Category Archives: Politics & History

“The Skin of Water” – Captivating Romance, Exquisite Writing & Fascinating Historical Setting

Posted on April 30, 2013 by Junying Kirk

My Rating: 5 Stars “Excuse me,” I said to John, who was watching TV on the couch sitting next to me. I had to reach over him to get to a tissue box for my tears. No, I wasn’t watching … Continue reading →

Posted in Author Support, Book Reviews, Politics & History, Reading & Writing, UK, USA & Europe | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Hong Kong, Cantonese Food and Facebook Friends – One China, Two Systems

Posted on March 22, 2013 by Junying Kirk

After a terrible long journey from Birmingham to Dubai and delays which made my 12-hour outbound flight time double, Hong Kong proved a huge relief and welcome change. My frustration and deprivation of sleep didn’t stop me from being instantly impressed … Continue reading →

Posted in Arts & Culture, China & East Asia, Food & Cuisine, Politics & History, Social Media & Photography, Travel Logs | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Happy International Women’s Day! 庆祝三八国际妇女节

Posted on March 8, 2013 by Junying

This morning, on the 8th March 2013, I woke up to the beeping sound of text messages. I opened my sleepy eyes and saw a surprising text from an unexpected source: I just wanted to wish you Happy International Women’s … Continue reading →

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Huanglongxi, A Town Oozing with Historical Charm and Changing with Times – 黄龙溪古镇

Posted on March 4, 2013 by Junying Kirk

On the first day of the Year of Snake, my Second Aunt called me: “Your Uncle and I are collecting you and your mum in half an hour and we are going to Huanglongxi.” “Wonderful,” I replied, “Isn’t that the … Continue reading →

Posted in Arts & Culture, China & East Asia, Food & Cuisine, Politics & History, Social Media & Photography, Travel Logs | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Nanjing Sights: Confucius Temple & Qinhuai River (#南京夫子庙和秦淮河）- Part Two

Posted on February 20, 2013 by Junying Kirk

The second morning I was in Nanjing, ten days before the Year of Dragon came to an end, I was woken up by wafts of fragrant smells in the air, tantalizing my senses, making my appetite immediately alert with hunger … Continue reading →

Posted in China & East Asia, Entertainment, Food & Cuisine, Politics & History, Travel Logs | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Traditional Trees

Posted on December 28, 2012 by John Kirk

by John Kirk As we begin to think about dismantling the Christmas tree and putting the decorations back into their boxes for another year, few of us will question the presence of a fir tree in our lounges at this … Continue reading →

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