Take 5: Mary Ann O'Donnell

By Matthew Bossons, November 15, 2016

0 0

Every month, Take 5 sees a PRD resident answer five questions on whatever our editors feel like asking.

Shenzhen may not be home to many English-language blogs, but one has been providing excellent and insightful content for more than 10 years. Shenzhen Noted is written by New Jersey native Mary Ann O'Donnell, who labels her site as "blogging urban change since 2005." This month we chat with the 21-year China veteran.

When blogging, what is your favorite topic or angle to address and why?
I started blogging because few people read academic papers about Shenzhen and there was little information about the city available in English. Still blogging because unable to break the habit.

In your time in Shenzhen, what is your favorite thing that has changed?
Good coffee, easily available. I used to take a bus from Shenzhen University downtown to the Diwang Building for espresso (this was before Starbucks took over). That trip took at least an hour and I made it at least twice a week.

In your time in Shenzhen, what is the worst change?
Cars. Then pedestrian overpasses to accommodate more cars.

If you had to share a bed with Trump or Hillary Clinton for a year (nothing sexual involved), who would you pick and why?
Hillary, because she’s a professional.

One thing you miss from your home country?
Public libraries and their amazing librarians who go out of their way to help find great mystery series.

To check out Mary Ann O’Donnell’s blog, visit shenzhennoted.com

Click here for more Take 5.

more news

This Day in History: The Marco Polo Bridge Incident

On July 7, 1937, the cataclysmic event that led to the start of the Second Sino-Japanese War.

PHOTOS: Take a Look at the Real Santa's Workshop

How your Christmas decorations are made.

Useful Mandarin Phrases: Thanksgiving

A list of essential Thanksgiving phrases to help you through the classic American holiday!

30 Awesome Things To Do in Shenzhen

A selection of some of the best things to do in Shenzhen.

This Day in History: China Star Li Ning Shines at 1984 Olympics

Defying a Soviet Union-led boycott, Li Ning earns the nickname Prince of Gymnasts.

This Day in History: China Ends the Eunuch Era

Finally banned in 1924, the system had endured for over 3,000 years and through 25 dynasties.

New Film 'The Six' Tells Untold Titanic Chinese Survivors' Story

Arthur Jones' new documentary gets nationwide release this Friday.

0 User Comments

In Case You Missed It…

We're on WeChat!

Scan our QR Code at right or follow us at ThatsShenzhen for events, guides, giveaways and much more!

7 Days in Shenzhen With thatsmags.com

Weekly updates to your email inbox every Wednesday

Download previous issues

Never miss an issue of That's !

Visit the archives