tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6805556814985502372011-11-21T06:12:50.401+08:00My views and experiences while on a "working vacation", in China.Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380374584099502805noreply@blogger.comBlogger611100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680555681498550237.post-31488346551421844052009-12-05T09:10:00.002+08:002009-12-05T09:11:05.714+08:00

FINALLY.......MY REAL NEW SITE!http://drjtrekker.spaces.live.com/Dam Great Firewall of CHINA!

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380374584099502805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680555681498550237.post-30760435454954511262009-06-23T16:44:00.004+08:002009-12-05T09:11:44.987+08:00

blah

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380374584099502805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680555681498550237.post-74275237866112110042009-05-23T12:02:00.000+08:002009-05-23T12:04:00.475+08:00

It is difficult these days to access Blogger...So my blogging life may be slow in coming these days!Jd

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380374584099502805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680555681498550237.post-87858825089122823922009-05-10T20:16:00.001+08:002009-05-10T20:26:00.820+08:00

Besides the usual cheap contraband, movies for a buck, (savings of aobut $15 or so)games for a buck or two (depending on how many discs are involved), $50 savings?One can also buy some glasses for a good price. These cost about $40. Not bad, eh?It's a little different here than back home. Here, no doctor, no tests, just a simple eye exam where they put these goofy glasses on you that determine

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380374584099502805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680555681498550237.post-26926523536696833022009-05-03T18:43:00.005+08:002009-05-03T19:00:52.794+08:00

One of my favorite pastimes to do here in Ya'an, when the weather is good, is go to the tea house, have some Hua Cha, and hang out. There is something so relaxing about sitting by the river.U can just let it all hang out.Give the peace sign.Read a paper.Play a nice game of Mahjong.Or Fight the Landlord.And then, after a long day at the teahouse, you can go for a swim inthe river.

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380374584099502805noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680555681498550237.post-85037079510931742472009-05-01T07:09:00.002+08:002009-05-05T07:24:04.703+08:00

Some of my students (the smartest in the whole of China!) participated in this extravaganza!Track Meet from jimd on Vimeo.

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380374584099502805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680555681498550237.post-82415101356594661762009-04-23T12:47:00.005+08:002009-04-23T12:57:30.960+08:00

It's no wonder the newspaper business is sinking. Just look at how we read the paper. One copy for the whole campus!Everyday this scene is repeated.On campus the newspaper is put inside theseglass containers with what I assume is most of the newspaper. And everyday one will see the multitudes reading the paper.Doesn't quite seem as fun as sitting down at the table with your cup of tea and paper.

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380374584099502805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680555681498550237.post-28721989157553905252009-04-19T18:49:00.002+08:002009-05-05T07:25:39.368+08:00

This is for u Mike. A quick video of some local delicious food.My restaurants from jimd on Vimeo.

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380374584099502805noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680555681498550237.post-16985297497425332412009-04-15T19:25:00.005+08:002009-04-15T19:51:00.333+08:00

It was Umbrella Day again in China. Some of you may not be aware of this special day.Notice, it's Not raining.Everyone...strutting around showing off their umbrellas.Sometimes one will take a friend.Perhaps a grandchild.Even the men folk get in on the day...or are forced to, who knows?And yes, why not take your umbrella for a bike ride.That's right. We care about Skin Cancer!But really, the women

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380374584099502805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680555681498550237.post-73667158242302549242009-04-06T10:25:00.002+08:002009-04-06T10:44:12.612+08:00

As April Fool's Day approached, many of the students seemed to be aware of what the day was about. I believe another teacher even showed many of my English students some of the most popular April Fool's Day jokes that had occured in the past. I even started to hear a few warnings from my students to watch out for myself on that day. No problem...I thought. I can handle these kiddies.So I started

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380374584099502805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680555681498550237.post-75253453138536548532009-03-29T19:16:00.002+08:002009-03-30T14:04:47.709+08:00

Just another day for me...

