I lived in the Middle Kingdom nine years ago. Zhongguo (中国), the actual Chinese name for China, literally translates to "Middle Kingdom." The country has deep historical roots and a traditional view of itself as the center of the world. I think the term "Middle Kingdom" sounds grand, ancient, and slightly mysterious. I went back recently with my husband Bill. Here are excerpts from my time there then and now. It was fun watching Bill's reactions to a different culture. To sa