Here are five inventions

that make life a bit easier here. Of course, these aren't exclusive to China and can be found in other developing nations.

Since machine clothes dryers don't seem to exist, there are a multitude of hanging devices of various shapes, sizes and colors to choose from. A smaller green one came with the apartment, but life is better having another one. I picked up this blue 18 hanger for $1. I enjoy using this; it reminds me of the times helping my mom hang laundry on the clothesline. I don't know if something like this is even available in the U.S., given the prevalence of clothes dryers, but I think I'm going to bring this home and let a few things dry the natural way.


One has to bring napkins everywhere: restaurants, bathroom, etc. These little packets fit easily in pockets. Every package contain 10 packets with 10 tissues - so 100 napkins costs around forty cents. I think I'll bring a few of these home, too, considering the way we go through kleenex!


I had one of these water dispensers in Chile and loved it. (They're also available in the U.S. for a ridiculously high price.) It has hot and cold spouts. The cold option isn't all that cold, so water still needs to be refrigerated. But the hot water is hot and comes in handy for tea and coffee. One sees these everywhere. They are available in the hallways in the academic buildings, too. Students use their dining card to activate it. Five dispensers are available in the Kindergarten. It seems no one dares to drink the tap water! Getting a new bottle is easy. Just a phone call and twenty minutes later a man arrives with a fresh one. He puts the water on the dispenser and takes away the empty one. The dispenser itself is very affordable and a bottle of water costs Y10 ($1.50) and lasts us about five days.


The daily newspaper is available for reading through out the city. The U. has one of these near each entrance.


This one may be uniquely Chinese. Ramps are available at most steps to move your two wheeler. The ramps come in various forms. They can be narrow and be on both sides; narrow or wide and be on only one side; or narrow or wide and in the middle of the stairs.

Additional photos from Sunday

Bamboo trees in the sunhine:


The park in late Autumn:


A simple bell tower:

The weather outside is...

DELIGHTFUL!! The cold front moved out and for over a week the temps have been in the 60's with a cloudless blue sky and plenty of sunshine. Today was a day to be outside. We headed to Green Lake Park with the intention of seeing the Russian birds (some type of water fowl) that migrate to Kunming every winter. We saw the birds in the air, but couldn't locate their landing spot. (We didn't try that hard - just hoping we would come across it.) But, this is what we did see:

The kids were really impressed with this floating ball "ride":


We were treated to some sweet harmony from these talented ladies:


This sculpture is dedicated to the enviroment:


"Where's my bike?" - a typical parking lot for the country's millions of two-wheelers:


Later, we went to Dico's - China's version of McDonald's. They serve a tasty meal of chicken, rice with mushrooms, tomatoes & cucumbers with a bowl of egg drop soup for Y13 (under $2). The food is tastier, healthier and cheaper than McD's. And the bonus is an awesome playscape at the downtown location. Here's Mr. C. taking a break from jumping and climbing. Meanwhile, his sister wouldn't stand still long enough for a photo op; hence, a no-show from the "I'm too busy" Miss E.:

KMUST "Gardens"

I'm not sure what the official name is of this area of campus, but I call it "the gardens". To picture the Li Gong campus, imagine a recantangle-shaped bowl. The campus has four tiers - the "rim" or top tier is the woods, the third tier is faculty/employee housing, the second tier is the gardens and the final tier is the flat part of the bowl: the academic/adminstrative/ buildings, student dorms, dining halls and athletic facilities. Here are some scenes:

The university guesthouse: many colleges have a guesthouse/hotel on campus. Seminars and other events take place on campus and the location is ideal for attendees. Sometimes universities also rent out the rooms (two beds, western bathroom, tv) to the public for about Y200 ($26) per night. We stayed in something similiar in Shanghai.


The tennis court is open to anyone affiliated with the U. An additional court is in the "woods".


Ditto for the croquet court, although it's primarily used by the senior set.


Three levels of paths with tables and stools are available. This area stretches the length (north-south) of the university. The Kindergarten is also located on the garden level.


One of the paths that connect the housing "tier" to the academic "tier" via the gardens. This is my commute (a less than 15 minute walk door to door) to and from class.

Soccer Sunday

Gustavo has been playing soccer for about a month now, which makes him one happy guy! The games are on Saturday or Sunday, in venues near and far. He found this group a little late in the season, but they welcomed him just the same. They are all connected to one of the nearby five universities. The season will end this month and a new one starts early March. Here is the motley crew. They're not in unifrom as this photo was taken after a non-league match. It's truly an international group - 10 countries from six continents are represented.



