The Eastern Piece

Going to Nanjing

2009-05-13T23:02:00.003-04:00

Hey folks, I'm leaving for Nanjing in 20 hours to attend a weekend workshop on Chinese-American relations hosted by the Hopkins-Nanjing Center. I will of course update upon my return.

Free to Express Myself

2009-05-11T23:09:00.006-04:00

Sometimes I feel that doesn't always quite apply to me,

a 185cm 85kg white male grokking a "second-tier" Chinese city.

Whether tripping over a curb by my carelessness or exposing my forested legs by wearing shorts, I sometimes feel my most everyday actions are scrutinized.

Wears jeans: check.

Dark hair and eyes: Asian lineage?

Has 2 ipods, 2 computers, and a cellphone: yup, rich and excessive

Uses chopsticks: wow!

Uses chopsticks: incorrectly, check.

Am I being carefully evaluated; confirming, contradicting, and creating Chinese conceptions of Americans?

I sometimes think so, especially when I am in a coffee bar and the blink of a red light indicates my picture has been taken...

....or when I'm on a bus and a cellphone pointed in my direction is clearly being used to photograph me, despite the holder's false appearance of typing a text message...

....or when I'm on a ferry and a person moves near to me to have their picture snapped, pretending to be oblivious to my presence...

Haha, you get the point, right?

I can't help but wonder if those instances just represent those who aren't good at being covert; that in reality, I'm constantly on show, like a monkey in a zoo, or a fish in an aquarium. I once imagined a business plan to track foreigners using envisioning camo, safari hats, and binoculars (yes, my creativity sometimes goes wild)

So you can imagine my envy at the freedom and carefree individuality many Chinese express on a daily basis.

For example, Chinese sometimes wear neon colors, creative designs, mismatched articles, and shirts with ridiculous sayings, yet I'm the only person who seems to care about this spectacle.

Just the other day, I passed a Chinese guy publicly singing his heart out as his MP3 played music into his ears. Just a few seconds later, I walked by another guy, also publicly singing his heart out, sans MP3. Yet I was the only one to smile in amusement at their passion.

Or how about the shy girl who flashes a peace-sign and offers a loud "yeah!" whenever she approvingly encounters something. Yet I'm the only who seems baffled by this quite expressive outburst from a quite quiet girl.

In fact, I find myself looking longer at strangers, approaching the point of staring. I've sneakily snapped photos, with scores of other occasions when I wish I had my camera. Just yesterday, upon noticing a really tall Chinese guy, I nudged my friend, remarking on the tall man's height.

Some friends back home worry that I am "going native." Don't worry, I don't feel like a Chinese at all. But I am understanding that I'm not a monkey in a cage. There are no bars. I'm here by choice. And Chinese are every bit as curious as I am. The sooner I'm more comfortable with this curioisity the better for both me and my newfound friends to learn together, and hopefully smile and laugh at each others antics.

Video from the "Eco-Working Holiday"

2009-05-10T20:46:00.004-04:00

Return from Wuyishan

2009-05-06T04:21:00.002-04:00

I've returned my trip to the heart of China's tea country. Here are some pictures:

On the move

2009-04-23T09:35:00.000-04:00

Travelling to Wuyishan Mountains tomorrow. Look for pictures and commentary when I return on Monday/Tuesday!

2009-04-20T00:44:00.005-04:00

A cloudy, gray day became bright and sunny as approximately eighty volunteers gathered from all walks of life in downtown Xiamen to christen Island Care Day as a “working holiday.”

Saturday's day-long event was implemented by Xiamen Green Cross Association, a local environmental NGO with 10 years of history raising environmental consciousness and promoting green-living among Xiamen residents.

Before departing Bailuzhou Park, Azure Ma, director of the Xiamen Green Cross Association, thanked corporate sponsors Xiamen Airlines and ABB for their support while explaining the idea behind a “working holiday.”

But what better way to understand the concept of a “working holiday” than to experience it?

And so professional volunteers, representatives from the American Consulate, students, and concerned citizens set off for Dingxi Reservoir, located about 75 minutes north of Xiamen near Tong'an. The volunteers were divided into three groups to explore different parts of the region. Armed with shovels, gloves, and plastic bags, the volunteers learned about the rich local flora, the importance of reservoirs for maintaining safe drinking water, and the threats imposed by invasive species, pollution, and littering.

And everyone got involved in the fun.

Cameramen, with large cameras in one hand, dragged invasive plants to a fire with the other. Reporters carrying microphones still picked up left-behind bottles, wrappers and plastic bags. Even Gary Oba, American officer-designee for Xiamen, lent a hand, wading deep into the underbrush searching for invasive plants threatening the local wildlife. When the work was accomplished, the volunteers reunited to eat dinner and listen to the reservoir manager explain the significance and history of Dingxi..

