Monthly Archives: December 2011

Oslo, a First-Class Metropolis or the World’s Most Expensive City?

Posted on December 29, 2011 by Junying Kirk

Since it’s the holiday season, I thought I’d take you for a picture tour of another amazing Northern European city. Oslo is our destination today. A couple of years ago, to celebrate our wedding anniversary, we flew to Norway for … Continue reading →

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The Fourth Round: The Battle of the Bikes

Posted on December 27, 2011 by John Kirk

When I first visited Beijing in 1994 it was minus 20C. The sky was an incredible azure colour, the wind blasted in from the Gobi Desert and the streets were filled with bicycles. I had never seen so many bicycles … Continue reading →

Posted in China & East Asia, Economics & Society, Politics & History, Travel Logs, True Life Story, UK, USA & Europe | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

2011 – End of Year Reflections and Acknowledgements

Posted on December 23, 2011 by Junying Kirk

Days before the new Millennium under our sparkly Christmas tree, I opened a carefully wrapped present and was greeted with a little note book with beautiful sunflowers on the cover. It was a gift from a thoughtful friend who knew … Continue reading →

Posted in Social Media & Photography, True Life Story, UK, USA & Europe | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 18 Comments

Memoirs Aren’t Fairytales – Death and Survival in China

Posted on December 21, 2011 by Junying Kirk

  Death be not proud, though some have called thee Mighty and dreadful, for thou art not so; For those whom thou think’st thou dost overthrow Die not, poor death, nor yet canst thou kill me.   -John Donne   … Continue reading →

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Author Dialogue 8: Chatting with Compassionate, Energetic and Chinese-Speaking Gordon Mathieson

Posted on December 17, 2011 by Junying Kirk

Gordon, It was lovely to have met you via the wonderful Social Media, and a very warm welcome to my world! I just noticed from your Facebook that it’s your special day tomorrow, so I’m publishing your interview today, as … Continue reading →

Posted in Author Support, Economics & Society, Interviews, Politics & History, Reading & Writing, True Life Story, UK, USA & Europe | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

Iceland – Land of Ice, Gullfoss and Geysers

Posted on December 15, 2011 by Junying Kirk

“We are going to Iceland, John,” I greeted my husband cheerfully when he came home from work, before he’d even got off his bike. “Really? When?” He asked, a little breathless from his exertion. “18th of November, a couple of … Continue reading →

Posted in Economics & Society, Travel Logs, True Life Story, UK, USA & Europe | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 13 Comments