Hanging laundry out to dry is an everyday chore around the world. The practice is especially common in Asia, where the cost of electricity can be astronomical. Having an electric clothes dryer in Tokyo would be the height of luxury. I was expecting to see clothes fluttering in the breeze when we moved to Shanghai, […]
Funny Observations
In China, Imitation is the Sincerest Form of Flattery
I have greatly enjoyed spotting all the quirky English store names around Shanghai, but it’s the copycat stores and products that I find most amusing. They are just so blatant! Tommy Hilfiger becomes Tommy Welai and the Nike swoosh gets turned upside down. There are also some unexpected surprises, like finding the Kodak store that […]
Capturing the Energy of Hanoi’s Old Quarter
We spent most of our time in Hanoi wandering around the narrow alleys of the historic and chaotic Old Quarter. Pulsating with life, this district has been the commercial center of the city for centuries, and today it is a captivating mix of ancient and modern. Bikes zip by in all directions and a steady […]
The Avocado Lady: Where to Get Western Groceries Shanghai
When I first moved to Shanghai, I heard about this woman called the Avocado Lady. She has a popular shop at 274 Wulumuqi Lu that has reached almost mythical status. What differentiates her from the countless other fruit and vegetable stands that line the sidewalks? For starters, she has produce that foreigners actually want to […]
Fun at a Chinese Grocery Store
You might ask how a mundane chore such as grocery shopping could be fun. Well when the grocery store in question is a four story food mart emporium in Shanghai that’s painted to look like a French village, there is plenty of fun to be had! For example, you could pick up the meat needed […]