“Where were you on 9/11?” That’s a question that doesn’t get asked as much anymore, twelve years after the event. When I am asked, almost no one is prepared for my answer. I was in the air. In September, 2001, I was working in Washington, D.C., for a small publisher of legal books. I had […]
A Brief Introduction to Yunnan Cuisine
China is a veritable smorgasbord of regional cuisines. From succulent Peking Duck in Beijing and the anesthetizing heat of Sichuan’s pink peppercorns to the subtle sweetness of Shanghainese and vinegary tang of Hunanese, there are dishes and flavors to suit every palate. China’s Yunnan Province occupies the southwestern-most corner of the country and is home […]
Snapshot: Pajamas as Shanghai Streetwear
As I have previously shared, the Chinese have a penchant for making bold fashion choices. Ladies teeter around in stilettos and bedazzled from top to bottom while men mix plaids and stripes with aplomb. But they are not slaves to fashion either. In Shanghai, people young and old will wear their pajamas anywhere. I’ve seen […]
Afternoon Tea at the Puli Hotel, Shanghai
During my last weeks in Shanghai, I made a valiant effort to cross things off my unrealistically long wish list. Even after two years in the city, there were still an abundance of experiences yet to be had. One such experience was enjoying afternoon tea at the luxurious PuLi Hotel and Spa, located in the […]
Shanghai Aquarium: An Underwater Adventure
I wasn’t sure what to expect from the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium and, after visiting a few underwhelming zoos in Asia, had some trepidation about the conditions I’d find. For all of Shanghai’s glitz and glamour, China is still a developing nation and animal conservation doesn’t always seem to be a high priority (Giant Pandas excepted). […]