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380374584099502805noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680555681498550237.post-85365759173644497742009-03-27T15:29:00.004+08:002009-03-27T16:21:48.875+08:00

Question: What do these two pictures have in common?Answer: They're both bad!That's right, bad ankle and bad money!!The top picture of Mr. Mao on my counterfeited 5 rmb, which someone pawned off on me, is as bad as my purplish ankle is. Mr. Mao, who graces his likeness on possibly all chinese money, was given to me somewhere from my local haunts, and the other day I proceeded to give it back in

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380374584099502805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680555681498550237.post-7558582946558762902009-03-20T22:17:00.004+08:002009-03-20T22:51:07.499+08:00

Every year in Ya'an (where i live), the peach trees bloom, and all these pretty little flowers fill the hills very near to where I live. Its actually quite nice.This is a short picture journey to the festival (sorta), as i travel through everyday life here in Ya'an.Peace bro!That look says it all.EQUAL RIGHTS !!! This is what i'm talking about!! Why can't the woman push the pedal once in a while,

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380374584099502805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680555681498550237.post-821871261825357792009-03-15T08:52:00.003+08:002009-03-15T09:05:42.160+08:00

People around here seem to sleep even more than Josh!!My duck shop.SEE THIS? This is why China is going to beat us!!Carving up some eels...ELVIS lives!break time.The culture of hard working.And for a relaxing time, a little Chinese chess.My egg sellers.More break time.Look at that ganster lookin' sideways wearing hat.

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380374584099502805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680555681498550237.post-28926068480703417882009-03-14T19:54:00.004+08:002009-05-08T20:17:47.102+08:00

This is a video that i put together for an English presentation at school.Laos from jimd on Vimeo.

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380374584099502805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680555681498550237.post-73831175369493820322009-02-06T16:10:00.007+08:002009-05-08T20:25:23.705+08:00

I either look pathetic or exude virility, because the moment i entered Guilin, it was non-stop badgering for a "massage". Once in a while it was called something else. This occurred on the main drag. Never have I been hit up so much for a "massage" before. Anyone on a moto, rickshaw, or trying to get customers for the hotels, we're hustling for the women of the night.Guilin from jimd on Vimeo.

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380374584099502805noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680555681498550237.post-73717960388402566442009-02-06T13:28:00.007+08:002009-05-08T20:13:09.792+08:00

This all occurred while strolling through the park in downtown Nanning. Lots of interesting things going on and tons of people hanging out, and this seemed to be the norm everyday.Untitled from jimd on Vimeo.AND BREAKFAST

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380374584099502805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680555681498550237.post-7563862051742610412009-01-31T17:54:00.003+08:002009-02-07T17:55:56.967+08:00

Yangshuo is more touristy than Guilin by far...This guy here reminds me of my old friend rob. But the scenery is awesome.

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380374584099502805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680555681498550237.post-72758202000150419492009-01-31T17:14:00.007+08:002009-01-31T17:54:16.662+08:00

Riding to Yangshou along the river, or trying to was an incredible ride.UP until the road disappeared into the narrow mountains the stood over the river.The map showed a path, locals told me "just go that way", "this way", "its there...".Yep, traveling in China is driving me insane...So after dragging the bike and myself through rocks and dirt and bushes I attempted to get a boat to get me down

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380374584099502805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680555681498550237.post-42844798663479223382009-01-31T16:53:00.004+08:002009-01-31T17:13:53.358+08:00

Guilin, big town, cool town, one of those tourist laden places. Crazy. A million buses. It's also Chinese New Year...makes matters worse. U either love or hate these kind of places. Funny thing, I come into these towns hating them, after traveling around small towns, no tourists, no foreigners, no traffic, no getting ripped off for everything. But, the funny thing is I kinda like these places

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380374584099502805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680555681498550237.post-18865128510024209312009-01-28T14:25:00.003+08:002009-01-28T15:01:18.682+08:00

Again, I have decided to change my intinerary. It's great being ur own boss, eh?So after deciding to not bore myself (I get bored much too easily) with the same hills of Yunnan, I decided to hit Vietnam. But upon arrival, the embassy is closed, due to the Chinese New Year. Just Great! By the way, i love trains. And, in case ur wondering, squatting on the normal squat hole in the ground toilet

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380374584099502805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680555681498550237.post-70162815976195490282009-01-24T17:41:00.003+08:002009-01-24T18:09:33.289+08:00

