j a m e s f o r s y t h ✡ n e t

“Foreign” is the term used by the Chinese for anywhere outside of China. However, it’s something of a misnomer, because a number of Chinese people have told me that “foreigner” refers to people who are white and have big noses - which is not the case for inhabitants of much of Japan or South East Asia.

But we’ll let the definition “anywhere outside China” stand… And going by this definition I am very homesick for “foreign”.

Soon I’ll be able to view Youtube videos! Hooray! Interestingly, a website that’s not available in China is downforeveryoneorjustme.com. I wonder why a website that lets netizens know whether a website is down in only their location or for everyone would be out of action? hmmm….

I was thinking of going to Jinan for the labour weekend holiday, but buying a train ticket just proved too bothersome, so I’m just sticking around the uni for the long weekend. Boring, I know. But I do get some work done, and a bit of reading and get the chance to have a look at the internet and so on.

At the end of this week I’ll be half way through my stint here. I miss the family and the outside of China very much (the area most Chinese refer to as ‘foreign’ - quite a large area, but one I miss). It’ll be great to be back.