The discussion threads for the two stories on the Salvador's bombings seem to have shifted towards rumor and speculation about the bomber's identity and intent. I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing, but I think it's time for a separate thread dedicated to talk of our solidarity and what our response as a community could be. I'll start that now:

I love Salvador's, and I wish I could be there right now with the community that they are at the center of. My heart goes out to them and their worried family members back home. I hope y'all continue with what you've been doing, and that nothing like this ever happens again.

There's another important issue that this brings up. If you're living in Kunming and you have loved ones at home, please take the time to register with your consulates so that they can find you (and your family) in the event of an emergency. Also, give your home contact information to some close friends, so they know what to do if something happens. I've dealt with some unfortunate incidents before, and I can tell everyone from experience that these simple steps can make things easier for everyone.

Having said that, I'm so happy that everyone is okay. If you want to show support for Salvador's, please leave some kind words here. If you want to speculate about the bomber, the media or the illuminati, start another thread. You'll probably see me there too.

Jeff Crosby

There's actually already a law against refusing fares, and a hotline for complaints, but I don't know the number. The problem is lax enforcement.
The problem that gets me is that all the taxis switch drivers in the middle of the evening rush hour. They need to start staggering those times a bit. If they did that, we'd have much fewer stranded drivers

They grow in Xishuangbanna. The season is usually spring/summer. I've had them, and they're really big and really good. Unfortunately, no one seems to be bringing them to Kunming.
The term they use down there is you li (油梨)

Dude, if it's that good, fork over for an advertisement

Here are a few ideas:

- There's a curios market under the Yuantong Bridge that sells mostly antiques and picture frames, but some places sell oil paintings such as landscapes and even some modern stuff. Go to the main gate of Yuantong Zoo, cross Qingnian Lu. The building is directly beneath the square selling all of the ceramic pots and vases.

- A lot of art students have studios in the alleys by the gate of the Yunnan Art Academy (Yunnan Yishu Xueyuan - Ma Yuan Cun). I've heard there's some good stuff out there. With the market the way it is, though, they're likely to ask several thousand a piece.

- Well Gallery in the Loft usually has some stuff for sale, mostly landscapes though.

- If that doesn't suit you, check out what's left of the bird and flower market, as well as the antique market by Huguo Qiao. There are plenty of cheap Chinese paintings there, and some people dealing in cheap reproductions of old 1930's cigarette ads and Cultural Revolution propaganda posters. Assume they're fake repros and pay accordingly.

Hope that helped.