City girl moves to the Chinese countryside.
Oh, the things she will learn.

Author Archive
It's Lin-equity and Lin-tolerance: ESPN uses racial slur in headline on Jeremy Lin

It’s Lin-equity and Lin-tolerance: ESPN uses racial slur in headline on Jeremy Lin

LIN-EQUITY, LIN-TOLERANCE: ESPN published a headline describing the New York Knicks' loss to the Hornets Friday Night. It read: CHINK IN ARMOR. Seriously? Is this not America? Are we not in the year 2012?
Stuff Asian Moms Say

Stuff Asian Moms Say

I just watched this video and cried with laughter. Every clip, every line is so true. Turn up the volume and laugh with me!!
Identity crisis: on being Chinese and Canadian

Identity crisis: on being Chinese and Canadian

What does it mean to belong somewhere? Does citizenship and a passport help define who you are? Is your identity established by how others see you? Or do you decide that for yourself? I began seeking the answers to my questions when I first moved to China in 2007.
Locusts

Locusts

A full page ad was published in a Hong Kong newspaper today, depicting a giant locust perched on a mountain overlooking the Hong Kong skyline. The text asks: “Are you willing for Hong Kong to spend one million Hong Kong dollars every 18 minutes to raise the children born to mainland parents?” The locust is...
It's a Hard Knock Life

It’s a Hard Knock Life

12 hour days? 500 Euros a month? Life in Europe isn't easy for the average Chinese migrant worker.
When in Rome... eat Chinese?

When in Rome… eat Chinese?

I never thought I'd be that kind of tourist. But here I am in Italy, doing exactly what I think Chinese immigrants shouldn't do when they are in a foreign country: Speak only to other Chinese and eat only in Chinese restaurants.
Advice to Chinese bar owners in Italy: Turn on the lights!

Advice to Chinese bar owners in Italy: Turn on the lights!

Chinese immigrants are leaving behind the factory life and opening up bars across Spain and Italy. What do the Chinese know about running bars? Coffee and wine are a way of life here in Europe. Can an immigrant be a part of this scene here in Europe?
Chinese recruited for war had secret passage through Canada

Chinese recruited for war had secret passage through Canada

YPRES, Belgium — Under pristine, white tombstones in the British military cemeteries dotting the landscape throughout Belgium and northern France, the graves of thousands of Chinese labourers can be found. You just have to know where to look.
Babi pangang, satay skewers -- Indonesian-inspired Chinese food in Holland

Babi pangang, satay skewers — Indonesian-inspired Chinese food in Holland

The most popular dish at all the Chinese restaurants across Holland is, without a doubt, Babi panggang. Haven't heard of it before? Neither did I, until I came to the Netherlands.
The Dreaded Saturday Morning Ritual

The Dreaded Saturday Morning Ritual

It's Saturday morning in Rotterdam and I find myself at a place I once dreaded as a child: Chinese school.
Across Europe, in search of one Chinese community

Across Europe, in search of one Chinese community

I'm about to embark on a two-month research trip to Europe where I'll be connecting with Qingtian emigrants and communities in six different countries. First stop: The Netherlands.
Italian town bans "ethnic" food

Italian town bans “ethnic” food

Some Italians are saying 'no' to kebabs, Chinese takeout and sushi as they "struggle to hold onto centuries-old culinary traditions in the face of globalisation and immigration."