Hongkong. But Beijing is just Beijing, like it or not, you’ll never find resemblences in other cities.
P.S
I heard that you had dinner with some young hot ladies today, and also a couple handsome young man, why don’t you blog about this,son?
“Mom” is such a general term these days. Shouldn’t be taken to literally
May 8, 2008
Tim had lunch with a young hot lady and a couple of handsome young men. He ordered the Japanese-curry-hamburger … and was surprised to NOT have a stomach ache. During their lunch, they discussed NGOs, blogs and dogs named after former bosses.
Good point about Beijing: it definitely wins the Most Unique award.
Gardener: I’m not famous, I know someone (or I should say: someone knows me). My quote will probably be edited out anyway. But I don’t rely on mass media to make my voice heard. As the lyrics to Oasis’ song, “Supersonic” go: “You need to find a way for what you want to say…” That’s what blogs are for.
Great synopsis! Also, quite an appropriate read…after just coming back from Beijing!
Guess what? Just watched “Wheel of Fortune.” They gave away a trip to China, a river cruise worth $10,300 for two people.
“I’m assuming that most of us profess to be the protagonist in our own dramas.”
Funny you should phrase it that way. It immediately reminded me of this quote comparing typical East Asian and Western conceptions of “self”:
On every visit to South Africa I have to confront the situation of giving or not giving a lot more than in Dallas. The other day I got so mad with a “able-bodied adult” beggar pestering and nagging for money. I almost wanted to punch the guy. I wish I had more time to teach the guy “how to fish” instead of giving him a fish every time.
Tim, I have been thinking about why the songs you hear in junior high become such a strong influence, I’ve found the same to be true in my life.
I think for one thing you’re awakening to the power of music and your power to choose what kind of music “you” want to listen to. You devote hours to exploring your new frontier of music. The older you get the busier you get and the less time you can devote to your adolescent crush.
Second, when you are in junior high you have a feeling or perception of about what you think it’s like to be grown up. A lot of that perception is based on music and entertainment. But, when you grow up you find, of course, that reality seldom lives up to fantasy. Some experiences are great while others are terrible. So the rose colored glasses lose their lovely tint and somehow new music seldom takes us to that anticipated thrill or escape we once experienced.
Many cry fear that musicians are part of an evil plot to capture our children in these early, plaible years and indoctrinate them with some new age philosophy or social doctrine…but I have to think, which comes first, the chicken or the egg? Does music seek out young minds or do young minds seek out music? Is music, perhaps, one of the universal baby steps from concrete to abstract thinking? I don’t know, but I’m sure there’s a song about it.
Excellent article Tim! Way to go. I’m heading over to InterNations.org to check it out. Wayne
Very true, we seem to naturally take up for the underdog without understanding the point of contention. I too have seen the videos but like you I don’t fully understand the struggle.
You have to be careful that during your struggle you don’t become your enemy.
Tim, enjoyed your post. China taxi drivers are certainly one of a kind. Best, Wayne
I’ve only ever been in a taxi in Beijing, it was quite an experience. I was surprised how quickly crazy driving became normal to me.
I wonder how alike or different Chinese taxis are compared to taxi drivers in other countries. Any insights from fellow bloggers.
Another place to go next time we come.
Good article! I would have thought a “half-pat” was someone who was married to a Chinese citizen, ie tied to the country by more than business opportunity.
Hey my dear boyfriend:)
Reminds me of the C. S. Lewis quote from the book by Donald Miller, “Blue Like Jazz.”
All this is flashy rhetoric about loving you.
I never had a selfless thought since I was born.
I am mercenary and self-seeking through and through:
I want God, You, all friends, merely to serve my turn.
Peace, reassurance, pleasure, are goals I seek,
I cannot crawl one inch outside my proper skin;
I talk of love–a scholar’s parrot may talk Greek–
But, self-imprisoned, always end where I begin.
It is an eye opener to realize how much of the problem lies within you.
Very interesting thought. To know and to be known is the yearning of every soul.
You’re always looking for the big picture wherever you are. Very handy characteristic.
Tim, you are famous!!! Congratulations!!!!!!
I just wanted to say that these are really cool pictures:)
silvery moonlight
Like a secret nudging at my heart
warm,warm night
Thus the saying, “many a truth is said in jest.” ,
Tyler Perry, the famous black play and film writer/producer, is going through much the same critique, from Spyke Lee no less. Lee accusing Perry of furthering racial stereotypes with his plays, sitcoms and movies. Perry’s defense, if someone of another race were writing about black people that would be stereotyping, but I am writing out of experience reflecting the strengths, weaknesses, quirks, drama, heartaches and humor that make up a way of life, where it came from and where it’s going.
I think the difference is respect.
I haven’t seen the movie yet, but I totally agree with your thoughts of what a realistic dialog would likely be for such a moment in time.
I knew it this whole time…you are not just a faceless face in the lonely crowd.
I love you.
Great article Tim! Misty and my mother enjoyed it to.
thinks
Well, I somehow like your ending, but I just don’t think that the world will be all under water no matter what, and not that the continent of Antarctica will all be melted either. And well, I think the satellites will still be working also, just because they are outside the atmosphere; another point, I suppose there would be some astronauts to be on the ISS (International Space Station), and that all tells that the people would know about the current situation gpong around the planet, or say identifying lands. Well, I do agree with you that there may not be a really happy ending like it has in the movie, and I really like how you have analyzed the movie.
wait, sorry, i just found ur blog and i am curious about everything. so is this a story u write or what? i saw from ur photo and assumed that ur work in china in a radio station, it that true? well, if this post is ur story then i have to tell u it’s really good. :]
are u going to finish this?
Very good Tim, your description of American healthcare is very accurate. I would also add that the wait for a scheduled visit with a doctor in the US can be almost as horrible as an emergency room. Even when you have an appointment it is not uncommon to sit in a waiting room for an hour or two and even then the personal attention you get might be questionable. In addition to that, there’s also the often wasteful practice of what’s called a “follow up” visit. For example, after many routine tests a patience is ask to come back for another office visit even when it’s known that the test results indicated no problems.
agreed
I have thought the same thing when this economic crisis hit, maybe we, as a society, would get back to what is really important in life.
But I can’t change society, I can only change myself.
The more things change, the more they’re the same.
i agree with you about the line of individualistic and collectivist? it is way to simplistic,and contextual.
At the moment i n study in a business school in a western nordic country,with their observation of china,i m really being skeptical. Have corrected some mistake of what the professor made…now he is very skeptical in the lecture when he has to make example of china…
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