Where to begin? The holidays here were strange ones... Beijing has felt oddly empty for the past week or so, as many of my loyal companions have returned to their perspective homes for the holidays. My little apartment has been mourning the absence of my dear roommate, though I admit I have found it quite easy to remain tidy and manage the household with only myself to pick up after. Gearing up for the holidays was tricky as I knew I would alone, and was really at a loss over how to celebrate... until a chance encounter and job offer landed in my lap. Last weekend I received a call on my mobile in the wee hours of the morning (most agents' favorite time to ring) and what I made out through my sleep fogged brain ... read more

Well, I have come in as close contact to a typical "Chinese Tour Package" as I ever care to come to. My most recent burst of stardom entailed me participating in an instructional film on the subject of travel. I reunited with my old crew (and some cast) to portray typical situations that the average tourist should expect to encounter. My character (Linda) was responsible for booking a tour to Tibet through an agency. This tedious scene seriously testing my acting chops, as I had to convey great enthusiasm over partaking in an organized event (which as we all know is something that I have always loathed) and now after seven months of life here, have really come to detest as I am constantly surrounded by these flag and mega-phone lead brightly hatted groups. (This distaste ... read more

Well Simon finally came through and we were able to host a gloriously gourmet evening that consisted of a Swedish meatball dinner party! I have been miffed for quite some time over his empty promises and descriptions of his cooking talents, so last week I finally put my foot down and declared that if I was not served meatballs by the end of that weekend I would find such cruel and cunning ways to make his life as miserable as possible! After a few quick (verbal) examples of what I was capable of, he was soon convinced that we should settle upon Saturday as the chosen time. Early Saturday morning found us giddily embarking off to Carrefour to procure the necessary items, which is always an amusing and slightly stressful quest when attempting to cook a ... read more

Well we have seen the Motherland through her 60th anniversary... but only through television. It's a tad incomprehensible how a government party "for the people" restricts access to the celebration so totally. Obviously, numbers and safety to play a roll, but it got to the point where hotels were emptied for the holiday week, some streets cleared of residents, and then those residents allowed to remain where instructed to keep back from their windows and under no circumstances were they to peer out to view the parade. As this was the first "big" celebration I've been present for, I was quite eager to witness the event. However, I found it extremely difficult to discover any/all information for the anniversary... I couldn't even find out when the parade started! After more careful sleuthing among my Chinese friends, ... read more

What I previously considered to be the near impossible has occurred! I finally have internet in my apartment... it's almost like I'm a real person now. This week has been a settling into a new phase... I've been motivated to clean, cook and complete tasks like my internet mission impossible! It was the blasted cable after all. Now, I am not totally useless, and did try to explain my suspicion over the seemingly faulty cord to many of the various servicemen who attempted to connect us, but had been assured that there was no reason to suspect the cord. (Besides the fact that it looked broken, fraying and just generally useless). Regardless - I have finally discovered a truly gifted and helpful IT man and I would praise his name if I knew it. New cable ... read more