Sunday in the City

On Sunday I took a taxi into the city to meet a friend of a friend of Annie's. She works for CNN and moved here just before we did. She lives in a building in the city in an area that is full of apartment buildings and shopping buildings. It was really nice to be able to spend time with someone from a different circle that our little embassy niche. Not that I don't enjoy that part of our life, but a little variety is nice. My new friend asked me if I like to shop and I said I was up for anything. So, she took me to another building in her area. We went up to the 20 something floor and knocked on an unmarked door. A young woman opened it and behind her was shelves and shelves of purses, luggage shirts, ties and shoes... all name brand. Wow. It was an overload for the senses! Though I never would have believed you if you'd told me, I actually wanted a fanny pack/ hip sack, whatever you choose to call it. So, I found a lovely, black, slim, Prada one to suit my needs. These packs are much more practical for outings here because they are more secure. They don't have to be too big because all you need to carry is cash, ID and, in my case, the little card that says in Chinese how to get back to my neighborhod. There's very little need for credit cards here.
I also bought Tom a business card holder. It's Gucci, of course. :-)

Later, we took a taxi to a more tourist oriented area. This is where I finally saw the China that everyone told me about and for which I was prepared. I was not prepared for the China I'd experienced thus far. The tourist China is cleaner, brighter and full of western shops and restaurants. Here I saw several fast food places and western clothing stores and a foreign bookstore. It was nice to see. We also ventured into a market where she purchased Mao alarm clocks and some other trinkets for friends back home. I bought a small zippered bag for carrying my money in my fanny pack.

My friend is native to China, though she was raised in America. It was nice to be with someone who truly speaks the language and gets respect from the locals. I learned some good bargaining techniques from her. Pick your price and stick to it. Be willing to walk away. This works well as long as you are willing to go without or know that you can find the same item somewhere else and try again. I used the technique and when the merchant gave into my price she asked my friend if she taught me how to bargain. You never really know if you are getting the best price, but I've come to realize that the important thing is that it is a good price to you. It really doesn't matter what someone else paid for the item if you are happy.

We ate at a small place in the market. I was hesitant and not too hungry so we stuck to something simple. It was a pastry of some sort. I got sick anyway...
It was a fun day.