These days, I’ve had a hard time putting down Peter Hessler’s Oracle Bones, a book that explores the recent rapid changes of China’s politics, economy, and culture. I just finished a chapter which investigates the Chinese government’s lack of effort to preserve traditional architecture, especially that of the hutong, water alleyways bordered by courtyard homes. …
After having lived in a country of open spaces and big houses, it’s difficult to fathom how one might live in a crammed, upward built nation. Once a small town girl like myself has witnessed Seoul, it becomes more apparent, but the sight is quite overwhelming. Due to the lack of living space in Korea, …