Blogs from Nanchang, Jiangxi, China, Asia

First things first breakfast. I was in the mood for some dumplings so ordered some Xiaolongbao (小笼包) and Shengjianbao (生煎包). I was a bit disappointed when they arrived and they were basically the same thing. The shengjianbao were just basic dumpling that had been pan fried in the bottom instead of the proper style, which are bready in texture instead of pastry like. The dumpling skin was also a bit too tough and chewy, so it took a while to eat them. At least dousing them with vinegar and chili oil made them more palatable. Once breakfast was done and my coffee was drunk, it was time to head out. I made my way to the subway station. I really like the neighbourhood I was staying in, it was a mishmash of newer and older buildings ... read more

A short, standing train ride took me to Nanchang, the capital of Jiangxi province. It's a new province for me to explore and I was looking forward to spending a few days in the city. The subway to my hotel was quick and not too crowded despite it being the holiday. It did take me a couple of attempts to orientate myself when leaving the station in the direction of my hotel. I liked the neighbourhood as it just felt like a normal neighbourhood with people going about their daily lives, especially when stepping off the main road and into the smaller side streets. I walked past quite a few small mahjong parlours hearing the tiles clicking and clacking as people relaxed and enjoyed themselves on their day off. My hotel was fine, a bit worn ... read more

When I think of parks, I automatically picture the little parks in Michigan with slides, swings, picnic tables and different things for kids to climb. But I should have known that when Licho mentioned going to “a” park that she actually meant going to “the” park. I say “the” because Nanchang has one major park in the middle of the city and it’s where everyone goes to play and hang out. The park is called Bayi Park and I found few web sites that really do it justice. It seems like every time I go to this large park I see something new. Apparently, it takes an hour to walk around the edge of the park (something I read online), so it’s quite large. I took some video during a previous trip to Bayi Park of ... read more

Many of you have asked about Ava’s fingers. I am sorry that I didn’t give an update sooner. My Internet has been out for the last week and its delayed things a bit. Ava’s fingers are healing nicely so far. She cut them on a sign that it’s posted all over the university. She tried to pick the sign up and show it to me because she thought it was cute. We have gone every other day to have it cleaned at the hospital on campus. There is one doctor who usually cleans her fingers. He obviously loves children. Ava runs to him when she sees him and he picks her up and hugs her. He’s a real sweetheart and takes good care of her. Her fingers are still twice as big as they should be ... read more

It’s a beautiful night. It’s warm but not too warm. It’s not windy or too humid. It’s nice outside. So, Ava and I come outside at 8:00 p.m. so that she could play with the other kids. There are lots of parents chatting and watching their children. It’s a typical night in China. I sat next to Licho and Jia, who speak English well and have 6-year-old daughters. They are quickly becoming two of my best friends here. We are talking and laughing like moms do when their children are happily playing. I hear Ava scream. I see her sprinting towards me. She is crying but I’m not worried… until I see the blood. Ava has blood all over her hand. It’s dripping onto the ground. I ask her what happened and she says that she ... read more