NOT really. And No, Chinese people arent great, neither are Laotians, and yes...neither are americans, especially me, BUT....(yes, i am going to take this opportunity to vent!)I crossed the border back into China from Laos. Start riding the Toll Road to Jinghong, my main destination for a while, and the "no bicycle" sign is posted. I am fearful that the police will send me back, so I ride back

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380374584099502805noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680555681498550237.post-78076633084044455352009-01-19T12:44:00.003+08:002009-01-19T13:11:06.936+08:00

For the last 5 days I have ridden about 400 km or so, from the tourist magnet of Luang Prabang, to the backpacker haven of Vang Vieng, and now the Capital, Vientiane. Quite interesting cities, with all the western amenites one needs after traveling through the ill-equipped villages for the bicycler. If u make it to Laos, these cites are probably a must. Market at night. Packed with barbecue,

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380374584099502805noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680555681498550237.post-3561866323365218132009-01-14T11:25:00.003+08:002009-01-14T11:47:41.827+08:00

I always seem to find the guys drinking the homemade booze. I usually try to stay away (i dont want a repeat of my africa experience), but i sometimes give in if they taunt me enough. I finished the day early and the road ended at the mekong river. I didnt want to cross over to Thailand, so i ended up taking a bus back the way i came so i could go south. They passed the glass around many times.

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380374584099502805noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680555681498550237.post-12952278817320331512009-01-13T19:38:00.003+08:002009-01-14T11:51:48.229+08:00

Laos is pretty cool. Quite different than China. In the North, its small villages most of the way. Great landscapes, and the kids all yell out Saybadee (hello) as one rides by. The biggest difference from riding in China is the lack of vehicles on the roads, which makes fro great riding.Its beautiful bike riding. Though the places to stay and eat are minimal. And i cannot find a map anywhere...

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380374584099502805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680555681498550237.post-53030604427248638772009-01-08T12:06:00.003+08:002009-01-08T12:28:55.048+08:00

A couple days of riding through the hills and mountains of Yunnan, and a couple days on the bus has brought me to the town of Mengla, near the Laotian border. The nice thing about winging it is I can change travel plans on a whim. With the injury of a rider that was going to meet me in Yunnan, I decided to go back to something of my original plan and hope to go south to Laos, and cross over to

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380374584099502805noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680555681498550237.post-25196235416747740842009-01-04T12:48:00.005+08:002009-01-04T17:57:02.752+08:00

This is Lijiang, the much talked about city in an incredible part of North Yunnan.It truly is beautiful, with the Naxi minority people, colorful dress, and high mountains. It is also incredibly touristy.I personally am not a fan of the tourist spots, but this old town was very cool.But a maze! and hardly any English to help the foreigner. But its still worth a visit, and the surrounding area's

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380374584099502805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680555681498550237.post-59966507047330439402009-01-04T12:34:00.004+08:002009-01-04T17:48:13.137+08:00

This day I left my truck stop motel and stopped for breakfast at the market.The market is a great place to find all kinds of goodies for the day's trip, and also some breakfast like egg with noodle or just noodles, or sometimes a sort of stuffed dumpling. This day also turned out to be a great ride. About 40 km downhill, my longest yet. It was truly awesome, and the pics below show some of the

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380374584099502805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680555681498550237.post-59250785670646684622009-01-04T12:23:00.004+08:002009-01-04T17:32:32.736+08:00

This was another interesting day of riding. Great views and a big climb.At the top of the lcimb, with about 5 kms left to my target town, I had been climbing through pine forests and dense brush when this little house at the pass had a group of men eating and they called me over. I went over and accepted the offer for food. They had been having a good time, as i could smell the alcohol in the

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380374584099502805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680555681498550237.post-6884259097783766082008-12-31T16:00:00.002+08:002009-01-04T17:10:04.815+08:00

This would be a long day. I did 80 km, and only the second day. The day before I did 60km. I surprised myself considering the road was full of hills. This day there would come a 30 km climb. I thought I would die. But with a climb comes the downhill.About 20 km. Reached speeds of up to 48km. Incredible fun. Almost worth all the hard work. I also met a fellow biker this day, a chinese guy that had

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380374584099502805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680555681498550237.post-4665496866479826182008-12-31T15:54:00.003+08:002009-01-04T16:53:28.491+08:00

