Author Archives: John

New site: Homebrew Shanghai

Posted on June 29, 2011 by John

So, I started a new website: homebrewshanghai.com. Modeled after Rob Titley’s Homebrew Korea, I plan to create the same sort of community that helped me out during the trial-and-error periods of my own homebrewing in Korea. So far the … Continue reading →

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Marriage Market in People’s Park

Posted on June 27, 2011 by John

So here’s a cultural oddity: Every weekend in People’s Park hundreds of families come together and create a real-world dating site. Traditionally, from what I’ve read, it’s a parent’s job to find a suitable spouse for a child. And with the … Continue reading →

Posted in blog, china, travel | Tagged market, marriage market, shanghai | 1 Comment

Ordering Beef and Getting Pork

Posted on June 22, 2011 by John

So if there’s one GIANT systemic problem preventing China from becoming a fully industrialized first-world country, its the problems with food safety. If you haven’t done so already, check out the Al-Jazeera report on fake beef. Watched it? OK, good…Honestly, … Continue reading →

Posted in blog, china, random thoughts | Tagged beer, china, exploding watermelons, food, food safety | 1 Comment

Ulysses S. Grant Wine — in China

Posted on June 21, 2011 by John

It appears Barack Obama isn’t the only president having his image misappropriated by businesses in China. Profiteers have since decided being “all about the Benjamins” was too 1999. It’s now time to use a different person on American currency to represent … Continue reading →

Posted in blog, china, random thoughts | Tagged alcohol, china, wine | Leave a comment

Z-Visa Photo Spree

Posted on May 24, 2011 by John

So in the process of getting my work visa, I stopped at a subway photo booth to take photos for my paperwork. This was the result. Remember, I can see deep into your soul…

Posted in china, random thoughts | Tagged china, photo, photo booth, scary, shanghai | 2 Comments

Osama bin Laden Bootleg DVD

Posted on May 11, 2011 by John

Even in China the death of Osama bin Laden is big news. Newspapers had his image plastered everywhere for several days around Shangahi. The reaction to his death has been met with mixed feelings from the Chinese people, according to … Continue reading →

Posted in china, random thoughts | Tagged blog, china, obama, osama | 1 Comment

Overseas Beer Cache: M&S Staffordshire IPA

Posted on May 6, 2011 by John

As I think I’ve mentioned before, China’s beer availability is miles ahead of Korea’s. So, when I see something new, I feel a distinct need to see if it will fill the void in my heart. This time I chose … Continue reading →