There are some major differences/peculiarities: Slow internet with many restrictions As Western as Shanghai is, most people don’t speak English People still smoke indoors everywhere and anywhere Chinese people are not big coffee drinkers, mostly tea You cook in a Wok, as opposed to in a pan; you have a rice cooker Most things are […]
Nǐ Hǎo! Greetings from China!
I never really wanted to come to China. The decision of coming to Asia, particularly to China, came from seeking a challenge for myself and moving past disappointments in New York. As they say, when one door closes, another one opens. China is one of those doors and I’m thrilled to open it. One random […]
Georgetown: a colorful architectural gem in New England
While everyone is giddy with excitement over the extended Centennial Cherry Blossom Festival, in full swing until April 27th, you should also consider taking a short bus ride into Georgetown. Strolling through it, you will discover the charming 200 year-old restored row houses, painted in vibrant colors and beautified with lovely gardens. Reminiscent of English and Swiss architecture, […]
A DC Cherry Blossom Festival
In 1912, an incredible gift of 3,000 cherry blossom trees was bestowed on Washington, DC by Tokyo, Japan. Rooted strongly and surviving outside elements, the trees have withstood the test of time – and nearly a century later, the National Cherry Blossom Festival is honoring this once-in-a-lifetime celebration – the 2012 Centennial. The extended 5-week extravaganza (March 20 – April 27), coming to […]
San Francisco
Beautiful city, with an European look, architecture-wise. The Fairmont is the most elegant hotel I’ve seen and stayed at, with a royal feel to it and best bed to sleep in. Not too crowded, pretty windy, crazy to walk around; like hiking a mountain. Expect muscular aches!
At the foot of the Alps: Colorful Montreux, Switzerland
I have never felt all alone, roaming through a city, until yesterday; I went for a day-trip to Montreux, in the canton of Vaud. Montreux is a picturesque city of some 23,000 nestled on the shores of the Lake Geneva. Situated between the Swiss and the French Alps, it is part of what is called the […]