Perfect! The Kumming English Corner opportunity is just what you needed (it sounds like) to overcome being unable to connect with people in China. (Well, except for maybe "Union Sally" who provided great comic fodder for your China Post entry.)

Serendipity rules. Reminds me of a time I just happened into a situation when I saw a night watchman making the rounds of a place where I was staying in Mexico. We couldn't have been from more different universes. He spoke no English, but I speak a little hack Spanish. Ended up staying up all night, talking till 5 a.m. about everything from pop culture to American policy in Iraq. (!)

Good for you. Your blog rocks.

Travis

P.S. You reminded me of something, too. As you discovered, little kids make a great bridge. When you engage them, you almost always engage the adults.

So glad to hear you were able to connect a bit in Kunming. Hardest thing to do when you're traveling. And in China it seems just about impossible to break through that silence. Though Beijing seemed a lot more open.

Enjoy it!