Don't forget about the British! Remember we invented America, and no other country has influenced the course of humanity as much. Even now Britain is still punching well above it's weight in the fields of science and technology, literature, art, trade, banking and finance. I'm not a nationalist by any measure but there are many points on which I can say I'm proud to be British, and am glad not to be from the colonies.
Coming back to the point, I often think that the reason China seems only able to copy and is so weak at coming up with it's own innovative products (particularly compared to Japan) is because of the education system, which stifles creativity. The children in school here only learn to copy and are not allowed to question the teacher or think independently. And 12 hours of school a day leaves little time for play - which is essential for a child to develop his/her creative abilities. Very sad.
I want to be able to go to internet cafes and play computer games now and again. There are many of these kind of cafes in Kunming where you can play the latest games on big screens and in great comfort.
I've been to a few and they say they only accept Chinese ID cards (seems they don't care whose card, so you could always borrow one).
There was a thread about this before but it's a few years old. I want to check whether in the meantime anyone's had any luck persuading them to accept a passport. I'm sure there is a way for them to register you using a passport but they just can't be bothered to check.
well said bluppfisk, totally agree. can't remember the last decent, intelligent movie i've seen in the cinema here (maybe never have).
avengers, fast and furious, iron man 3, jupiter rising, etc etc - all just thin, silly plots which make no sense. completely rely on special effects and gimmicks to be successful. and sadly people fall for it. it's just special effects pornography (actually i'd have much more fun watching a real porno).
the last good film i recall seeing (downloaded on my laptop) - was 12 Years a Slave. powerful and moving story and script, very well acted and with a great soundtrack. an important film. moved me to tears. no chinese person i've spoken to has even heard of this movie. a great shame.
