Shop 'til You Drop - Beijing For Beginners
Trip Start
Jun 25, 2006
1
15
Trip End
Aug 16, 2006
Beijing, China
Saturday, August 19, 2006
Beijing or Bust
The trip back to Beijing was a little nerve wracking for one reason only; I was trusting a bus in China to arrive at the exact time it was supposed to
01 - Shopping Like You've Never Known
. Otherwise the subway would be closed and I would be fairly screwed as I know no other way to get to Mike's apartment. Even arriving on time it was going to be really close, and I couldn't figure out where in the city this bus station was, and where the subway might be in relation...it was going to be interesting. BUT, as always and without fail, Random Chinese Good Samaritan recognized my plight and seemingly from nowhere arrived to save the day. I was whisked from my bus, power walked/trotted to a nearby public bus, kicked off at the right stop, and given perfect directions to the nearby soon to be departing last subway car of the night. Got to Mike's just as he was wandering out to see if I was arriving. Sweet, I love it when a plan comes together. Never fails that some kind hearted soul will go out of their way to take care of me, one of the things I love about this country.
Beijing itself? Well this is officially the 5th time I've been through, and the classic tourist stuff is pretty done (although I for some reason refuse to go see the Forbidden City). This time through was dominated by...
Shopping
Not just a necessity, but a pure form of entertainment in Beijing. There are these massive multi-storied markets, set up purely for tourists really, and FULL of ridiculously cheap stuff. Ok, you have to bargain hard, yah its mostly knock-offs, and yah the salespeople are REALLY aggressive, but it can be sooo much fun. Its almost entirely staffed by twenty something girls and the fun to be had by flipping their aggressive tactics is never ending
02 - The boys on the town
. Some of Mike's classic tricks are spinning around to dance if they grab you walking by (embarrassing them to no end), convincing them he's looking for something that he has completely invented (which they will duly promise that they have and try to find), and trying to get them to throw in their phone numbers into the negotiations. I managed to agree with one girl that if she could find me a cute girlfriend in the next half hour than fine, I would buy one of her handbags, yet another just straight up invited me to lunch. I closed one deal by agreeing to buy all three salesgirls an ice cream. On another occasion I had about 10 salesgirls crammed around trying to help me name my unborn child (as I was of course 3 months pregnant). Amazing practice for the Chinese at any rate, and in the end I had bags and bags of new clothes for maybe $200 Canadian.
Also had an introduction to the Beijing nightlife by Mike, as we headed out to hit a couple bars and meet a few of his friends. I only got a taste, but its pretty clear that Beijing can be CRAZY after hours. Pretty random night and home at about 5am for a few hours sleep before heading for...
Tianjin (ie
02a - Some random Beijing club
. My Old China Hometown)Took an overnight trip to Tianjin to see an old friend (also my old boss) at her home. Had a great day just catching up and chatting for hours (although I was half dead, not having slept the night before really). Went out for a nice dinner, which as usual I was not allowed to pay for, and then my friend Kathy put me up at her parents place. I've been there once before years ago and the remember me well. They basically through me in the shower provided me with a comfy tshirt to chill in while she HAND WASHED AND IRONED DRY the tshirt I had been wearing! They forced me to sleep in the comfiest bed, and had a massive breakfast spread laid out when I woke up. The hospitality displayed in China can be just ridiculous, honestly.
Checked out a bit of old Tianjin for nostalgia's sake and then headed back to Beijing to get ready to head home! Caught up with some friends I met studying in Hangzhou as they travelled through, and had a nice dinner on my last night of that world famous Peking Duck at the restaurant most known for it. A fitting way to end, and then it was homeward bound. Not too much drama...through security, bags were under weight, flight was below average but decent, family was ready at the airport, and here I am. Its two days later now and my sleep schedule is still on Beijing time, meaning I woke up at 3 PM today...going to have to do something about that.
Thanks as always for reading along. I have a feeling it might be some time until the next adventures abroad, so no more updates for a while! I hope this finds everyone well, some timely reminders lately that you really do have to live life to its fullest TODAY, because no telling what tomorrow will bring. Paz y amor,
Shawn_in_White Rock
Comments
welcome home!
OMG, you are too funny, I should go shopping with you in China...OMG! Wendy!!! I miss seeing her, i hope she's doing well!
Ok yes, i know, i know, i'm being a social snob and you've been back a week and i have not yet seen you, or called you for that matter.. I will though, very soon! promise!