RipplePath.net, a community site for people living, working, studying, and visiting Beijing, Hanghzou (West Lake), China and more. http://www.ripplepath.net 2009-01-07T01:20:18+01:00 http://www.ripplepath.net http://www.ripplepath.net/images/M_images/logodrop.jpg text/html 2008-12-09T23:15:10+01:00 http://www.ripplepath.net http://www.ripplepath.net/daily-living/a-whirlwind-period.html So after a flurry of informational postings from the U.S. Consulate for American's in China, we now resume our regular feature.Nowadays, when I talk to my friends and family in the U.S., they often tell me about the economic situation in the States. It looks like New York and the East Coast has been affected pretty badly, with people telling me that the environment there is just generally depressing. My... text/html 2008-11-21T10:03:04+01:00 http://www.ripplepath.net http://www.ripplepath.net/for-americans---china/registration-and-embassy-location.html From CA Travel Info September 22, 2008 REGISTRATION / EMBASSY LOCATION: Americans living or traveling in China are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department’s travel registration web site so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within China. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American... text/html 2008-11-21T10:00:09+01:00 http://www.ripplepath.net http://www.ripplepath.net/for-americans---china/childrens-issues.html From CA Travel Info September 22, 2008 CHILDREN'S ISSUES: Americans involved in child custody disputes with Chinese national spouses should be aware that Chinese courts often refuse to get involved in domestic disputes and may give preference to the Chinese citizen spouse and that Americans may encounter limited appeal opportunities under the current legal system. For information see our Office of Children’s Issues web pages on intercountry adoption... text/html 2008-11-21T09:58:28+01:00 http://www.ripplepath.net http://www.ripplepath.net/for-americans---china/criminal-penalties.html CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which, in China, differ significantly from those in the United States and do not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating China’s laws, even unknowingly, may be... text/html 2008-11-21T09:53:30+01:00 http://www.ripplepath.net http://www.ripplepath.net/for-americans---china/special-circumstances.html From CA Travel September 22, 2008SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Chinese customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from China of items such as antiquities, banned publications, religious literature (which may be imported for the visitor’s personal use only), or vehicles not conforming to Chinese standards. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of China in Washington or one of China’s consulates in the United... text/html 2008-11-21T09:50:58+01:00 http://www.ripplepath.net http://www.ripplepath.net/for-americans---china/traffic-and-road-safety.html From CA Travel September 22, 2008 TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning China is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance. The rate of traffic accidents in China, including fatal accidents, is among... text/html 2008-11-21T09:47:38+01:00 http://www.ripplepath.net http://www.ripplepath.net/for-americans---china/medical-insurance.html From CA Travel September 22, 2008MEDICAL INSURANCE: China has no public healthcare system to provide for people without insurance or money. If you become sick or injured, you will be expected to pay for your bills, sometimes even before treatment is offered. The Embassy and the Consulates cannot settle bill disputes with hospitals but can assist family or friends in the United States to transfer money to... text/html 2008-11-21T09:45:50+01:00 http://www.ripplepath.net http://www.ripplepath.net/for-americans---china/alternative-medical-treatments.html From CA Travel September 22, 2008 ALTERNATIVE MEDICAL TREATMENTS: There have been increasing numbers of foreigners coming to China to receive alternative medical treatments or procedures prohibited in the United States relating specifically to stem-cell research. Any person contemplating these treatments should be fully aware of the risks of such procedures. The treatments can be dangerous and untested. The results are not guaranteed. In many... text/html 2008-11-21T09:44:17+01:00 http://www.ripplepath.net http://www.ripplepath.net/for-americans---china/medical-facilities-and-health-info.html From CA Travel Info September 22, 2008 MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: The standards of medical care in China are not equivalent to those in the United States. Medical facilities with international staffs are available in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and a few other large cities. Many other hospitals in major Chinese cities have so-called VIP wards (gaogan bingfang). These feature reasonably up-to-date laboratory and imaging facilities.... text/html 2008-11-21T09:37:53+01:00 http://www.ripplepath.net http://www.ripplepath.net/for-americans---china/victims-of-crime.html From CA Travel Info September 