Chris's China diary
Having worked in China for a year as an English teacher, Chris from London fell in love with the country. He decided to return to China as a student and study Mandarin Chinese.
March 09
Chris is preparing to move back to the UK. He looks back at his time in China and reflects on what helped him most to learn Mandarin.
Nov 08 - Sep 07
Chris's new job in a translation team for a Chinese film company has taken him to tinseltown: China discovers Hollywood (and vice versa).
Chris has problems with his visa, admires the beautification of Beijing before the Olympics and gets a job offer he can't refuse.
Chris's account of the terrible tragedy that has hit China when the earthquake caused the death of thousands of people.
Chris is back with his diary, talking about what's it like doing business in China and how the Olympic protests are perceived by the Chinese public.
Chris is taken by his company to a four-day 'all expenses paid' trip to Bali island. As this is Chris's last diary update he is reflecting on the last three years.
March 07 - May 06
On the final leg of his journey to Hong Kong and Guilin, Chris gets enchanted by the misty views of Li Jiang river.
Chris takes the cable car to the top of Victoria Peak to enjoy a stunning view of a rather crowded city.
Part one of Chris's trip to Hong Kong and Guilin, starting with a lively taxi excursion to a cable car station.
Chris enjoys the preparations for the Chinese New Year and talks about marriage!
Chris goes on a business trip to Shanghai and takes that opportunity to visit The Old Town.
Chris gets used to a new working environment and goes on a team building away day.
Chris has accepted a job in Beijing which means his days of being a student are over.
Chris went to an Italian cultural music festival in Chao Yang Park and enjoyed the World Cup games in the Beer Garden.
Chris has participated in the Year of the Dog football tournament. His team, the Beijing Scorpions, came first of course!
Apr 06 - Oct 05
Chris has started his new language course at the university and is giving his studies his full attention.
Chris is having a good time celebrating festive seasons Eastern and Western style.
Chris is on his way to fame and fortune by having been discovered as an extra for a Chinese TV series. He even had a speaking role.
There is a saying that you are not a real Beijinger unless you've had a bike stolen. Chris has had his bike stolen three times now.
Chris has had enough of dormitory life with its strict house rules and is looking for an apartment just for himself.
Sep 05 - May 05
Chris continues his journey to the Great Wall and finds out what it's like to be a real warrior (with toy sword).
Chris is on his way to the coast of China where the Great Wall begins. He discovers that all train schedules are written in Chinese characters.
It's sizzling hot, but street vendors endure the daily heat and are still very friendly, helpful and generous, as Chris finds out.
Chris studies Mandarin Chinese together with other 'Westeners' while students from East Asia sit in a different class.
After a long flight, Chris is picked up at Beijing airport by two friends and does some window shopping 'Oxford Street style'.
