Xuzhou Dispatches

VPNs in China

Before moving to China I wish I’d asked these three questions.

Do you need a VPN in China? Yes.

Can you buy one from China? Maybe.

If you plan to continue the life you took for granted in the West without a VPN will you have…

E-bikes: Fashion trends in personal electric transport.

In what is an experiment into listicle/gallery/magazine hybrid-monster territory, I will be posting pictures of the e-bikes I see around my Chinese city, with accompanying words about them, in an ongoing series. Interesting as I find…

Fifth Dispatch 18.4.14

Hello all,

It’s been closer to two weeks than one. This is because there was a change to my schedule this week. It’s been normal to have experiences during the week that I then compile and drizzle with word stew on my days off. I hadn’t had those experiences this…

The personal transport revolution: E-Bikes.

The city is teeming with traffic. Thousands heading to work, taking their kids to school, delivering packages or glass window panes, in a mad flurry of vehicular hustle and bustle. These thousands are using their own personally-owned transport, with all the freedom and flexibility…

Thirteenth Dispatch — The Children’s Concert

On May 29th I took part in a concert of little children performing weakly…

Eighth Dispatch 5.6.14

The streets are sodden, drains working overtime have emptied most of the bigger puddles but it’s still slick and slidey. When it gets rainy eyesight and situational awareness seem to suffer around these parts. Early morning starts for long weekend shifts are not really improved by…

Sixth Dispatch 29.4.14

Hello dear readers,

It is a beautiful day here in Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province. The second of a pair, they have been welcome relief. Earlier this week I experienced one of the few rainstorms I’ve yet seen here. It doesn’t rain here, instead the skies open, the…

Buying a smartphone in China: Agony and Ecstasy

My new phone will be amazing.

My new phone will change my life.

My new phone will be my newest and closest friend.

Having a smartphone in China: Annoyance and Enjoyment

The saga continues.

Chilling here besides me on the couch is my new best friend.

He helps me learn about the world, talk to my friends, my real friends though buddy, not you, they’re…