Author Archives: scottatirrell

Many asked me this question as I packed my bags and moved across the world (especially my family). At that point, I didn’t really know. I hoped so and would soon find out! Ah, to be young. But the question continued to pop up over the years, especially when I tell someone one of myContinue reading “My life in China, Part 22- Is China safe?”

I can’t believe this is the 21st post of the My Life in China series, and I haven’t overtly addressed this question! Sure, I’ve hinted here and there, and hopefully, the love of my experiences shines through, but this series requires a bit more. It is a complicated question with an answer that is probablyContinue reading “My life in China, Part 21- Why China?”

It’s time for some grocery shopping. As I scribble a list, I started thinking of the differences in this experience while living in China. It seems like such a mundane thing, and in many ways, we take a lot for granted as we zoom over to our local supermarket. Do they have supermarkets in China?Continue reading “My Life in China, Part 20- Grocery shopping”

Over the years, I’ve had the great opportunity to travel over large swaths of China. More importantly, I often traveled like a local and had experiences I would have missed if I traveled as a tourist. Crazy crowds, tasty and exotic food, quiet and remote villages, less than par hotels, uncomfortable seats, harrowing rides, awesomeContinue reading “My Life in China, Part 19- Once and future travels”

With all my fantastic experiences, adventures, and now, my strong family ties to China, why did we leave? That’s a complicated question. I should start by saying that initially, I only planned to spend six months in the country. As I’ve detailed in this series, I only signed a six-month contract with Hebei University. IContinue reading “My Life in China, Part 18- Why we left”

The first time you meet your significant other’s parents is always stressful, but when you’re already married when you do so, come from different cultures, and don’t even speak the same language, it’s terrifying. I found myself in this situation in early 2006. My wife and I married in September, and the first time IContinue reading “My life in China, Part 17- Meeting the in-laws”

Let’s warm the soul with a great topic: Dumplings. It’s a snowy winter day here in the Boston area, and my wife and I will be making the little devils for the Spring Festival (as is our tradition). In Chinese, they are generally called jiǎozi, and once discovered, they are essential to life. Many culturesContinue reading “My life in China, Part 16- Jiaozi full of love”

Ah, the Great Wall of China. As Chairman Mao said, “Bù qù chángchéng fēi hǎohàn” or “He who has not been to the Great Wall is not a true man.” At some point, I needed to write a post about this monstrous dragon. It is the most prominent symbol of China and is likely oneContinue reading “My life in China, Part 15- Surmounting Great Walls”

I had many beautiful experiences in China. My time there was just a smorgasbord of life lessons, wonderful memories, and exciting adventures. However, there were a few events that I would have to chalk up on the “cons” side of the board. One incident in particular comes to mind often while writing these posts. MyContinue reading “My life in China, Part 14- Taxi to hell”