Norway Do’s & Don’t’s, according to laws & local customs and my own humble observations: ~Do say “hello,” “thank you” (“tussen takk”—thousand thanks), & make small talk. ~Don’t fear for your safety. ~Do enjoy the many vegan options provided at so many non-vegan spots (just bought vegan cake right outside the fish market). ~Don’t strain…
Not a police officer here?
Norway Reflections, Part II: But I have a question: “Where are all the police?” I asked. “Because in four days here so far, I haven’t seen a single police officer.” Response from a native Norwegian: “Well, you could be here many months and not see one.” “ “Well, what about roving bands of teenagers? Like…
What’s Going On in Norway?
“What the heck is going on here in Norway?” you ask. Some reflections of an exploration… (in no certain order) And my AirBNB apartment & host are wonderful. Rose makes me up a large vegan breakfast every morning and total cost there is like $80 a night, just a bit over a mile from the…
If she hadn’t left me…
…I very well may not have run today up Mount Floyen. This Mt. Floyen—in Bergen, Norway. Within three days, I’d begun considering the trip seriously. Within a week, I had my ticket. Serendipitously, but taking me by surprise, I soon met a gorgeous women’s half marathon champion and we’ve been messaging every day-all day ever…
I’ve Been Clusterspooged
That’s it. The dating app has been turned off just about a week and a half after it fired up. F—it. That chick was crazy. Sorry for reverting back a bit to high school-speak, but that’s it. What can I do? Maybe I pushed a bit far, a bit soon, last night with mentioning “a…
Blood to Bleed
What am I gonna do? She departed 11 days ago. Her stuff in the apartment keeps me company. Maybe it’s not healthy it’s not a clean-break. In periodic contact…it feels, one foot in, one out. For both of us. Trying to hold my head up. Tryin’ to live. Truly live. 4 years 9 months 10…
Totally
Fucked. Ever felt this way? “Have you ever been a part of something that you never thought would end? And then, of course it did… …I saw my body wash ashore…” Of course, there were problems. Issues. Concerns. But also multitudes of memories. “Kill this slowly fading light…” Disjointed. Why did I return to China?…
It Finally Happened
As CeCe Peniston has so aptly stated: “Finally, it’s happened to me.” But for me it was not about meeting “Mr. Right.” Rather, it was an intruder getting in the house. I held off for as long as I could. This could only last for so long with something as insidious as COVID. At 0503…
COVID Apocalypse in China
Report from the Inside—In China currently, how many people really have COVID? Who the heck knows.Sorry for the lack of stats.But who in the heck knows. What I do know is this… Within the first 10 or so days of the Party dropping its three year old Zero Covid policy here are a few things…
There Are 13 Kids in School Today
13 in our entire middle school of grades 6-7-8. Whiplash! Now that COVID is being allowed to spread freely in China for the first time, the floodgates have opened. Our bubble has burst. An English Department colleague tested positive this morning. The first from our office. Another colleague is out sick today. Don’t know how…
Whiplash!
Within just about a week’s time, China has pivoted from the infamous “Zero COVID” policy to something akin to “We’ll be the greatest in the world at living with the virus.” (credit: Remo) “Embrace the Virus!” —-new bumper sticker (credit: Andrew D.) Folks at school at dropping like flies. As of yesterday afternoon, at least…
China’s Pivot
What’s Shanghai like right now as China finally drops its “Zero COVID” policy? 6 things… Those blue QR code signs are still present by security guards in subway stations. There is also an increasing sense of elation bordering on exuberance for those of us awaiting travel abroad—and a very hopeful return to NO hotel quarantine!…
Don't Let My Parents Read This 