For the last few years, I have been on a Chinese binge.

It may be the result of a long-repressed childhood memory (see below, the sorry tale of the Chinese curtain).

I have been learning Mandarin on my own since 2003. Having used several methods, I will share my impressions which might be of interest if you plan to start learning Mandarin yourself.

Since I have no local Chinese friends to converse with, I have also made progress by watching Chinese films from the mainland, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. In the article below, I also share tips on where to obtain Chinese films.

In 2005, I had the privilege to visit China for the first time. I was in Harbin for the Snow and Ice Festival, then I spent a few unforgettable days in Beijing.

When I came back, I researched a fascinating true story which is quite unknown in the West, that of the Soong sisters.

Since then. I have been waiting patiently for the CEO of the company where I work to ask me: "Sonny, how would you like to be in charge of the Shanghai office?" Considering that I work for a Lutheran Long-Term-Care provider based in Allentown, Pa, and stretching all the way to Hagerstown, Md, I may be in for quite a wait.

	CRASHING THROUGH THE CHINESE CURTAIN
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	LEARNING MANDARIN BY YOURSELF
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	CHINESE MOVIES
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	HARBIN & BEIJING 2005
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	THE SOONG SISTERS