Many students often ask me, “Do you like Chinese food?” The answer is a big, enthusiastic YES! In fact, I’ve been enjoying it daily for the past 7 years.
Most of the time, I eat at the campus canteen—not just because the food is amazing, but also because it gives me the chance to share meals with students.
It’s a great way to meet someone new every day! The only exception is Sunday, when I cook and eat at home.
The photos in this post capture my favorite dining spots and meals. You’ll spot some non-Chinese treats like burgers, pizza, and ice cream, but the rest are classic Chinese dishes I enjoy almost daily.
One of my absolute favorites is huΗguΕ (hot pot). However, you probably won’t catch me eating it at the canteen—it’s a dish I save for special outings with good company outside the university.
What’s your favorite Chinese dish? Let me know—I’d love to try it!
Halloween is just around the corner, and I’m sure you’re all excited to dress up, enjoy some spooky fun, and maybe even indulge in a little candy. But, before you dive headfirst into the Halloween spirit, I need to remind you of one important thing—your assignment due on October 31st!
Now, whether this will be a "Happy Halloween" or a "Not-So-Happy Halloween" is entirely up to you. That’s right, the outcome of this fun-filled holiday will depend on how well you manage your time between now and the deadline.
Imagine this:
Finish your assignment ahead of time—you get to enjoy Halloween stress-free, candy in hand, and a costume that truly shines.
Procrastinate—and well, the spookiest thing on Halloween night won’t be the ghosts or ghouls but the ticking clock, reminding you that your assignment still isn’t done. ππ»
I know that deadlines can sometimes feel like the villains in the story of our academic lives. But here’s the thing: our lives are what we make them out to be. Just like in Halloween, where you choose your costume and become whoever you want for a day, in life, we are constantly choosing how we respond to challenges. Every day, you decide whether to work toward your goals or let them slip away.
This assignment is one of those choices. It’s not just about meeting a deadline—it’s about shaping your future and taking responsibility for your success. If you tackle it now, you’ll be free to enjoy your Halloween to the fullest. If you wait until the last minute, well… let’s just say that the Halloween spirit might feel a little less festive with an unfinished assignment hanging over your head.
So, here’s my challenge to you: Take control of your time, get the assignment done early, and make this a Halloween to remember for all the right reasons. I’m not extending the deadline, but that’s because I know you’re capable of rising to the occasion and making the most of the time you have left.
Let this be a reminder that life—like Halloween—can be sweet or spooky, depending on the choices you make. I believe in each and every one of you. You’ve got what it takes to ace this assignment and have a fantastic Halloween. It’s all in your hands!
ππ» Happy Halloween! ππ»
Whether it’s happy or not, well… that’s entirely up to you. π
Update (sunday Oct 27 2024): I will share the following picture with my students on our wechat class group on wednesday midnigh (Oct 30 2024):
A Birthday in China: A Story of Miracles and Unforgettable Moments
Today is my birthday, and for the first time since I arrived in China in 2018, nobody here discovered or remembered it. To be honest, I’m not the type to announce my birthday in advance. I don't go out of my way to hide it either, so if someone asks, I’ll tell them. But here's the amazing part: for six out of the seven years I've been in China, someone always remembered—by some miracle. Every year, like clockwork, someone would surprise me, and I’ve even got some pictures from those memorable birthdays celebrations to prove it! (below)
Of course, my family and kids in Brazil and the USA always remember, but here in China, where I’ve been on my own, I expected the default: no one would know, and therefore no one would remember. Yet, year after year, something special happened. Today, though, after seven years, the miracle streak broke, and for the first time, no one remembered. But here's the thing—I’m actually happy about it! I mean, it took seven whole years for this to happen, and that in itself is kind of miraculous, don’t you think? Instead of feeling down about it, I’m choosing to embrace the bright side.
Something good also happened today: I received an unexpected gift—from the Chinese government, no less! I spent most of the day at the tax bureau working on my tax refund. I haven’t received the money yet, but it's coming, and that was a nice surprise! After that, I attended a welcome party for the new freshman students, and it was a great way to wrap up the day, filled with lively presentations and meeting new people. As always, I made a few more friends around the city, at the bank, in the subway—it’s just how the day went.
