1. faster. Buses tend to stop for any potential passenger along the way until all seats and the aisle are crowded. Then, it will stop for another half dozen people. Not so with the train.

2. cheaper – enough said.

3. bathroom available.

4. If nobody is standing,  you can walk around.

5. no tv. On buses, you and

[Continue reading Why the Train is the Chinese Winnebago]

Back in my bachelor days, I bought a chair. Not just any old office chair, but an authentic kneeling chair from Norway. The price for a new chair at the time ($370+) was extravagant for my Starbucks barista salary. So, I did some searching and found a second-hand chair on eBay for around $70. I

[Continue reading The Kneeling Chair]

Our neighbor has been cleaning out her daughter’s bedroom. In an effort to waste nothing, Schäfer has been acquiring loads of blank notebooks, paints, and even a set of old crayons. They look like they’re from the 1980′s, but based off how old our friend’s daughter is, I’d say these are mid-90′s. Vintage indeed.

For your

[Continue reading 1990s Anti-Proletarian Elves]

For the past 4 years, I’ve survived off of 16 cookie cutters.

I was just fine.

I didn’t know any different.

I’m a survivor.

When we were in the states, I found this barrel of goodness at Michael’s Craft Store for $9.95:

1. Yep. $9.95!
2. I had a 50% off coupon for one item at full price.
3. I had a

[Continue reading 117 cookie cutters + two more]

When the customers are away, waitresses watch the Monkey King all day!

At any moment on Chinese television, you will find some rendition of the Chinese classic, Journey to the West which is primarily about the adventures of a Buddhist monk plus companions traveling to India to find enlightenment. Most westerners know the story for the

[Continue reading Captive Audience]

In honor of having finished a nice block of homemade manchego, let’s talk about cheese.

Please allow me to introduce the cheese available at our local grocery store: Breakfast Cheese.

As far as I can tell, there is no difference in product except packaging color.

5 slices 13.60 rmb ($1.99)
10 slices green 23.80 rmb ($3.49)
10 slices orange 23.

[Continue reading Let’s Talk Cheese]