First picture on record

This is the first picture that was taken of my grandparents and my dad, so this is the first picture ever taken in our family.

Lost in translation: Well, I guess we're all screwed

The Bird Nest 2 years later

Lost in translation: Who doesn't like a little grease?

 

Super Size This: Flashy fashion

For a country that was repressed for so many years, now with the abundance of technology, money and independence, the Chinese are slowly "relcaiming" their entitlements. And in order to do so, Beijingers tend to do everything to the opposite extreme. Case in point: flashy duds. For years, citizens had to wear colorless Mao suits and hats as pictured above. That's actually my dad's side of the family, he's on the far left. Now as a form of individual expression, you'll see more sequins, glitter, neon and animal print than you would at a drag show (or in New Jersey). The fashion motto here is: the flashier the better!

That's what she said

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

The kindergarten elite

Getting your kid into kindergarten in Beijing is about as hard as getting your kid into a private kindergarten in NYC.  But keep in mind that the ones in Beijing are all public schools.  Let's first start with the cost.  Tuition ranges from 1000 RMB - 7000 RMB (approx $1000)/month.  Now let me tell you that middle-class salaries average 4000 RMB - 8000 RMB (approx $1200)/month.  But even if you have the money, there may not be space for you precious little one.  So, parents line up days before the sign-up starts at their desired kindergartens all in hopes of finding a spot for their child.  For those who snooze, they try to bribe the schools with money and/or gifts.  One of our family friends was able to get her son into a good kindergarten after bribing the school with a brand new piano.  However, for those who snooze and don't have bribe-worthy goods, are doomed to hiring a full-time baby-sitter which also range from 2000 RMB - 5000 RMB (approx $700).  Either way, having a kid is EXPENSIVE!