Observations of a city
Updated: 2014-05-20 09:06
By Sun Ye (China Daily)
|
|||||||||||
Vincent Hein keeps notes of his daily encounters in Beijing and observes aspects of life that are not necessarily specific to Asia. [Photo provided to China Daily] |
So he started to take notes about his life and circulate them among his friends.
"My choice of the subjects are intentional," he says. The format of diary allows him to explore feelings and focus on descriptions instead of commentary. It is also a tribute to Nicolas Bouvier and those travel writers who "weren't trying to judge the land alien to them".
"I try to be just and my principle is always this - we are the same. I have more in common with my (Chinese) wife than any French girl."
He lists a number of cultural differences in East of the Clouds. Consider yourself a long-time expatriate, he writes, if you say yes to the following questions: Does Sprite go with wine? Do you have to look before crossing a street? Do you carry an umbrella in sunny weather?
"That's just in jest, just to show how we can make jokes about each other," he says, laughing. "I have an equally strong Chinese version."
There was a brief spell when he was irritated by the city's winter chills and smog-clogged skyline. But he says the problem was less with the city and more with himself.
Related Stories
West turns new page in thinking on Chinese literature 2013-08-03 07:35
New novel sparks interest in dialect literature 2013-06-12 10:29
Mo Yan promotes Chinese literature 2013-05-22 09:59
Haven of Literature 2013-05-20 09:38
Today's Top News
Russia-China fund puts $1b into deals
China attracts more migrants
US attacks Beijing's cyber space
W Cup suppliers use toxic chemicals
China hosts major Asia security conference
Concerns grow as real estate cool-down continues
China, Russia naval drill focuses on maritime threat
Deadly flooding hits Balkans
Hot Topics
Lunar probe , China growth forecasts, Emission rules get tougher, China seen through 'colored lens', International board,
Editor's Picks
Long march to end employment bias |
Variety is the spice of academic life |
Documents prove the truth can't be buried |
Race to remember story of resistance |
Strait talking: From enemy to friend |
Welcome to the world’s largest garbage dump |