So even though no one remembered my birthday today, it turned out to be a pretty amazing day after all. A day full of unexpected gifts, new connections, and reminders that life, even on your "forgotten" birthday, can still surprise you in the best possible ways.
Let’s dive into a question I often hear when chatting with girls: "Why don’t they want to get married?" A lot of them share that marriage feels unsafe—mainly because they can't always tell if a guy is truly a good man. There’s the fear of being mistreated, taken advantage of, or ending up with someone who isn’t what he seemed. And that fear has driven some to raise the bar significantly when it comes to marriage requirements.
It’s like now, it’s not just about love; it’s about assets! The guy’s gotta have a car (or two),a house, and a solid income. Oh, and let’s not forget the expensive dowries, often with the woman’s name on the title. If things go south and there’s a divorce, she might keep the gifts, the money, and more. That leaves the average guy wondering if he can even meet someone willing to marry him.
But let’s get back to the core of the issue: How can a girl know if the guy she’s dating is a good man?
The answer is surprisingly simple—and it’s probably staring us all in the face. Now, of course, no method is 100% foolproof, but what I’m about to share can really lower the risk of ending up with the wrong person.
Here’s the thing: People don’t date with purpose anymore. It’s all about having fun, but many skip the deep conversations—those really important talks about values, life goals, or even how many kids they want. Believe it or not, these are things that can (and should) come up before you even start dating.
Personally, I often get a sense of whether I’d want to date someone during our first conversation, just from the little things she says in casual small talk.
Now, I get the counter-argument: people can lie or fake their behavior, especially at the beginning of a relationship. It’s true. I’ve seen couples rush into marriage after just a few months, only to face big problems later. But here’s the flip side: it’s really hard to fake who you are for a long time. So, a key takeaway here is to date for at least a year before even thinking about marriage. Pay attention to how your partner behaves, because over time, their true nature will come out.
I always tell my friends: if your boyfriend is lying to you while you’re dating, it’s likely to get worse after marriage. On the flip side, if you’ve been together for a year, you’ll have a solid sense of who they really are. By the time you’re considering marriage, you won’t be in the dark—you’ll have a much clearer picture of whether this person is truly good for you.
So, if you take anything from this, it’s that these conversations and timelines can drastically improve your chances of finding a happy, lasting marriage. But hey, remember—nothing’s ever 100% guaranteed.
To wrap this up, I want to share a poem that’s stuck with me. It’s from a textbook I’m using this semester, and it’s what inspired me to finally answer this question that I’ve been asked so many times:
But You Didn’t
Remember the day I borrowed your brand new car and dented it? I thought you’d kill me. But you didn’t.
And remember the time I dragged you to the beach And you said it would rain, and it did? I thought you’d say, “I told you so.” But you didn’t.
Do you remember the time I flirted with all the guys to make you jealous, and you were? I thought you’d leave. But you didn’t.
Do you remember the time I spilled strawberry pie all over your car rug? I thought you’d hit me. But you didn’t.
And remember the time I forgot to tell you the dance was formal, and you showed up in jeans? I thought you’d drop me. But you didn’t.
Yes, there were lots of things you didn’t do. But you put up with me, loved me, and protected me. There were so many things I wanted to make up to you when you returned from Vietnam. But you didn’t.
Poetry has a way of making us reflect, doesn’t it? Take your time in love, pay attention, and trust your instincts—because finding someone who truly cares isn’t just about checking boxes.
This picture above I was my first year in China, on my second place (Zhuzhou) and I did put this locker on the feet of the statue of Emperor Shennong - but I did not found anyone yet until today. I am wondering if the lock still there.
So, I used to run these fun dating workshops where I'd toss out some spicy questions to get everyone talking and break the ice. One of my favorites? "Should men always pay for dates?" Oh boy, the answers are all over the place! But recently, I stumbled upon something that I never really considered before.
You see, ever since I arrived in China in 2018, I’ve been hyping up my students to step out of their shells, make more friends, and hey, maybe even try dating. A lot of them were pretty shy and would come to me asking for help. I’d playfully guide them with this super fun game (which, by the way, you can find in another post).