At the end of the day, the volunteers were tired from their labor, but the smiles on their faces made it clear that they had enjoyed themselves, having made new friends and knowing they made a difference. As the pile of invasive plants burned, one volunteer remarked that the bonfire reminded her of the Olympic flame, as both represent the success and pride resulting from hard work.

For more photos check out my Picasa album

Yours truly, propaganda chief

2009-04-11T04:57:00.004-04:00

For those of you who aren't aware, I've been working at a local NGO as part of my Fulbright research project. Last night, I was nominated to become propaganda chief. I know, me, of all people!

It was a nice reminder that different conceptions can be attached to words. In the US, propaganda is strongly associated with the idea of brain-washing, and so is seen negatively. Whereas in China, propaganda is usually seen more neutrally, suggesting "information dessimination" and doesn't necessarily mean distortion.

I'm still working in the propaganda department, where my tasks include helping my ~~comrades coworkers disseminate information about our NGO and its activities. We will be visiting a reservoir next weekend, so I'll be sure to pass on some propaganda back to you all =)~~

Tomb-Sweeping Day

2009-04-04T03:35:00.005-04:00

I visited the nearby temple to observe practices associated with "Tomb Sweeping Day." Sorry for the quality of my pictures, my digital camera is rather old and unfancy.

This first picture is of Chinese attempting to toss coins into the windows of the tower. I assume the higher the window the better the luck?

This picture is of a man depositing "hell money" into the flames within the building. Burning hell money will allow it to be tranferred to the spirit realm where presumbly the deceased can make use of it.

Here is some "hell money" up close. Conversion rate from RMB to Hell Money works in the favor of holders of RMB...can anyone say currency manipulation? =)

Qingmingjie (Clear and Bright Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day) is a day for family members to honor their ancestors by visiting together, cleaning the family tombs, and eating the favorite foods of the recently deceased.

It had been banned by the party as superstitious and backward, but is now a statutary holiday, reversing the previous stance of the party.

This festival is not only for remembering the family dead, but also for honoring the heroic and respected. Of historical note, the Tiananmen incident started on the day of this festival (April 5th) with masses of Chinese remembering Premier Zhou Enlai.

The festival is celebrated throughout greater China, including in Taiwan where President Ma paid respects to the Yellow Emperor, considered the common ancestor of all Chinese. His actions have an interesting political message, emphasizing the unity of Chinese people.

World Buddhist Forum

2009-04-02T04:13:00.002-04:00

China recently hosted the 2nd World Buddhist Forum. Buddhists and scholars from across China and the world, including the Panchen Lama, Beijing's choice for replacing the current Dalai Lama, attended the conference.

My friend Julia, a Fulbright Scholar associated with Renmin University has an informative and interesting commentary about the forum, which she herself attended.

Justice for Victims of Khmer Rouge

2009-03-31T21:52:00.004-04:00

Be at peace with all,

Words not heeded by the leaders of the Khmer Rouge, a regime which terrorized the people of Cambodia, slaughtering some 2,000,000 humans.

Pol Pot led the butcher of his own people for four years in the late 1970s, as he attempted to revert his country to "the good old days," empyting cities and forcing his people into the countryside. He was anti-modern and rabidly anti-intellectual, killing not only those who disagreed with him, but even those who simply wore glasses or spoke a foreign language.

Pol Pot died about 11 years ago, not accounting for his crimes against humanity. But his assistants are now facing trial and punishment. The first, Duch, is currently under trial for crimes to which he has admitted; four more senior leaders are in custody and will also be tried.

The world is full of amazing, friendly, delightful people, each individual having personal stories, experiences, joys, and suffering; yet there remain evil men, blinded by their own vision and sense of self-importance, insisting on the rightness of their own ignorance, terminating the songs, laughter, and stories of millions.

Personalizin'

2009-03-30T13:08:00.004-04:00

I've received feedback that I should be more personal with my blog. So, here is a picture of me preparing to eat this cute little dessert at a lunch hosted by the Better Hong Kong Foundation. Yummy!

Thanks, Amy, for the photo!

Recognizing US-China ties

2009-03-25T22:53:00.005-04:00

China is taking time this week to show its appeciation for US efforts aiding victims of the May 12 Sichuan Earthquake and for the sacrifice of US pilots who died alongside their Chinese allies defending China during WWII.

Sichuan earthquake story:

http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90776/90883/6620908.html

Flying Tigers story:

http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90776/90883/6619415.html

Xiamen "Air Corridor" and other transportation news

2009-03-25T22:20:00.004-04:00

The People's Daily features a story about my current host city, Xiamen. It reads more like a long advertisement for the local Bus Rapid Transit system, but interesting nonetheless.

Xiamen decided to emphasize buses over subway and lightrail, a move that has saved money and time given the environmental characteristics and demographics of this city.

