Socialism generally carries a political overtone; however, the Chinese have taken these principles and concepts and integrated them into every aspect of their life; they have given new meaning to this word. When compared to the individualistic ideals of the west, the intricacies of Chinese society seems completely foreign to westerners and is often quite difficult to comprehend. Until a [...]

Free? Really? First off, I’m more than happy to help you learn Chinese free. During my college days, I taught a Chinese 101 class to beginners and that was one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had with this language. So I’m more than happy to do it again. To be honest, you can pay hundreds and thousands of dollars [...]

Knowing how to call China is fairly simple. Here’s how you do it. Calling China Dial the number to connect to the international direct-dial (IDD) telephone system (if you don’t know, call the operator to find out); Dial the country code you wish to call. In this case, “86″ for China; Dial the city code (without the zero); Dial the [...]

The good thing is, you don’t have to know EVERYTHING about Chinese holidays. The basics are enough for now. Learning about these holidays can be a simple task that will start to break down cultural walls. You’ll find yourself being able to start meaningful conversations with those you meet in China. Nothing could be more flattering to your Chinese hosts [...]

The Chinese exchange rate is something that is discussed quite often among businessmen. So knowing a little history about foreign exchange rates as they pertain to the RMB won’t hurt. Back in the good old days (pre July 21st, 2005) the RMB was pegged to the USD at 1:8.21 ($1 was good for RMB 8.21). I say the good old [...]

James Mitchell is a walking encyclopaedia of Gullah history and culture. As such, he makes an ideal President and CEO of the Native Island Business and Community Affairs Association (NIBCAA). One could even say that Mr. Mitchell embodies and personifies the Native Island lifestyle. It was love of the Gullah culture and desire to preserve it that prompted him and [...]

The Sandbox Interactive Children’s Museum is described as a hands-on interactive museum filled with unique, entertaining, and educational play areas to explore. The Children’s Museum is a great place for the young, and young at heart to spend a couple of hours together. Children and parents can “explore, learn and play together.” The setting entices kids in pursuit of knowledge [...]

My first experience with Navajo rugs was not exciting. I took it for granted. The design was appealing and symmetrical, the detail precise, but I didn’t think much more of it. Then, something interesting happened. I saw a Navajo loom. That is the tool used to make the weaving. There are no motors or mechanical parts – just pieces of [...]

The first time I heard Navajo language spoken was at my wife’s 21st birthday party. The celebration was held at one of the chapter houses and most of our family was there. My favourite part happened after we enjoyed some traditional food. All of her grandmas each spoke about her and gave their wishes for her future. I remember feeling [...]

You can find Navajo jewelry at stores all across the Southwest. There are silver Navajo necklaces, squash blossom necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and many more beautiful pieces. My favourite place to see it, just as it is my favourite place to enjoy Navajo food, is every Saturday at the flea market. Here, many of the silversmiths, the actual creators of the [...]

The Williamsburg Winery was established back in 1985 by the Duffeler family and it has grown to be the largest of the over 100 Virginia wineries. The land the winery is located on was given to Captain Gabriel Archer as his land grant for being the captain of the Susan Constant. The Susan Constant was the second largest ship that [...]

First Washington wineries’ grapes were planted at Fort Vancouver by the Hudson’s Bay Company in 1825.  By 1910, wine grapes were growing in most areas of the state, following the path of early settlers.  Initially, it was French, German and Italian immigrants who pioneered the earliest plantings. Hybrid varieties arrived in nurseries in the Puget Sound region as early as 1854 [...]

All Virginia wineries combined rank #6 of the US wine production. Although it will never be able to compete with California, this Eastern coastal state has over a hundred wineries and vineyards to explore. This could take days if not weeks. Virginia wineries are a lot more laid back and snob-free compare to some Western states. So, prepare for a [...]

Texas wineries attract visitors from all over the world. The state’s grape variety guarantees you will find a wine to add to your list of favourites. If you are a Texan, you must be proud to be one of the fastest growing wine states. The sunny Lone Star State has the climate, the space, and the love of the wine [...]

A visit to South Carolina wineries is good to plan as a day trip during your holiday stay at the beaches. On its own, it’s probably going to be a disappointing event, since there are only about 10 wineries in the state, scattered hours away from each other. Since you can buy liquor and wine in grocery stores, give it [...]

Prince Edward County… have you heard of it being a wine region? What makes a good wine region? That in it self is a paradox, for in essence there are no good or bad wine regions specifically, simply regions that produce wine. For unlike the famous Einstein dictum God Does Not Play Dice, the production of wine is very much [...]

Tea is not the beverage just for little old ladies gathering for an afternoon repast any longer. Don’t get me wrong, little old ladies still gather, but so do youngsters and oldsters, hipsters and hippies, young mothers and daughters, young fathers and sons, friends and lovers, businessmen and businesswomen. In our tea salon, we see people of all ages, from [...]

Until the late 1600s tea rooms were unknown in Great Britain. It was in the diary of a sailor, William Tuttle, where tea was first mentioned in England. He had returned from the Far East in 1637 with packages of strange and exotic tea leaves to give to friends and relatives. The East India Company began purchasing tea from Chinese [...]

All tea comes from the same tea plant, the Camellia Sinensis. However, there are actually three varieties of this plant, the China plant (C. sinensis sinensis), the Assam plant (C. sinensis assamica) and the Cambodia plant (C. sinensis parvifolia). The Chinese and Assamese are the two varieties that are most commonly used. Chinese Variety – Camellia Sinensis Sinensis The Chinese [...]

The Garden of Eden, Adam & Eve, the Big Boom, The Zuni “Talk Concerning the Beginning”; depending on your beliefs and opinions, any one of these could be considered legend. The truth probably lies somewhere in a combination of all of them. The beginnings of tea are as much a mystery as the beginning of the human race; there’s no [...]