A TYPICAL CHINESE KITCHEN

What is a Chinese kitchen like?

First, when you rent an apartment there is a room designated as a kitchen. Unless someone has installed appliances, etc, it is a bare room with plumbing for a sink. It is always on the outside of the rest of the house, and has windows all around it. Ben is on the 3rd floor and his kitchen is on the main walkway between stairways. It has a terrific view of the city. I have gotten to know all his neighbors and their children because they always wave and talk (in Chinese). I smile and wave a lot as they walk by. There is no privacy. Ben has installed a small hot water heater, so we don't have to heat water to wash dishes. It has a single sink, one long counter, and a two burner propane stove. The room next to it is dark and windowless, but the total glass kitchen gives it some light. This other room is where their small fridge, microwave, and toaster oven are located. There is very little room for storage. In this side-room from the kitchen they have a small table and chairs. They also have a nice table and chairs in the large and sunny living room, which is completely across the house.

The overall floor plan is lacking a little, but they will be moving the week after I leave, because the owner has sold this apt. They are not sure exactly where they are moving to, and as a mother that worries me a bit. Back to cooking, ......The real reason I think I cook well in China is because there is no TacoBueno or Sonic down the street. The nearest fast food is a 2-3hour drive. Western food is not available in this town. There are some things I look forward to getting back to.

Laban, when I get back on a Thursday, plan on Mexican night at Interurban!!!!!!!!