Content warning for existential dread and meat. This week’s vlog thoughts consider how often one should change their clothes. In our part of China, it’s actually OK to wear the same outfit for a few days in a row. Not to bed, of course. That’s what pajamas are for.

What do you do when you end up with fish mint in your dinner order? Get back on the phone!

Fish mint is a delicacy … but I don’t want it. Watch what happens when some shows up anyway. Also, I can speak Chinese on the phone!

Luzhou has some beautiful parks tucked into some surprising corners. This one, you reach from a busy overpass that’s all malls, restaurants and an amusement park. It’s a really nice green space that takes you down to the Tuo River.

Chill out with this music video that takes you on a ride throughout central Luzhou. It’s always more peaceful when someone else is doing the driving …

Baseline: I hate clothes shopping, so it’s even worse in a country where I regularly max out the size of what’s available. But, that can turn into a handy excuse when I’ve accidentally tried on a pair of pants that is too expensive.

Also, stick around after the story for a recent Taobao purchase, a complaint, and a viewer comment of the week!

I saw this cheese-filled monstrosity on the McDonald’s menu and I had to try it. It wasn’t that great, but it came with a surprise lesson in Chinese language and literature. I’m always learning!

For a more traditional Chinese New Year experience, a big family dinner would be in order. But because it’s just us, Peter and I had a Foreigners’ Spring Festival — which still entailed staying in and eating, but our meal was 100% macaroni & cheese and hot dogs. We bought some green beans, for health, but we forgot to cook them. 新年快乐！

Though we appreciate the time off, we’re not big into celebrating Chinese New Year … mostly because we don’t have a family in China to go see. But one aspect of the holiday that I really appreciate is the little door guardians. I think the pigs this year are very cute. I bought them at the supermarket!

We continue to consider the fact that we are not leaving China, for now. It’s a tricky business, choosing where to live. Every society has its flaws. But I think that puts on us the responsibility to to the good we can, where we can. When we can. How we can … How do I get out of this loop?!