So after 12 hours on a bus to my destination point, with chain smoking drivers, motion sickness people next to me, no stops for bathrooms, traveling over dirt and cobblestone roads for the majority of the trip...I Made It!But the bus drivers were great. There usually are a couple, plus a helper person.The drivers switch half way, and one sat next to me and kept calling me Lao Wei (foreigner, in a

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380374584099502805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680555681498550237.post-28531829331832057932008-12-23T19:42:00.003+08:002008-12-23T20:05:22.363+08:00

Two months...Sichuan and Yunnan Province...me and my ride!Leaving X-Mas Day.my chinese bike... around $300 with accessories.camping equipment and clothing... around $100.little chinese flag-Free, (given to me by the Police, compelled to take it).getting lost and/or arrested in China...PRICELESSyeah, i know, a corny rip-off, but hey, its MY BLOG.

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380374584099502805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680555681498550237.post-18461321556323494702008-12-13T13:20:00.005+08:002008-12-13T13:38:02.684+08:00

Only in China...Beer and cigarettes, while riding through some village, running into a wedding during the middle of the week, and getting invited to eat and drink and be merry. Oh, and a gift too!The Groom smoking me out.Bride and Groom"To Long Life"More beer (it was very good!)Last toast,now having to ride home drunk.

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380374584099502805noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680555681498550237.post-42055450045732550492008-12-13T13:01:00.002+08:002008-12-13T13:20:16.825+08:00

So, I had to make a pit stop one day while riding my bike. I was at a small village house restaurant (my term for someone that has a house, and on the first floor outside, they have a small kitchen and dining area) , walked through their first floor to the back of their home and found the bathroom...with their pet pig watching me go...(the bathroom is on the right, pic is a bit dark).

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380374584099502805noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680555681498550237.post-9874920644182257392008-11-25T08:20:00.008+08:002008-11-27T22:45:39.552+08:00

Its about 3 months now, in China.Look, he's taking a picture of ME...while I am taking a picture of HIM...I guess we are both doing blogs...Ya'an, the rainy city...and the cold city. This place rains a lot and is getting cold. My basketball playing days have been greatly numbered..."what a pity", as my chinese students would say.In 3 months I have found a few more places to eat, more noodle

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380374584099502805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680555681498550237.post-26627761560144377232008-11-09T07:10:00.004+08:002008-11-09T07:56:11.662+08:00

Finally arriving near the dam.The Bee Man. (if u look closely, u will see the bees)I have seen quite a few, producing their own honey for sale...Another house right by the river.A view from the dam.And the waterfall and the end of the journey.

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380374584099502805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680555681498550237.post-43870328686697477262008-11-08T17:59:00.004+08:002008-11-08T18:20:42.745+08:00

Traveling through the countryside as in the above post, I sometimes hop on the road for quicker travel. This last time, for some odd reason, I kept getting challenged to race.As I was riding, I came along side a guy probably in his 40's, and rode with him for a few seconds, and then sped off. About a minute later he had caught up with me, and was laughing and saying something ( i obviously

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380374584099502805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680555681498550237.post-58345826682497692992008-11-08T15:52:00.008+08:002008-11-08T17:02:41.748+08:00

Some pics of my travels through the countryside starting just about 5 km's from Ya'an.Watering the plants.Many of these tombstones dot the countryside.Some are right next to their homes.One type of house on the land.The farmers have their local market on the weekend.This place has been packed each time I've been there.This is one of the less crowded streets.The babies... will one day be

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380374584099502805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680555681498550237.post-5500143988724727332008-11-04T11:07:00.003+08:002008-11-04T11:17:08.623+08:00

I took a ride to a dam outside of Ya'an, and about 12 km out I stopped at what appeared to be a small restaurant. I'm not sure if it was, but I was brought food and beer...and then everybody proceeded to watch me. It was quite fun.  And, just like the last time I was out riding through the villages outside of Ya'an, I was treated to a free lunch. Hospitality is King around here...and friendliness

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380374584099502805noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680555681498550237.post-70028587362535586142008-10-28T21:09:00.008+08:002008-10-28T22:01:40.220+08:00