With the year, Xiamen will be connected to highspeed rail northward to Shanghai and southward to Shenzhen by the end of 2010.

Efforts to expand high speed rail are occuring all over China. By April 1st, China will have 800 high speed trains in operation, some of which will cut travel time from 8 hours to 3 hours.

Meanwhile in the United States, Congress Republicans scoff at the idea of high-speed rail. Perhaps train travel doesn't appeal to those with corporate jets, but for a middle class, they're a boon. But first...Americans need to break their image of train travel being synonymous with inconvenient, expensive Amtrack.

Trains are a great method for medium-distance travel in China, where they are cost-effective, clean, safe, punctual, and plentiful.

Granted, trains are slower than airplanes. Yet even so, they can be more time-efficient by taking advantage of unproductive sleeping hours.

With long security lines and big crowds, traveling by air can take the good part of a day. A two-hour flight time can be matched by a two-hour experience in the airport. And delays due to weather will certain lengthen that time.

Now compare your flight experience with my typical Chinese train experience. Most trains between major cities are night trains. So I arrive by public bus about 20 minutes before my train departs, usually around 9:30 pm. (You can arrive as late as 5 minutes before the train departs, just be sure you're familiar with the train station) My bags and body are electonically scanned, without needing to stop. I find my train, prepare my bed, read for a little, and then fall asleep. When I wake up, I've arrived in my destination, well-rested and ready for the day.

C'mon, that totally beats the frazzle of airport travel, eh?

Article on Xiamen's BRT (with picture!)

http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90776/90882/6622299.html

Competing for Brains?

2009-03-22T11:37:00.004-04:00

The organization department of the party is recruiting overseas persons to move to China by offering 146,000 USD in incentives...not bad eh? You would need to agree to live in China at least 6 months and have already attained a high position in your field (for example, a Ph.D. or proven track record). If you're interested, you had best move quickly as only 1000 spots are available!

Also, someone, I think it was Thomas Friedman, suggested that America should give green cards along with diplomas when foreigners graduate from U.S. graduate schools. The race is on...

can i plz drnk?

2009-03-22T11:35:00.001-04:00

Hua County develops new anti-corruption policies. Government officials must receive permission, via text message (before 5 pm) from their supervisors before drinking on weekday evenings. Officials are also forbidden to drink during their lunchtime breack. These policies are being enforced by random breathalyser tests. The random checks will also ensure officials aren't wasting time on computer games!

Chinese officials can spend a lot of money on lavish feasts, I know, I've been invited to a few banquents. And getting drunk before returning to lunch wasn't uncommon. This behavior is wasteful and not good for the party's public image, it will be interesting to see the results of Hua County's experiment.

Water Works

2009-03-22T11:34:00.004-04:00

China is set to join World Water Council in May or June. It needs to take drastic action, as China's NE is quickly drying up. China has however made dramatic progress in supplying water to rural area, and expects to fully remedy the lack of safe drinking water in rural areas by 2013.

Addressing food safety

2009-03-22T11:34:00.002-04:00

The Chinese government fired 8 regulators for lack of supervision leading to the deaths and hospitalizations of thousands of Chinese babies. Maybe I haven't been paying close enough attention, but I haven't heard any rumblings about completely overhauling China's regulatory system, reform which would seem to be in order.

Explosive Flood Control

2009-03-19T00:23:00.001-04:00

Chinese bombers drop 9,000 kilos of dynamite on the Yellow River! (breaking up ice blockage which can cause flooding)

Maybe Elizabeth Economy should come up with a follow up to her book "The River Runs Black"

Any title suggestions?

Regulation notices

2009-03-14T21:48:00.004-04:00

Curious as to how villagers are notified of laws? On a recent visit to the countryside with Michael, I photographed government notices. If your Chinese is up to the task, use this opportunity to read about family-size policy. While not as high-tech as the Obama Administration's webpage,this method of informing villages certainly seems effective and cheap.

Harbor Gate

2009-03-05T09:46:00.004-05:00

Currently in Macao (Aomen) with the Fulbright gang. Heading back to Hong Kong tomorrow. Guangzhou early next week. Return to Xiamen by mid-week.

AP reports that Chinese diplomant saying that Chinese support for NATO not likely in the near future, (http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5g0uwPMWpD_eCivVmyBjPNLKKIWXgD96NKRSO0)

Having a difficult time accessing the internet, I didn't bring my PC with me for this trip. Will update once in Xiamen mid-next week.

To the Fragrant Harbor

2009-03-01T18:08:00.008-05:00

Maybe I shouldn't have started a blog just days before leaving on a trip? In a few few hours I will be en route to Shenzhen, where I will then travel to Hong Kong (Xiang Gang) and Macau (Aomen) for a conference. I'm leaving behind the PC, but if I can borrow someone else's, I'll be sure to update.