Traveling with a first generation Irish/Scottish-Canadian friend last month, we would always get asked the usual question by people we meet. “Where are you from?” As usual, I hesitate. In that sliver of time she beats me to the answer: “Canada.” The questioners nod to her, turn to me to hear my answer. Nothing forthcoming. … More Canada Special
After a year’s almost nonstop assault of Wenzhou-nese scowls and stone-cold stares, one would think that the effortlessly bright faces and smiles of the Laotians would be a relief. And, for a time, it was. The difference in the two personalities was clear from the moment we hopped off the bus in Nam Tha. Well, … More Middle Ground
Through minimal effort on my part, I found myself on the Great Wall with a friend last week. The sheer physical stamina required to hike the steep inclines and slopes didn’t exactly invite restful contemplation, but I managed to be still for a few moments, feel the wind and absorb the history beneath my feet. … More Seeing Red
People are supposed to have a complex about the photos in their passports and other IDs, not about the IDs themselves. Enter yours truly. I’m told that I got my first passport at the age of four. We never ended up moving to New York so I don’t know what happened to it. (Sometimes I … More Embarrassment of Riches
Dear Ctrip, Thanks to you I won’t be seeing China. It started back in the winter. You changed my departure date for Guangzhou, from where I couldn’t wait to fly to Bali. Maybe you sensed how fed up I was with your country and decided to derail my plans a little bit. Since you generated … More “C” is for Cancelled
Every month or so at school, we do something called an English Carnival. Parents sign up their kids for an afternoon of language based games with foreign teachers. The kids have little cards with a list of the games and they are herded from room to room to play. Each time they finish a game … More Some Paper Money
This reminds of…just about everyone I know!
Three days off from work and two of them have been successfully ruined by outings that turned out to be nightmares. When will I learn? Day one was all right. It was a trip to Nanxi River. After asking around and haggling (by which I mean that I stepped aside and waited while the more … More Dre Moment
I can do it but I prefer to point. It doesn’t take nine months to learn how to open your mouth and say “I want this one.” or “I want that one.” or “How much is it?” or “It’s to go.” or “Turn left.” or “Turn right.” or to count to ten, for that matter. … More This Way
rebeccafisseha.com 