Author Archives: Meg
Have Your Say Podcast
I’m having trouble linking directly to my episode, but here are the podcasts for World Have Your Say program. Look for the February 14th one! Edit: Here is it! Subscribe to Violet Eclipse by Email
On My Soapbox, With Cliches About China
If we are to see the Olympics as (good heavens, it hurts to type this) China’s big coming-out party, then China cannot hide behind the “developing country” defense much longer. When the international community pressures China on the environment or … Continue reading
Sparkly Like a Holiday
Stick went out to get that typical American gift, a dozen red roses, but in China nothing is mundane. The roses came with glitter, tinsel, rose-printed cellophane, magenta tissue paper, and purple curling ribbon. Did you ever see that part … Continue reading
No, Alanis, It’s Unfortunate.
I had to run some errands the other day, and I stopped into UBC Coffee afterwards for a cup of almost-coffee. Eating alone in restaurants is a weird guilty pleasure of mine. I really like it, but I also think … Continue reading
Discworld Fans
This is not where I would have filed Terry Pratchett, but then what do I know? Edit 2/16: Mental Floss trackback today!
Snacking With Trimalchio
When I lived in Yantai, I believed I had been offered every bit of sealife imaginable. Like most theories I had about China, this turned out to be inaccurate. I think the seahorses might have been a novelty item even … Continue reading
Baiyunguan Temple Fair
Today Stick and I visited the temple fair at Baiyunguan, the White Cloud Temple. It’s right by the Muxidi subway stop and the Capital Museum. If you’re planning a visit, the White Cloud Temple is NOT on White Cloud Street, … Continue reading
Rose-Colored
My student Melissa stopped by yesterday to give me a New Year’s gift… she brought over two gorgeous red rat-shaped papercuts so Stick and I could decorate for the year of the Rat! When she came in, I noticed she’d … Continue reading
Partying Like It’s 4706!
Here’s the view out our living room! Gorgeous fireworks of all different shapes and colors are exploding in every direction! It’s been going on since yesterday afternoon and our jokes about the Mardi Gras fireworks have devolved into shouting “What?” … Continue reading
Russian Mirage
Stick and I went exploring down the Russian street between the Ritan Park Jenny Lou’s and The Place. It’s at the eastern end of Ritan Bei Lu, where it meets Dongdaqiao Lu. The last time I was at The Place, … Continue reading
