Home is heavenly food - and total loss of self-control

Ten years ago, my friend went to France on a 12-month media exchange program. Despite all the allures of that romantic nation, she was homesick.

One day, she passed a Chinese restaurant and on seeing several mini-steamed dumplings in the window, could not hold back her tears, as if they were long-lost friends.

She related this experience when she returned to China. Everyone laughed at her but if it happened now, I'd be a little more respectful.