Blog Author - Ember Swift

On the Joy of Train Station Turnstiles
Whenever I return to Shandong with the kids to see their Chinese relatives, I have to pick up my train ticket in person before I can board the tra
Packing Tape to the Rescue: How I Learned to Love the Ultimate Fixer-Upper
Have you ever noticed that Chinese people seem to fix everything with tape? I know I’m generalizing here.
Outdoor Gamers, Beijing-Style
Our apartment complex just experienced a minor face-lift.
A Beijing Bike Mystery
Recently, a mysterious thing happened. I came out of  my apartment and couldn’t find my bike.
To China, with Love: A Relationship Deepened Over Time
When I first came to Beijing I was already in love with Chinese culture.
Indulging the Surprising Joys of Jackfruit
Every Chinese New Year includes an unexpected discovery for this long-term laowai in China.
Extolling the Virtues Millet Magic and Why You Too Should Congee
Every day, it’s on our table. Every meal. My mother-in-law swears by it.
Laser Egg Comes to the Rescue with Eggxact AQI and Pollution Readings
I’ve been living in Beijing now since 2008.
Let Your Hair Down: Getting Pampered in the Capital
“To pamper” is defined as “to indulge with every attention, comfort, and kindness.” When we read such a gentle definition, it’s a wonder that we put...