It's been a fun vacation in the ol' US of A. On September 1st, I leave my quiet, small town retreat to go back to the Communist Regime that I now call my 2nd home. This brings a variety of feelings from elation to sorrow. I have a lot of history in this place and I'm always deeply sad to see it go but find that the thrill of adventure consoles my phantom limbs slightly. Aside from family and friends, a thing I miss greatly is… Continue

Hi guys- My current health insurance policy is about to run out, and I was wanting to shop around and get a quick poll as to what is the best policy for expats living in China. My current policy is from Lloyds of London, and it covers me throughout the world, except for the US, where I only have emergency coverage (i.e. get hit by a car), and it has a US $100 deductable, with an annual fee of USD$1,800. I was thinking about signing up for a US health plan like Kaiser, and then signing up for I… Continue

I flew into Macau on Saturday and then caught the NWFF over to Kowloon. Both the flight and the boat were a bit bumpy, but no sign of the typhoon or her passing fury. Saturday night, hit the town with a couple of expatacular friends and boy oh boy, what a night. Started at Bulldogs, went to a vodka bar and by the time we hit Hart Ave, we were all well cooked. We called another buddy, who was in town, but we think he had a hot date. ;) Sunday was spent in rehab. Slept most of it off, ate a pizz… Continue

Dear All It funny how fast things move in China these days. Items available are as follows: 1. Kitchen Credenza 2. Desk Lamps - small and big 3. Coat Rack 4. Paintings - one large one small -- > both Chinese style 5. toast oven 6. Rug - large floor rug, dark red color 7. Samsung TV - 46" LCD...less than one year old -- asking price RMB 9000 8. 2007 Hyundai Accent...milage 17 K - Kilometers...excellent condition, all fees, insurance and tax paid through 2009...asking price RMB 70 000 I will… Continue

I am off to Hong Kong this weekend. Staying very close to TST station. Anyone around for a beer? Continue

I will be leaving China in the near future. I have an apartment full of furniture and home electronic and computer equipment I am hoping to sell for cut rate prices. Items are as follows: King Bed - HB, FB and Rail Bookcase, China Cabinet Credenze Sofa and club chair 46" Samsug LCD TV Microwave Toaster Oven Washing Machine Lamps and desk lights Exercise bike Desk top computer, modem, wireless router, LCD screen, Canon printer. And other stuff.... For those interested please email me at frankm… Continue

Via @frankyu, I was informed that CCTV Olympics is the best way to watch the Olympics online in China.

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If looking for extra money and the opportunity to meet people then this is it. Online Teaching Opps. If interested respond to tofredt@yahoo.com and leave contact info. or simply respond here. What I can tell you - you set your own schedule, students provided all the work is done all you have to do is teach. It's fun and the people you meet become good friends, which in my experience has allowed to to travel to more places in order to meet them and hang out. So as the saying goes the "Choice is Y… Continue

Today, the stammtish brothers held the first annual football tournament. There were 5 teams… Continue

I am on the move at the moment in the UK. Spent a few days here in Birmingham. It's a nice enough city, reminds me of Sydney a bit but there is a dark element to it. Like any big city is has its share of shady looking characters. There is SOOOOO MUCH CCTV here though and police wandering around all the time, it's hard to feel threatened or unsafe. That being said, it also hard to relax. You feel like even though they are on your side, you are being watched everywhere and all the time. A few tie… Continue