Hello and welcome to yet another issue of the language vlog newsletter!
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This week, we’re looking at flight choices, packing for China, Spring Festival temple fairs, and a year-long reflection on language learning. A couple of videos sparked by viewer questions, taking a walk through one of the temple fairs here in Beijing, and looking back at what was accomplished throughout 2024.
This Week’s Videos
- At LongTanHu Spring Festival Temple Fair – A look at Beijing’s temple fair traditions during the Spring Festival. Watch here
- Should I Buy That in China? – What to pack vs. what to buy once you arrive. Watch here
- Direct or Indirect Flights? – Comparing the costs and benefits of different flight options. Watch here
- 2024 Language Review – Looking back at last year’s language learning journey and plans for the future. Watch here
At LongTanHu Spring Festival Temple Fair
Spring Festival is a major event in China, and temple fairs play a big part in the celebrations. This video was taken during my visit to the LongTanHu Temple Fair in Beijing, where you can see traditional performances, try different types of street food, and cultural exhibitions.
📹 Watch here: YouTube Link
What to Pack for China: Buy or Bring?
I was recently asked about whether to pack everything you own when coming to China, or to buy a lot of it once you land. This video answers goes over a few things to consider when packing for travel or for work. Biggest takeaway? Bring pants and shirts that fit, just about everything else can be bought here.
- What’s easy to find in China and what might be difficult to replace
- A brief explanation of online shopping platforms Taobao 淘宝 and JingDong 京东
- Essential travel items you should bring from home
📌 Pre-flight packing checklist: Download here
📹 Watch here: YouTube Link
Direct vs. Indirect Flights: Which Should You Choose?
When booking international flights, should you go direct or opt for a layover?
Key considerations covered in this video:
- Cost vs. convenience – Indirect flights are often cheaper but may come with hidden costs (meals, hotels, transit fees).
- Time efficiency – How much is your time worth?
- Layover locations – If you must stop, which cities make for the best transit points?
- Best flight aggregators – Comparing CheapoAir, Fliggy (飞猪), and other booking platforms for China-bound flights.
📹 Watch here: YouTube Link
2024 Language Review: What Worked, What Didn’t
Reflecting on a year of language learning can reveal valuable insights. In this video, I assess progress in four languages:
📌 Korean – Was three weeks of intensive study enough before traveling?
📌 Russian – Focusing on grammar, listening comprehension, and reading The Da Vinci Code in Russian.
📌 Mandarin & Cantonese – Expanding knowledge of traditional Chinese characters and distinguishing dialects.
📌 Future Language Plans – Considering Serbian, Indigenous Canadian languages, and further improving existing skills.
I also ask a key question: Does traveling help you learn faster, or is focused study at home more effective?
📹 Watch here: YouTube Link
📩 Need help with your studies? Get in touch: [email protected]
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That wraps up this week’s update. If you have any questions, suggestions, or feedback, feel free to reply to this email or leave a comment on YouTube.
For language learning support, reach out at [email protected].
Best,
Steve
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