The Pakistani Spectator

A Candid Blog



Interview with Blogger Redefining Lanzhou

By The Pakistani Spectator • Feb 7th, 2010 • Category: Interviews • No Responses

Would you please tell us something about you and your site?
When I started the site, I had spent about 3 years in Lanzhou. I feel that the city comes under unfair criticism from the backpacking community. The typical complaints are that it is very polluted and there is nothing to do. The aim of my site was to show that these views are a bit outdated. Yes, the city can be polluted at times, but no more than many other Chinese cities (Beijing and Xi’an, for example). As for sightseeing, there is more than enough to keep visitors busy for a few days. It is quite a unique city in China, on the Yellow River, with mountains lining the city, and a strong muslim identity.


Do you feel that you continue to grow in your writing the longer you write? Why is that important to you?
Lanzhou is the focus of my site, so there are more photos than words.

I’m wondering what some of your memorable experiences are with blogging?
I like being contacted by the readers of the site. Lots of people have contacted me to say that the site has helped them to settle into life in Lanzhou, after moving to the city to start a new job. I have also had some contact with an American, who lived in Lanzhou with his family in the 1940s. I had mentioned his father in a post, and he got in touch to share more of his memories.

If you could pick a travel destination, anywhere in the world, with no worries about how it’s paid for - what would your top 3 choices be?
I’d like to tour the Greek islands, and then travel through Turkey and Iran.


What is your perception about Pakistan and its people?
I visited northeast Pakistan in 2000. I thought it was peaceful and beautiful, with possibly the best food in the world!

What is the most striking difference between a developed country and a developing country?
People smile more in developing countries. They are also more likely to open their doors to strangers passing through.

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