Now, here’s where my epiphany comes in. I always tell my students, "University is literally prime time to date! Everyone’s young, single, and at the same level—pursuing their degrees." It’s basically a dating playground! But then I realized something even better: You don’t even need to worry about paying for dates! I kid you not—every time I’ve gone to the canteen and asked a girl to join me for a meal (sometimes a boy),they’re already eating! So technically, I’ve done this over a thousand times and haven’t paid for a single meal (for the other person). Jackpot!
The moral? Make the most of your university years—it’s the easiest, most low-stakes time to meet new people and maybe even avoid footing their bill!
Update
There was a time when I would walk into the canteen at Hunan University of Engineering, unnoticed by anyone, and with no familiar faces around. I was new here and didn’t know a single person. But now, after being here for three years and making an effort every day to connect with new people, my experience is completely different—especially when the canteen is packed with students. I run into old friends, classmates from previous years, and I can easily join them for a meal, catching up on life since we last met. Today, I ate on both the first and second floors, and it gave me the chance to reconnect with so many familiar faces. That's what this post is about: the ease of meeting people, making friends, going on dates, expanding your network, or even just striking up conversations with strangers in a university environment. It's such an incredible opportunity, and I can't quite understand (because it is so easy to do) why more students aren’t taking full advantage of it - Making new friends everyday.
Below are some pictures of me Today eating with old friends and making new ones too:
My Foreign English teacher ask me to write a blogpost (on any social media: wechat, weibo, bili bili, etc) about my experience with the (book test) previous assignment:
After last year's adventure (vacation) in Brazil, I wrote a detailed report for my students in China, anticipating their curiosity about my travels. This year, I’m doing the same for my recent trip to the Philippines. I hope to inspire my students to explore new experiences themselves. So, here’s a recap of my vacation, with a few insights that might encourage them to take the plunge!
1. The Thrill of Visiting a New Place.
There’s an undeniable excitement in exploring somewhere new, and my trip to the Philippines was no exception. It was my first time there, and I was eager to experience it firsthand. One key reason for choosing the Philippines was that a trip to Brazil wouldn’t allow me to see my kids, as they weren’t traveling to meet me this time.
Additionally, I wanted to visit my church’s temple and attend services for two weekends. Of course, I was also curious to see if the Philippines lived up to my expectations.
2. Making New Friends.
I’ve made friends wherever I go, a practice I’ve upheld during my seven years in China. So, naturally, I aimed to continue this tradition in the Philippines. I took a few rides on the famous jeepneys, a popular mode of transport there, and struck up conversations with fellow passengers. Many such interactions led to a new friendship — proof that striking up a chat can lead to wonderful connections!
3. The Travel Experience.
Travel itself isn’t my favorite part of going somewhere; I just love discovering new places. The concept of teleportation sounds like a dream to me! Unfortunately, my flights didn’t go as smoothly as planned.
Both my outbound and return flights experienced delays. On the way to Cebu, I barely made my connection, I was overcharged by taxi driver at 3 am to take me to the departure terminal in a hurry to avoid missing my flight, I paid five times the normal fare. Though it stung initially, it was better than missing the flight. On my return trip, I missed a connection because of a delayed first flight. Despite rushing through the airport and paying a premium for a taxi again, I still arrived too late. I had to buy a new ticket for the next day (meaning one more day traveling),which meant I departed the Philippines on Monday morning and reached home in China by Wednesday evening — exhausted but grateful for the experience. - who would have thought I would fell so at home in China
4. Tourist Activities.
I had hoped to connect with someone at church who could show me around. To my delight, a member of the congregation — a medical student — offered to be my guide on his day off. He took me to the Temple of Leah, Little kyoto in the mountains, and the historical Magellan Cross in Cebu.
What made this experience special was that he mentioned he had felt a strong impression to talk to me when we first met at church. We quickly became good friends, and his company made exploring even more enjoyable. Another point to mention was that heavenly Father does answer our prayers (even the simple one),because I was praying to met someone like him to help me navigate Cebu.
5. Volunteering at the Temple.
A major reason for my trip was to visit and work at the temple. I spent time there from Wednesday to Saturday, and it was a fulfilling experience. I took many photos of the beautiful temple and found the work to be deeply rewarding.
