As my time to leave China approaches, I have been scrambling to learn how to make the dishes that I know for sure I will be missing after I’m gone. Steamed shitake mushroom vegetable buns are among the first on my list. Warm, soft, and nutritious, the bao buns have...
Growing up we’re often told that “Money doesn’t grow on trees.” After my recent experiences, I can say with full confidence that this is wrong. Those familiar with my blog know that I am a tea enthusiast. Recently, I took it upon myself to take a trip...
Back home breakfast for me was whatever I was able to find in the fridge; Leftover pizza, quick oatmeal, or I’d skip breakfast entirely. A cup of coffee would suppress appetite and soon it was already lunchtime. I often skipped breakfast. However, living in China and...
If you’re like me, at this point you’ve probably written down all the plans you had in mind for 2020, piled them on to a little wooden toy boat, and given them a Viking funeral in your bathtub. While you’re committing your goals for the year to the halls of...
Chinese women have had to fight for their rights to equality, and that battle doesn’t seem to be over yet. Historically the role of women in China has been one of obedience and servitude. They were made to adhere to strict beauty standards that were sometimes outright...
Recognizing Expat Depression There comes a moment in every expat’s journey when the fun and excitement of living abroad finally wears off and reality kicks in. Realizing that the honeymoon phase is over, the task of daily life abroad can become a vexing and...
As an expat in China, one of the most interesting things about living abroad has been interacting with Chinese people and trying to understand Chinese culture. While it might be easy to say that Italians like coffee and pasta, the French always kiss on the cheek when...
Living in a foreign country forces you to leave behind your old habits and reinvent yourself. If you refuse to be shaped by the host country’s culture you are going to have a very challenging time living abroad. On the other hand, if you decide to bend and let the new...
Many people ask: "How Can I Move Abroad? " There are different reasons why people want to live in a foreign country. It mostly depends on life goals. Some people decide to take a gap year and go abroad. For them, this is an opportunity to experience different cultures...