As part of Evan Osno’s “Letter from China” series, the New Yorker hits it again with Angry Youth. Perhaps August will be flood season for all things China. Let’s keep it that way. :)
I got MaoMao a Moleskine sketch notebook as a *QisbackfromtheUSA* present, and was tempted to get the Beijing mole. Present-purchasing is definitely the biggest challenge going home every time. In addition to vitamins (bulk-sized and cheaper in the US), liquor, chocolate (I don’t know the difference between Hershey vs. Dove but chocolate is just the requisite thing you give relatives), and of course, lots of cigarettes, I’ve stocked up on pink wigs, luxury soaps (with grains in them that awes my dad, although I’m pretty sure you can find this in China), and cloves.
Chris and I both have pretty un-Chinese parents in terms of present-giving. His give him money. I ask mine to put a tab on whatever plane ticket/trip I will be taking next. It works well. I don’t like hording things. I do enjoy giving thoughtful gifts though.