22, 2008 INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME: The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for assistance. The embassy/consulate staff can,... text/html 2008-11-21T09:36:00+01:00 http://www.ripplepath.net http://www.ripplepath.net/for-americans---china/crime-in-china.html From CA Travel Info September 22, 2008 CRIME: China has a low crime rate. Pickpockets target tourists at sightseeing destinations, open-air markets, airports, and in stores, often with the complicity of low-paid security guards. Americans are perceived as wealthy and may be specifically targeted by petty criminals. Violence against foreigners, while rare, is on the increase. Over the past year, incidents of violence against foreigners,... text/html 2008-11-21T09:30:37+01:00 http://www.ripplepath.net http://www.ripplepath.net/for-americans---china/safety-and-security.html From September 22, 2008 CA TravelSAFETY AND SECURITY: Americans visiting or residing in China are advised to take routine safety precautions; that is, travelers should remain aware of their surroundings and of events happening around them. Travelers should respect local police requirements to avoid travel in some areas. In light of the greatly increased numbers of older Americans traveling to China, Americans should verify with U.S. tour... text/html 2008-11-21T09:26:40+01:00 http://www.ripplepath.net http://www.ripplepath.net/for-americans---china/china-entry/exit-requirements.html From CA Travel Info September 22, 2008 ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: A valid passport and visa are required to enter and exit China and must be obtained from Chinese Embassies and Consulates before traveling to China. Americans arriving without valid passports and the appropriate Chinese visa are not permitted to enter and will be subject to a fine and immediate deportation at the traveler's expense. Travelers should not rely... text/html 2008-11-21T09:21:45+01:00 http://www.ripplepath.net http://www.ripplepath.net/for-americans---china/china-country-description.html From September 22, 2008 CA Travel Info COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: The People’s Republic of China was established on October 1, 1949, with Beijing as its capital city. With well over 1.3 billion citizens, China is the world's most populous country and the third largest country in the world in terms of territory. China is undergoing rapid, profound economic and social change and development.... text/html 2008-11-21T07:20:49+01:00 http://www.ripplepath.net http://www.ripplepath.net/china-news/how-to-identify-fake-eggs.html My good friend recently sent me a piece on how to identify fake eggs. Most of it is in Simplified Chinese with bits of English translated. *sigh* 试问当今中国，安有可吃之物？？？ In today’s China, what is safe to eat? 前几天收到转发一封关于假鸡蛋的E－mail，因为很久很久以前已经看过，再加之今年对于诸如此类事情已然麻木，故没当回事。没曾想，今天同事拿来一个鸡蛋让我们集体开了眼界，至此，甚嚣尘上的食品安全问题终于让我有了第一次如此近距离的直观感受！！ 鸡蛋背景：某同事之前在上海南桥镇易初莲花买的盒装 展望乡下土鸡蛋 ，因为看了之前发的邮件之后回去对鸡蛋多了一个心眼，越看越觉得可疑。于是让其带一个来我们大家对该鸡蛋进行一番鉴别。 大家先对该鸡蛋进行一个整体认识： The unbroken egg 不得不承认，该鸡蛋无论从外形，色泽还是手感上，都已经达到了几可乱真的地步，说实话，光从外表看完全看不出这是一个假鸡蛋。 Read on for the rest of the tutorial... text/html 2008-11-12T03:25:20+01:00 http://www.ripplepath.net http://www.ripplepath.net/faqs/tips-to-get-prc-visas-in-hong-kong.html As a registered expat with the U.S. Consulate General, Shanghai, China, I receive emails and information periodically with news and updates regarding residing in China. Here is one useful feature from their October newsletter that I want to share with everyone. Tips To Get PRC Visas In Hong Kong(From U.S. Consulate General, Shanghai, China, October 2008 Newsletter)We have heard numerous complaints from Americans who have recently received limited (less... text/html 2008-11-12T02:33:50+01:00 http://www.ripplepath.net http://www.ripplepath.net/general/don-hong-oai-photography.html Photography and painting has always been clearly seperated due to it's distinct differences and methods. However, one artist set out to blur that distinction through his photographic creations and skilled use of negatives. He signs each piece with calligraphy and a Chinese chop reminiscient of how Chinese paintings are signed. This is the work of a photographer known as Don Hong-Oai. I was introduced to this artist from a dear... text/html 2008-11-11T22:00:29+01:00 http://www.ripplepath.net http://www.ripplepath.net/general/please-petition-against-denmarks-annual-coming-of-age-sport.html So, I'm cleaning up my emails and here's another one. For those that feel compelled, please petition against Denmark's Annual Coming of Age sport. Quote: Every year, in Denmark, the Faroe Islands, the boys show that they’ve grown up by killing those whales/dolphins. The sea turns red with all... text/html 2008-11-11T21:34:59+01:00 http://www.ripplepath.net http://www.ripplepath.net/general/crazy-art-on-international-disturbed-peoples-day.html I'm a bit late with this. Got this from my email. Just posting up the first photo on this page, for more, read on. text/html 2008-11-06T21:01:50+01:00 http://www.ripplepath.net http://www.ripplepath.net/latest/change.gov.html A few days have now passed and its time to see if we've all placed our bets on the right man or not. Obama took no delays in getting into business. Today I discovered the Obama Administration's website Change.Gov . For now it's rather sparse and light, but we'll see in the coming days his performance and our judgement.No rest for the weary huh? text/html 2008-11-06T08:59:27+01:00 http://www.ripplepath.net http://www.ripplepath.net/a-trail-of-ripples/obama.html Quoted from NYTimes Russia: “The U.S., that is country that is really majestic,” he said. “I feel it is a country where everything is possible.” From a good China friend today:美国人名万岁！