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...]
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...]
Hong Kong colonial architecture then and now
When I landed in Hong Kong 21 years ago, I assumed I'd find streets like this one.Sadly, that wasn't the case.My mom took this photo in 1962 in Hong Kong's Central district. Now Pedder Street looks more like New York than a outpost of the British Empire. Gloucester … [Read more...]
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