User Comments - RJ

Posted on: Aren't you.... （不是.... 吗）

Hey Brent, thanks for asking. The trip was very busy. More so than I like but we did get a lot done. My third week was supposed to be a  mixture of vac and work depending on the company needs. As it turned out there were no pressing supplier visits needed that week so my wife asked me to come home. I had mixed feelings about this but I agreed knowing that longer trips will be necessary in the near future. My only real disappointment was that I was planning to visit Cpod during these last few days and because of my early departure I did not get that chance. Next time for sure.

I still have not replaced my camera which was stolen in you wonderful Chicago airport last year. Thats what I get for putting it in checked baggage I guess. I figured I have plenty of pics of China but I did regret not having a camera, so its on my list for next trip. Jiaxing was a beautiful city at night with lantern lit streets and canals full of shops and restaurants. I really felt good there. No westerners except us. Prices are low.Its a small city for China (1.5 million I think) but it has a small town feel and the food was great. I even manged to speak some Chinese and was actually understood. As for stories....well we will get to that later when we get a chance to talk. I also went to Nanjing for the first time and I liked the atmosphere there as well. Love the trains, had a good time, got a lot of work done but it all just went way way too fast. Cant wait to go back. Next trip should be a little less hectic. I really prefer going to China on vacation, which I have done, because then I dont have to work at all. It is so much nicer that way, so again I am saving frequent flyer miles. Last year I was able to go for free (7 days) using accumulated miles and marriott points for the hotel. Its nice that the company lets us keep accumulated miles and points for personal use. I would also like to see Taiwan some day but I have also promised the wife a trip to Las Vegas soon. She will not sit in a plane for 14 hours. Just can not get her to do it. I have to admit, I like vegas also. Something about those crap tables that draws me like a magnet. And of course I win (well, most of the time). Take care.

RJ

Posted on: Aren't you.... （不是.... 吗）

Here's the deal. Send one Monte Cristo cigar to Ken (yes he's in on this) and a 2 Lb box of american chocholates to Dave and the girls, and the turtle walks again Im guessing. You could throw in a few cans of cat food for Dave. You have 48 hours to make arrangements and provide a DHL tracking number. btw - the small beast has left me with 3 stitches in my middle finger. Maybe it is a she :-). Immediate rescue is highly recommended.

RJ

Posted on: Aren't you.... （不是.... 吗）

Yes of course, I like the turtle very much. We have become fast friends. 我喜欢 sparechange的龟很多。He will not be harmed.

Posted on: Aren't you.... （不是.... 吗）

Congratulations on a relatively smooth transition to the new format. Spare Change - I have your turtle. He really enjoyed the trip to China but unfortunately my schedule didnt allow for a visit to Cpod. Next time for sure. He is now resting comfortably in an undisclosed location in Cleveland. I will be in touch for ransom negotiations. I am prepared to go low since this guy really eats a lot.

Clay - no more slurping? It has become a trademark. By your "old man" do you mean your father or your boss? If its your boss, then you must sneak one more in, being the iconoclastic beast that you are. If you mean your father - well then, respect. I will understand.

What I am finding to be most useful in learning speech are the expansion sentences. I really like this feature. Even the newbie lessons, as short and simple as they are, contain many gold nuggets worthy of memorization in the expansion section. I wish we could some how save selected sentences from these sections into one master file for later and continuous review.

RJ

Posted on: Souvenirs and Strange Statues

Love the goat thing.

Posted on: Souvenirs and Strange Statues

I have always had bad luck with gifts. I do have a rolex that is still working after several years and I like the watch but I have brought back watches that only lasted days. If you can get them for 150 you are a man and will impress the locals. So if you pay more, lie and say 150 and you will get nods of approval.:-) Oh and the monte blanc pens - very tempting but I have ruined several shirts. As for bags, I have even taken pictures of them for pre-approval but when I get them home they are not used. Women. Go figure. Dvd's sometimes wont play but if you try enough dvd players you usually can find one on which it will work. Clay is right about the candy. Kids love stuff with chinese writing on it. The adult version of this is cigarettes, if they smoke. I bought some silk artwork in Suzhou that was simply amazing. Love it, and its cheap. Pictures are created with silk thread. Tea cups are good. I once had to buy an extra suitcase to accomodate all the teacups that were ordered. Nowadays I simply announce - Im not bringing anything back. Much easier.

Posted on: Souvenirs and Strange Statues

light, Im afraid you're in the dark on this one. tell me where it is and I will believe. This thing is probably sitting on Clay's desk. :-) There is a true and natural phallic rock formation and its female counterpart to be found in Thailand's "Grandfather" and "Grandmother" rocks.

Posted on: Souvenirs and Strange Statues

mmmm, funny how terraviagra's pride seems to be glued on with some mysterious red substance. I have a bridge for sale.

Posted on: Cat in the Hat

Brent, oh yea, cats love to "help" you read or study, lay out some clothes and they will "iron" them for you. Why is that? never could figure that out. I want to know more about this fear of fur. "Furafobia". The DSM-IV calls it "doraphobia". I dont think its more common among the Chinese but it is more common among women. At least she wont want a mink coat. I once had a girlfriend with a fear of clothing. we got along just fine but had to break it off. I just couldnt take her anywhere. :-) sorry

Posted on: Chicago

artko- nice pics. The "L" in L train is short for "EL" which is short for "elevated" train which may not be obvious to a non native english speaker. Then again, maybe it is. I have to get to China town Chicago.