Do you know the gaiwan, the beautiful and traditional Chinese covered cup for brewing fine tea? The gaiwan (literally “covered bowl”) has a noble place in Chinese culture: it’s... Read more >>

Serious tea lovers love their teapots almost as much as tea itself. I recently got a new pot and seasoned it this weekend. In case you’re wondering exactly how to treat your new yi xing... Read more >>

There’s more to green tea than just the beverage! Fresh, high-quality spring green tea leaves are as tender as young vegetables. My friend Shirley comes from Tianjin, in Northern China,... Read more >>

Here’s a recipe a couple of my friends really loved when I threw it together for our dinner on a girly movie night. It’s one of the first recipes I ever learned, and is really quick and... Read more >>

For now, you can read Book of Odds only in English, but Americans were recently able to fill out their census forms in six different languages. To prepare, they used a language assistance guide in any... Read more >>

We went to Malaysia to celebrate Chinese New Year with my husband’s parents and relatives. It was a great bonding time for all of us. We stayed in a hotel close to the beach and we had a great... Read more >>

According to Chinese Astrology, rats aren’t the creepy creatures lurking around in your attic. Nor are they Charlie Brown’s point of exasperation (“Aw, Rats!”) or a... Read more >>

Qigong (pronounced chee-KONG), which is thought to originate as a form of dancing, dates back as many as four thousand years and looks a lot like taking your shoes off and playing follow the leader.... Read more >>

I completed my high school in India, staying with my aunt, whereas my parents lived in China. After my high school I planned to do my bachelors in Australia. And together with a friend I... Read more >>

I owe someone in China a huge debt of gratitude. A few years ago I visited my gynecologist complaining of a dull pain not helped by ibuprofen, or anything else for that matter. I had no idea what was... Read more >>