Easy Stories in English Hangzhou and the Joy of Cycling (Conversation)
Nov 17, 2025
Discover the beauty of Hangzhou, from its stunning West Lake to the vibrant atmosphere of local temples. Hear about a transformative cycling journey after an 18-year hiatus, and the liberating joy it brings. Ariel shares hilarious mishaps, like a moped crash while cycling, and the quirky experiences of navigating life in China, including unique cafes and delightful noodles. Plus, find out about her language learning triumphs and the fascinating little conveniences of living abroad!
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Feeling Matters More Than Scores
- Ariel Goodbody finds that feeling relaxed while using a language accelerates learning more than tracking vocab counts.
- She recommends paying attention to emotional comfort as a key indicator of language progress.
First Impressions Of Hangzhou
- Ariel describes arriving in Hangzhou, feeling an immediate energetic buzz compared to Ningbo.
- She loved West Lake, took a boat at golden hour, and called the scenery "gobsmackingly beautiful."
Mouldy Hotel Room
- Ariel stayed near West Lake but the hotel was damp and moldy, which made her feel unwell.
- She still spent most of her time exploring and ignored the poor room conditions.
