The Grass is Always Greener...

Growing up in the Lutheran tradition, Thou shall not covet thy neighbor's (fill in the blank... ) was covered by both the 9th and 10th commandments. In the small catechism written several centuries ago by the thesis and hammer toting Luther, the act of coveting is condemned not once but twice, suggesting the importance of being sated with one’s own lot.

I must admit, in China they are usually two of the easiest commandments to keep (in my mind they’re a two-fer anyway!). There is little in the way of my neighbors' possessions I covet, except perhaps my neighbor Mrs. Yang's new ride (a post-baby gift from her richy pants husband.)

But, even that momentary desire fades when I consider actually driving that German luxury automobile (with the top down of course) through the unruly streets of Qingdao.

In the same vein as coveting is the “keeping up with the Jones’” philosophy so prevalent in the West - for China it is perhaps instead, “keeping up with the Zhangs’” Again…. I am largely reluctant to desire the opulent light fixtures, mammoth pieces of furniture and other over-sized, over-done items of Chinese luxury.

But… I would love nice grass in our back garden!

This is the present state of our yard:

When we moved in our landlord assured us we had kind of grass that did not need to be cut (because it didn't grow!). We have tried, in vain, each year to prompt a more lush lawn. The soil is poor, and our complex is built on the remnant of a limestone mountain.

Even after these guys dumped two truckloads of fertile soil in our backyard space, the grass failed to flourish.

Is the grass greener on the other side of the fence?

Not on this side… where Mr. Li gave up entirely. After thrice re-planting, he opted to tile his back yard!

But... is there Greener Grass on the other side of the other fence?

Yes... and in the verbage of Mr. Luther ... This is most certainly true!