The Skippy I am referring to is the peanut butter. Sure, this sounds odd to YOU, but to me...a Big Day! And I just found some margarine also. Yeah, that's right, I am excited about the simple things of life. Oh, the things u westerners take for granted.Remember, I am a couple hours from the BIG city, so there are few western items. Not that I need them, cuz the food is great, but it can get

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380374584099502805noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680555681498550237.post-24564451807058576262008-10-19T09:26:00.013+08:002008-10-19T10:11:06.603+08:00

Up the hills, through the mud and in the rain, I trudge on toward the temple on the mount. All the while, not realizing my brakes barely worked...making the day, specifically the downhill more interesting than usual (but i made it in one piece).The views from half way up the mount to the temple.After taking a few pics of the gods, I got hit up for a donation. I did my duty, and when on to find

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380374584099502805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680555681498550237.post-83203241032914719092008-10-11T06:50:00.004+08:002008-10-21T21:22:50.288+08:00

In case u havent noticed,i have been gone (not posted) for awhile.Sometimes, one needs to get re-educated...like when your love for the communist party dips below a reasonable threshold! Did i mention how much i love the chairman?!The communist party is great!So...I am back now...hoping to bring more China your way. BTW...10 pounds dropping of my body. Its like a traveling diet i'm on. So quick

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380374584099502805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680555681498550237.post-4972236031985050552008-09-17T18:28:00.002+08:002008-09-17T18:37:54.647+08:00

I have been in china for one month now, and I wanted to convey some thoughts on my Alaskan Adventure. I would also like to express my gratitude for some of your comments, and it’s great to hear from a few of you that I haven't heard from in quite some time. Thank You. I’ve had a good time so far and I am glad that I made this decision (albeit through much mental strife and hesitation; but

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380374584099502805noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680555681498550237.post-30539997044745501892008-09-14T17:56:00.002+08:002008-09-14T18:00:54.912+08:00

A few of us teachers and some of our students took a day trip to the Ancient Town, also known as Shangli in the Ya'an District.Here is a quick slide slow of our day.

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380374584099502805noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680555681498550237.post-72771063526009185962008-09-10T13:11:00.003+08:002008-09-10T15:08:00.340+08:00

I took a 24 km ride to the Hot Springs outside of Ya'an,and missed it...went a few km's off course, up the mountain...and when returning, missed the main road and got lost. I didn't know it at that time, but soon realized it when I got some assistance in finding where the Hot Springs were. Good thing I ran into my young helpers...

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380374584099502805noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680555681498550237.post-80323943567649136712008-09-10T07:32:00.002+08:002008-09-10T08:10:08.087+08:00

The cost of living is obviously less here in Ya'an. So to give u an idea, here are some things that I have found for a buck.Foods:A vendor near my place sells a type of bacon (as close as one can get to bacon) with egg in a bun, like a breakfast sandwich, with a great sauce, just terrific. 2 for $1.These veggies...all for a buck.a similar amount of fruit...(not all fruits though),about 5 handfuls

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380374584099502805noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680555681498550237.post-65859564026420219022008-09-07T18:34:00.002+08:002008-09-08T16:35:39.134+08:00

This is how my classes usually go!

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380374584099502805noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680555681498550237.post-82552565978420016322008-09-06T15:32:00.004+08:002008-09-08T16:38:32.729+08:00

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380374584099502805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680555681498550237.post-28203007703763463852008-09-02T09:52:00.004+08:002008-09-02T09:59:18.047+08:00

My second day in Ya'an, I went to shoot around at mid-day. A bit hot.One fella was playing. English speaker (to some degree), and we agreed to meet later to play, when it cooled down.The pics below is what I came to.This is the scene everyday, starting about 4pm to 7ish.12 half-courts full, with 4 on 4 games going on, with people waiting to play.They play up to 5 when a team is waiting, otherwise

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380374584099502805noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680555681498550237.post-19397149667645374752008-09-02T09:42:00.002+08:002008-09-02T09:51:28.660+08:00

So...I have had to purchase many basic amenities for my living quarters.And one thing that has been troubling me is the lack of "cushiony" chairs and couches.Much furniture is either made of wood, or is just plain uncomfortable.So after searching the countless stores I found a decent couch.Things that I desire for my comforts, from what I am used to are sometimes hard to come by. For example, I

