The last few days have seen the worst pollution in years to hit Beijing. A friend thinks it is from all the coal-burning heaters and furnaces that got switched on the 15th. I have to admit there was a “coalish” scent to the air, if there is such a thing. The air quality monitors at [...]
While I’m delighted we now have a fully heated apartment, I’m not so happy with the traditional first-heat cold I have acquired. Beijing’s winter air is extremmmmely dry. Add a heater to the mix and it’s dehydration city. (As in if I don’t get some heavy-duty facial moisturizer soon, I’ll be a dead ringer for [...]
It’s seriously cold here in Harbin. Seriously cold! I think both the DH and I have second guessed our decision to come here over Spring Festival. Since the festival is a family holiday, restaurants and shops have all pretty much been shut. We’re hoping things will be open tomorrow. There are very few people in [...]
Wordless Wednesday #32 Open window in my workplace Never mind it is 2C (35F) today. Keeping the windows open inside a building during the winter months is a common practice in China. Fresh air is important! It’s one of my biggest winter pet peeves.
December 8, 2009
in China
China Reflections Now that winter has more or less arrived, I am starting to remember all the little pet peeves I have with respect to winters in Linyi. I share these with you as an insight into the cultural differences between semi-rural Chinese and a somewhat-spoiled girl from the US. 1. The Need for “Fresh [...]
I’m at work. It was 4℃ this morning in my office. I’m cold. My hands are dry. My feet are numb. At least there is coffee. You may be aware that I am a big fan of Pico Iyer, the travel writer. I enjoyed this article in the LA Times where Iyer muses on the [...]
Today was so cold!! On my way to work this morning at 8AM, (an early morning, usually I go in at 9:30), it was – 3° Celsius. (That is cold in Fahrenheit.) The heat has not yet been turned on at the school, but thankfully, the hotel decided to turn their heat on yesterday. I [...]