Michael Venske's Digital Playground

My Apartment In China Looks Like

Michael 11 years ago
Hallway leading to the office (which I forgot to photograph).
Hallway leading to the office (which I forgot to photograph).
The other half of the kitchen. A water heater hangs on the wall.
The other half of the kitchen. A water heater hangs on the wall.
This is the kitchen. Basic and simple. I love the color of the cabinets, but I wish they were about a foot higher. In the left of the picture is one of my favorite things: a Hisense two-burner propane gas stove. This thing is a lot of fun to cook on! When I arrived to the space I noticed another item immediately: the wok. I remarked to my boss that I've always wanted a wok. It was my hope that for a housewarming present when I moved into my condo in 2008 that someone would buy me a wok. It never happened and I never owned a wok. I quipped to my boss that it was ironic that I finally have a wok, it just took coming to China to get it.
This is the kitchen. Basic and simple. I love the color of the cabinets, but I wish they were about a foot higher. In the left of the picture is one of my favorite things: a Hisense two-burner propane gas stove. This thing is a lot of fun to cook on! When I arrived to the space I noticed another item immediately: the wok. I remarked to my boss that I’ve always wanted a wok. It was my hope that for a housewarming present when I moved into my condo in 2008 that someone would buy me a wok. It never happened and I never owned a wok. I quipped to my boss that it was ironic that I finally have a wok, it just took coming to China to get it.
Entertainment center in the living room
Entertainment center in the living room
The living room reminds me of the 60s.
The living room reminds me of the 60s.
A view looking toward the kitchen.
A view looking toward the kitchen.
The yellow tank near the ceiling is a water heater. In addition to a western toilet, shower and sink, there is a small washing machine just out of frame to the right of the sink.
The yellow tank near the ceiling is a water heater. In addition to a western toilet, shower and sink, there is a small washing machine just out of frame to the right of the sink.
The bath room, unfortunately -- lacks a bath. Floor to ceiling tiles and a drain in the floor transform this room into a large shower.
The bath room, unfortunately — lacks a bath. Floor to ceiling tiles and a drain in the floor transform this room into a large shower.
Don't let this picture fool you: this bed is extremely hard. Simple. Basic. It gets the job done. Just out of frame is a large window that opens up to the drying room/balcony and out to the track/basketball court/downtown.
Don’t let this picture fool you: this bed is extremely hard. Simple. Basic. It gets the job done. Just out of frame is a large window that opens up to the drying room/balcony and out to the track/basketball court/downtown.
There is not a dryer in my apartment. After washing clothes they come to this room to dry. This is my drying room / balcony. There are two chrome retractable pipes on a pulley system where I hang wet clothes. This room is where I start and end my days. It's a peaceful place.
There is not a dryer in my apartment. After washing clothes they come to this room to dry. This is my drying room / balcony. There are two chrome retractable pipes on a pulley system where I hang wet clothes. This room is where I start and end my days. It’s a peaceful place.
Here's the view I have from my southern-exposure living room window. A straight-out shot. Zibo's "downtown district" is to the right of the frame. A lovely view to the city at night.
Here’s the view I have from my southern-exposure living room window. A straight-out shot. Zibo’s “downtown district” is to the right of the frame. A lovely view to the city at night.

6 thoughts on “My Apartment In China Looks Like”

  1. Looks clean, safe and comfortable…..has fruits and vitamins – you are off to a great start! Keep up the good work! (but where is a picture of me on the fridge??)
    Joan

  2. It seems so much more spacious than I thought it would be! I can’t wait to see the Number 2 wall! Lol Thanks for the glimpses into your daily life!

  3. Joan —
    Thank you! Tell ya what, if you send me a picture of you and that sassy hubby of yours — I’d love to put it on my fridge! It’s great to hear from you, too! ~Michael

    Jess —
    Be honest… Did you think I was living in some hut in the hills? No way! There is no hut that could ever replace our donut hut! I do have a picture of you with me — it’s actually one of my favorites… The picture of you, Sean, and me, the day after your wedding with the lake in the background after Perkins. I love you guys! Gosh that’s a great picture! ~Michael

  4. I did not think you were living in a hut. But I think China and over population and then tiny spaces lol. I don’t think I have seen that photo but I definitely remember the day. I am glad you took me with you! That warms my heart. Speaking of heart warming I have to go finish cleaning up because tomorrow I am throwing the girls their first ever tea party. I will send pics!

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