Nanjing is not one of the biggest cities in China. Despite a population of over 7 million, it has a modesty about it.  The traffic though congested, flows along in a civilized way, a sort…

In the past week, we've had the chance to visit two places where the focus is on preserving and maintaining the ancient tradition of Chinese woodblock printing.  Since at least the Tang…

For all of you out there faithfully following my blog, you may have noticed that some older posts have just reappeared as new posts.  I am working with wonderful advisors back at Grinnell on…

This week, our host department, the Office of International Cooperation and Exchanges at Nanjing University, provide a full-day tour of Nanjing, complete with driver and guide.  Our guide was a…

On days when we aren't teaching, we set off to explore an area of the city. Sometimes we walk along wide boulevards lined with sycamore trees. The businesses on these avenues are upscale,…

After days of hearing of all the accomplishments and accolades accorded to the esteemed Professor Wu, seeing his studio and examples of his work at Nanjing University, and anticipating the…

Today is day 4 in Nanjing and we are beginning to know our way around.  We are staying in the Nanyuan Conference Center of Nanjing University, which is essentially the hotel…

For the last two days, we have been hosted royally in Hong Kong by friends and colleagues. They have given us glimpses of Hong Kong we would likely never have found on our own.  And they…

It's early on Friday morning, May 14, as I write, though it's still Thursday in the US.  We arrived yesterday evening right on schedule after a 14+ hour flight, which United informs us is…

Tomorrow we board a plane for a 15 hour flight to the other side of the world. I won't be able to read the language, unless it's been translated into pinyin, and I won't understand a word…