Observations of a city

Vincent Hein keeps notes of his daily encounters in Beijing and observes aspects of life that are not necessarily specific to Asia. [Photo provided to China Daily]

So he started to take notes about his life and circulate them among his friends.

"My choice of the subjects are intentional," he says. The format of diary allows him to explore feelings and focus on descriptions instead of commentary. It is also a tribute to Nicolas Bouvier and those travel writers who "weren't trying to judge the land alien to them".

"I try to be just and my principle is always this - we are the same. I have more in common with my (Chinese) wife than any French girl."

He lists a number of cultural differences in East of the Clouds. Consider yourself a long-time expatriate, he writes, if you say yes to the following questions: Does Sprite go with wine? Do you have to look before crossing a street? Do you carry an umbrella in sunny weather?

"That's just in jest, just to show how we can make jokes about each other," he says, laughing. "I have an equally strong Chinese version."

There was a brief spell when he was irritated by the city's winter chills and smog-clogged skyline. But he says the problem was less with the city and more with himself.