6. Other Activities.
Though I was beyond the typical age range for institute activities, I attended anyway to mingle with locals and make new friends.
Later on the week I also participated in a graduation ceremony for the institute and seminary on Saturday evening.
Being single, I always hold out hope that my efforts to make new friends might eventually lead me to that special someone. Dating is a hot topic among university students — one I frequently discuss during meals in the canteen and at various campus activities like English Corner.
Many students are shy and often seek my advice on finding a girlfriend or boyfriend. I’ve noticed they usually make friends with their roommates and classmates, but don’t venture beyond that circle. So, I encourage them to broaden their social horizons—after all, friends enhance life both personally and professionally.
I even did teach a class on dating strategies, covering everything from planning a date to asking someone out and handling relationships with honesty and respect. This class included exercises and games designed to help students overcome shyness and improve their social skills. A girlfriend or boyfriend is often the result of being more sociable, friendly, and willing to take risks.
As a teacher, dating students romantically would be unprofessional and problematic,. so I focus only on friendship. But during my vacation in the Philippines, where everyone spoke English, I continued my practice of making friends, with the added possibility of a romantic connection if the chemistry was right.
What kind of a teacher I would be if keep encouraging the students to make new friends while I would shy out from such opportunities. I am NOT saying she was the only pretty girl I meet in Philippines, but what I am saying is that she was the one who rejected me, so let me share how it did happen.
On my last day at the temple, I saw a lovely girl in the celestial room who looked like an angel. Summoning my courage, I waved at her. When she didn’t notice, I manage to found her again at the stairs, got her name, and planned to add her on Facebook. Despite this, she later ignored me at the institute and seminary graduation, moving to another bench when I sat near her. Of all the friends I made during the trip, she’s the only one who hasn’t accepted my Facebook request (and I suppose she never will).
Rejection is a normal part of anyone’s life, I got rejected, but I was so glad I took the chance to approach her, otherwise I would be wondering forever – “WHAT IF I HAD TALKED TO HER ?” But I had talked to her and now I don’t have to wonder, she was not the kind of girl I did expected her to be. It is kind of rude, or at least not very polite to ignore a person. Perhaps she would profit from my dating activity to learn a more graceful way to say “No”.
Below is some slides from my dating class/activity:
On Sundays, I took full advantage of my opportunity to attend church and stayed there the entire day. The temple square in Cebu comprises the temple, a patron house, and two chapels serving five wards.
This meant there were plenty of meetings and activities to keep me occupied the whole day. Besides the usual Sunday school and sacrament meeting, I participated in various other sessions, including a resilience class, marriage strengthening training, and ministering visits.
9. Returning to China.
My return journey to China had its own share of drama. After missing a flight connection in Manila, I had to decide between staying at the airport, finding a hotel, or opting for something a bit unconventional. I chose the unconventional route of course: since I was in Manila, where there was another temple I hadn’t visited yet, I decided to check it out. I took a motorcycle taxi — cheaper than a car taxi — with nearly all my remaining cash and arrived at the temple close to midnight.
Although it was closed, I managed to snap some photos of the exterior. The humorous part was me explaining to the security guard at 1:00hs am. that I just wanted to take some pictures of the temple. He called his supervisor, and I can only imagine the conversation going something like, “Hello supervisor, there’s this crazy foreigner who wants to take pictures of the temple now (1:00 hs am.)”
After showing my ID and proof of membership, I got my photos. I was hopping to spend the night at sofa in the patron house’s lobby, but it was closed until the next day. So, I spent the night talking with the security officer until sunrise, then took the church shuttle to the bus station and then back to the airport for the flight at noon. That’s why I arrived home in China utterly exhausted. But it was an unforgettable adventure, quite different from the typical tourist activities like waterfalls or snorkeling. For me, such activities don’t hold the same appeal when traveling alone.
10. Overall.
Experience Overall, my trip was fantastic. I embraced the old saying, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” Despite the high taxi fare and that one rejection, everything else about the trip was great. Every penny spent was worth it, so much so and I even visited two universities to explore potential teaching opportunities in Philippines. Who knows? In the future, I might be teaching in other Asian countries as well. We’ll see!
