-oh by the way...this is Stacey
I know this blog was set up to share what the parents experienced in China, but I figured the things I have to share are things they would share - so you are hearing about some of the happenings of China through me!
It is difficult to describe my trip to China. There are so many things I saw and experienced, I will try and share some of the highlights.
The first thing I did right when I booked my trip to China was to purchase travel insurance (mostly because of the H1N1 concern). It turned out to be a good investment because my luggage didn’t arrive when I did. After a lot of phone calls to people that didn’t understand English and a lot of help from a Chinese friend, my luggage arrived on Christmas Eve. I think that is one of the best presents I have every received!
Qingdao was not what I thought it would be. Yes, there were tall buildings downtown, but I also saw green mountains, and of course being on the coast, the ocean as well. It was beautiful and I was fortunate enough to see a couple of sunsets reflecting off the water.
One of the first items on the agenda when I arrived was to get some necessities since my luggage didn’t arrive. On the way to the bus, Dad and I encountered a little fruit stand with pineapples with the outer skin/crust cut off. Aside from them standing out in the dirty air and bugs flying around it – I thought it was a great idea.
We went to an area called Taidong. It is similar to Stephen Avenue Mall in Calgary, with stores on both sides of the street and the street in between for pedestrians only. In the background you might be able to see the paintings on the buildings. The building just right of Dad's head has a woman painted on it covering 7-8 stories.
I was taken to “The Tailor” – Charlotte. A number of the foreign teachers go to her to get custom made clothing. The jacket Dad is wearing was made by Charlotte. I was going to get a jacket made for myself. It was pretty cool to go. She has a number of magazines with photos of different kinds of clothing (shirts, pants, skirts, suits, coats...) I went through and found a picture of a jacket I liked, chose fabric I thought would look good, and Charlotte went away measuring me on what seemed like every curve on my body. I couldn’t believe how many little shops there were, each packed with all sorts of material and seamstresses ready to create anything for you.
Here are a few other things we found on the street – a display made completely out of Coke cans. (even the CocaCola logo!)
Can you guess what store this is?
If you guessed....
....you are correct!
Don't be fooled by the American looking sign though - not all of the food looked like anything from America. There were a few things that looked familiar, but much of the fresh food was unrecognizable to me. Oh, and if only I could somehow pass on the smells on to you - - that would only add to the experience. Mmmmm...???
Is it difficult to see, but those aren’t your ordinary stairs going up and across the overpass – it is an escalator!
I think this dog was also going shopping - and certainly dressed for the occasion!
About 5 days later....I picked up my wool jacket from Charlotte for about $40CND. Not back, eh?
Stay tuned for more.....