Our social life has picked up. We see the New Zealand couple Lew and Chris now and then. At the KMUST Sport Day event, I met a 50-something American woman, married to a 40-something Chilean man, who are here with two kids - sound a bit familiar?! Even though Susan and Eduardo's kids are older (ages 13 & 16) than ours, we have way too much in common for that to make a difference. Their girls have been raised and schooled mostly in Chile and now attend the international school (English instruction) here. This is the family's third year in Kunming and they are a wonderful resource. Eduardo is also very involved with the local soccer scene, which has opened more soccer related avenues for Gustavo. However, both families are leaving shortly for a 6-10 week stay in their respective home countries. Avoiding winter and enjoying summer in the southern hemisphere sounds like a plan! So, we'll reconnect with everyone after the Chinese New Year, February 7. We are also on friendly terms with a few of the Kindergarten parents. Hopefully that will turn into some friendships too.

Emerald Chicken Park

Since the air was cool and the sun was intense, we went to a new park after lunch: the Emerald Chicken. I have no idea how the park got its name, as we saw nothing that remotely resembled a bright green chicken! Maybe it's one of those "lost in translation" phrases. Some highlights:

The park consisted of a lot of concrete, but it did have grass, trees, benches and a walking path in the middle. On the other side, there is a large flat area of concrete for wheeled activities. Also a restaurant and snack shop is available. We spent most of the time in the exercise/play area.


One unhappy balloon lady. I guess sales aren't going well today.


Nothing like a heated game of mah jong to draw a crowd.


Trying out the equipment: "Twist and shout!" I suggested. Of course, that flew way over these two (very young) heads!


This is one of two dance and music performances going on. Many of the ethnic minority groups often share some of their culture through dances in the parks.

Li Gong Xiao Xue (cont)

The left side of the rooftop gym:


The right side:


One of several cheerfully designed stairwells:


A climbing wall near the playground - the kids love this!


The playground as viewed from the gym. Further behind the playscape there is a wading pool and a maze structure. It's fun to watch the kids tackle the maze because the walls are just above their heads but only waist height of the adults.

Li Gong Xiao Xue

is the name of the kids' school. Li Gong (Lotus) is the name of our campus. These pictures were taken when we picked up the kids for their break.

Carlos' classroom:


Elena's classroom:


One of the nap rooms. About 20 other kids also go home during nap time (noon - 2:30). I guess their parents don't want them up until 11 pm either! C. and E. put in a full day - they're usually conked out by 8 pm. School starts at 8:30 and ends at 5:30.


Each child has their own towel, cup and bowl.


All cleaned up after lunch, and the snack will be prepared soon. Breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack (usually fruit or soup) is provided.

B-b-brrrrrrr

It's cold!! I know that all of you in the Midwest can relate with the recent snow and ice. And it looks like the worst of the storm didn't quite get as far as Michigan, right? Well, you have company. Last night we were jolted with a cold front (from Siberia, maybe?) coming in. Even though we are not experiencing freezing temperatures, we are cold. It's a dry cold with the temps in the low 40's. The temperature has been dropping and the wind has been picking up all week.

Today I opened up our "Winter suitcase". Gustavo and the kids were surprized (and glad) to see their warm coats. We've had the hats and gloves out for a while now. (There was a strange cold spell that lingered for a week in October.) Since I experienced winter in two other countries that do not have central heat, I ignored the conventional wisdom to forego packing the winter gear. Ha! Winter is winter, which means one thing - cold (san the Carribean). Not only did I pack the coats, hats, gloves, long underwear, wool socks, scarves and ear muffs (for me), I brought along an electric blanket, two down throws, and winter slippers. I did leave the boots at home though, mainly because I detest wearing boots!

We do have a small heater that can take the chill off. With no central heat, it can be warmer outside than inside. December is the coldest and driest month for Kunming. It can get as low as freezing and it has snowed for a day or two in recent years. If it's cloudy, it's downright uncomfortable. If it's sunny, it feels much warmer, and wearing sunscreen is advised because the sun is so intense.

I like to believe that God created Winter so we would appreciate the other three seasons all the more. Remember, we'll get through this one, just like the ones before. Stay warm!

The Movies

We noticed that the Disney movie Ratatouille was playing at a theatre near us, so we decided to see it before it left town. Movies at the big screen don't last long, but soon after the DVD (and all the bootleg copies) become readily available. The ticket girl was hesitant to sell us tickets, making sure that we knew that the movie was "no English". We said "dui" (ok, no problem), bought the tickets and entered the cinema. It was huge - 6 floors, with 6 screens per floor. With comfortable seats and excellent screen quality, we enjoyed the show. We understood the movie just fine and it was fun picking out the Chinese that we do know.