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380374584099502805noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680555681498550237.post-85699438390336763512008-09-01T09:31:00.003+08:002008-09-01T09:39:13.693+08:00

A face only a mother could love...Pig heads are very popular here! Baskets and bags of heads going out to vendors all throughout the neighborhood. Can't wait to eat me some pig eyes...This is where I purchase my meat. There is often smaller cuts hanging on racks, and since I can't communicate very well, I simply make a "sawing" motion at where I want them to cut the piece off at. So far I have

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380374584099502805noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680555681498550237.post-31755278749249276072008-09-01T09:17:00.002+08:002008-09-01T09:31:14.694+08:00

The market has all your needs...Chicken, duck, pig, fruits and veggies.I go every couple of few days to get the best bird, like these cute chickens that are waiting to be sold as pets...OR MAYBE NOT... Gonna have me some fried chicken.And some veggies to go with the main dish.

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380374584099502805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680555681498550237.post-77752256038311518172008-08-31T22:09:00.005+08:002008-08-31T22:20:22.594+08:00

Not only are there hills and mountains around the town...but a river (or two, or three) run through it.This first pic is the river directly behind my residence that separates the university in two campuses, the Old University and New University.

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380374584099502805noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680555681498550237.post-23046589770713796122008-08-31T21:54:00.003+08:002008-08-31T22:08:47.586+08:00

These views are just outside the western gate of my Uni.This location is about a quarter mile or less from my residence.Half Dome...in Ya'an (and there is another hill that looks just like this one opposite to this hill).

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380374584099502805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680555681498550237.post-10198372572432122112008-08-31T21:30:00.003+08:002008-09-01T16:53:03.527+08:00

The city of Ya'an and my university is couched between a whole bunch of hills and mountains. It's quite lovely. It's green everywhere. BTW, it's called the "Rainy City", because it rains most nights, and into the morning hours, but usually is done by 9 A.M. the latest, and with the humidity (i guess), the bball courts, and everything else is dry by afternoon. If I had known about the nickname of

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380374584099502805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680555681498550237.post-91567330033336659732008-08-27T15:48:00.005+08:002008-09-06T11:54:24.583+08:00

Los Cinco Tour CientoLa entradala sala...mi cuarto...la cocina...and my one cooking thing...it's called a WOK!mi balcon...(con secado de mis ropas) fuera de mi puerta...todos gratis de mi universidad.

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380374584099502805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680555681498550237.post-28791469957727148812008-08-27T15:26:00.002+08:002008-08-27T15:40:11.936+08:00

Here is Ya'an, my destination for a while.Here is my the University that i will be working at...Here is my new gf, posing as she always does...I'm not sure who these guys are...but i spend alot of time with them.Better conversationalists than you would think.jk about the university building...its just a bridge...(duh)

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380374584099502805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680555681498550237.post-69839737788129513832008-08-27T15:18:00.003+08:002008-08-27T15:29:25.540+08:00

(Cont.)And they ate...And ate...And ate...And they ate.These two are especially close to my heart...(they remind me so much of Se*n and Adri*n).Oh, and dont forget MR. MAU...

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380374584099502805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680555681498550237.post-15892660003709057842008-08-27T15:10:00.004+08:002008-08-27T15:26:49.181+08:00

After Shanghai, I went to Chengdu.Went to the Panda Breeding Center.Found a panda...And some more...And they played...And they ate...And ate...AND...

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380374584099502805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680555681498550237.post-25869344380983461882008-08-27T14:58:00.004+08:002008-08-27T15:25:46.402+08:00

(Cont.)And bought a couple of movies...For $1 each! (Nice mark-up, eh?)I had to get out of the heat.Played bball at 8am. Taught some locals how to play "21".After one game, i was completely drenched. HUMID.Had to take a shower each time i went outside.Nice little city, though.

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380374584099502805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680555681498550237.post-74285874554194207812008-08-27T14:33:00.004+08:002008-08-27T15:26:21.964+08:00

I arrived in Shanghai for a couple of days.This was my day.I started out by checking out the local food...I relaxed at the pond...took a walk around town...had a snack...fixed a flat...did my laundry...AND...

Jimbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03380374584099502805noreply@blogger.com0