Can you imagine a souvenir industry centered around Hitler? Unfathomable. Or Stalin? No way. So how has Mao turned into such a cult, both in China and in the West? After all, his programs led to the deaths of 70 to 100 million of his own people (30 million alone during the Great … [Read more...]
Are luck and fortune the new tiger?
Several weeks ago I blogged about tiger-titled books. Since many of these books relate to Chinese culture, that got me thinking. Are there other common China-themed titles?The concept of luck and fortune is very important to Chinese culture, and certainly hasn't been lost in … [Read more...]
Book of the week–The Foremost Good Fortune
Last week I blogged about attending a book signing with Susan Conley, author of The Foremost Good Fortune (Knopf, 2011).It was so enjoyable to meet Conley and get my book signed. Time escaped me somehow, so I didn't finish her book until after her reading.But it was well … [Read more...]
Traveling light: three months and three outfits
If there's one thing I've learned in my travels, it's to pack light. My mom gave me this advice many years ago:Pack the minimum amount of clothes you think you'll need. Then take out half those clothes before you zip your suitcase (or backpack).I took that advice to heart … [Read more...]
The search for a perfect qipao
I'll never be chosen for a best-dressed list, but over the years I've found one tried-and-true rule: I've never gone wrong with a qipao.The qipao (pronounced chee-pow) is known as a cheongsam in Cantonese. Originally a Manchu design, a modified, form-fitting version … [Read more...]
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