(Long live the American People) These days have been some of the happiest days in my past 8 years of life. Oftentimes, the more you care about something, the more it affects you, during the good times and the bad.... text/html 2008-11-05T02:17:45+01:00 http://www.ripplepath.net http://www.ripplepath.net/a-trail-of-ripples/a-new-era.html Approximately one year and a half ago, I wrote a piece about myself. That piece summed up for myself and my close friends the struggle that I bore for the past several years. For those that haven't read the post, you can find it here (a-beijing-ripple/ripple-from-the-past.html). Today, America and the world enters into a New Era, with a new American President. Today (tonight) creates a new notch in history with... text/html 2008-11-03T02:21:13+01:00 http://www.ripplepath.net http://www.ripplepath.net/china-news/melamine--kidney-=-clogging.html So the latest news from China is that the Government is now destroying tainted animal feed. Thank goodness. However, one thing that strikes me as odd was that they mentioned a child could eat up to 2 dozen tainted eggs before falling ill, so it was telling consumers not to make a big deal. Which makes me wonder, what happens if you eat two dozen eggs over 2 months?... text/html 2008-10-27T04:53:03+01:00 http://www.ripplepath.net http://www.ripplepath.net/china-news/tainted-eggs---china.html After a peaceful and relaxing weekend, I chanced upon the latest news reporting another case of tainted edibles. *sigh* The latest scandal is tainted eggs from Northeastern China.As quoted from the NYTimes.com (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/27/world/asia/27china.html?_r=1 ref=world oref=slogin ) : During that time, several Chinese melamine suppliers admitted in newspaper interviews to selling melamine to animal feed operations and fish feed providers in China. The discovery of contaminated eggs in... text/html 2008-10-24T00:47:14+01:00 http://www.ripplepath.net http://www.ripplepath.net/latest/ratchet-is-free.html Finally, one piece of good news from the plethora of bad ones recently. I received an email update that at least one more life won't be needlessly lost in Iraq. Ratchet, the rescued dog of a soldier, has been released and is finally on its way to America. Read on for the details... text/html 2008-10-23T21:50:06+01:00 http://www.ripplepath.net http://www.ripplepath.net/general/learning-from-past-presidents.html Found another gem of a talk on TED. I was not only impressed by the colorful content of this talk, but also the speaker's beautiful narrative capabilities. As of this current post I am still working on finishing up an in-depth intro to JiuZhaiGou, my most recent travel destination and hopefully will have it up for everyone to see soon. Enjoy the talk! text/html 2008-10-10T03:25:22+01:00 http://www.ripplepath.net http://www.ripplepath.net/general/wake-up-freak-out.html Recently came upon a very easy to understand and simple video on the tipping point of Global Warming. Wake Up, Freak Out - then Get a Grip (http://vimeo.com/1709110?pg=embed sec=1709110) from Leo Murray (http://vimeo.com/user432587?pg=embed sec=1709110) on Vimeo (http://vimeo.com?pg=embed sec=1709110). text/html 2008-10-10T00:40:21+01:00 http://www.ripplepath.net http://www.ripplepath.net/latest/update-on-militarys-confiscation-of-deployed-soldiers-pet.html Thanks so many supportive people, the Military has conceded not to shoot and kill the dog. However, the last ounce of pride seems still to prevent them from releasing the dog to SPCA. Next week or soon, Sgt. Beberg will... text/html 2008-10-07T01:59:50+01:00 http://www.ripplepath.net http://www.ripplepath.net/latest/us-military-threatens-to-kill-pet-of-deployed-us-soldier.html Lately not much good has been coming from the news and the one thing that I heard about today which really rubbed me the wrong way was about the treatment of a decorated US Sergeant serving an... text/html 2008-10-03T22:13:15+01:00 http://www.ripplepath.net http://www.ripplepath.net/a-trail-of-ripples/returning-from-chengdu.html So finally, yesterday afternoon we made it back safe and alive to our comfortable apartment in Hangzhou from Chengdu. When initially entering Chengdu from JiuZhaiGou, we felt the obligatory lack of interest and disgust with polluted cities as most people might feel when they leave a pristine protected natural habitat to enter a bustling polluted human habitat.However, that was shortly replace by our awe of their exquisite hotpot, which originated...