Lists

(Emily)

I found the answers to two question that had been bothering me:

1. Question: How could you possibly slice a fish into perfectly even cubes while leaving the flesh attached to the skin and then get rid of all of the internal organs?
   Answer: You turn the fish inside out before you cook it.
2. Question: Why do the Chinese set off fireworks all the time?
   Answer: Because they can. Apparently fireworks aren't just for New Years or other holidays--you can set them off when you get married or at the launch of a new business.

Chinese Flash Mobs and Other Strange Behaviors

(Joseph)

Our team, or the mighty G.O.A.T.s (Going Overseas Adventure Team), had an…amusing time in Kunming, where we met Mr. Randy Hoover, Dover-Sherborn Middle School teacher. Randy was kind enough to take time out of his vacation to be our guide for a day and a half, and it was great to see a familiar and friendly face—with a mouth that spoke very good English.

When Randy mentioned the option of biking around Kunming, I must admit: my stomach dropped and my pulse quickened. If you have not already read my previous blog about driving in China, please do to appreciate my anxiety here. The thought of biking amidst a bunch of drivers to whom rules seem non-existent was not a welcome one, but Randy assured us that it would not be so bad, and that we, unlike the Chinese, would wear helmets for protection.

Transcendental Terracotta

(Mel)

As someone with a keen interest in ceramics, today’s activities were so awesome I’m still not totally convinced it happened. Seeing as yesterday’s flight got delayed by six hours we had a late start for our first full day in Xi’an but nevertheless (and not surprisingly) we were able to cram in lots of sight-seeing. The day was essentially a voyage to the terra cotta army but we made a few stops along the way.