So this is China!
The first day in China was stimulating and eventful. So far, we're having a wonderful time.
Our airline, Cathay Pacific, provided terrific service. Before we even checked in, they noticed we had a baby and re-routed us on a different flight with extra seats so Joshua can lie down to sleep. They also gave us an exit row on the second leg and made arrangements to provide baby food, diapers, and kiddie toys. Cheerfully too.
At Mom's apartment, we chowed down on delicious Hangzhou steamed buns and Joshua got to play with his new toys. We didn't have access to a car so we just hit the local shopping scene on foot. Drivers here are not afraid to use the horn. But.. they actually know how to use it--for signaling intentions and warning others. Nonetheless, Mom informed that with the blatant disregard for the rules of the road, minor accidents happen all the time.
Quite a few people here work right out of their apartment. The local cobbler set up shop from his apartment window. As far as I could tell, his primary overhead cost was a wooden chair for customers to stand on to reach the window.. slick. They should have vendors like this in the U.S. We also came across some street food. Smelled good, but we know better thanks to many of you.
The first shop we visited was a department store-- sort of a Macy's analog. I was surprised to notice that many boxed products looked old or even used, and there were very few patrons at the store. We were approached constantly by Mandarin-speaking salespeople. We don't speak Mandarin. But they seemed like very nice people.
The Wu-Mart here is China's WalMart, and very impressive. They even have a full service grocery store on the first floor. Can you identify the meat in the picture? If you guessed pork liver, you must have cheated.
By the end of the day, Joshua was OUT.
Our airline, Cathay Pacific, provided terrific service. Before we even checked in, they noticed we had a baby and re-routed us on a different flight with extra seats so Joshua can lie down to sleep. They also gave us an exit row on the second leg and made arrangements to provide baby food, diapers, and kiddie toys. Cheerfully too.
At Mom's apartment, we chowed down on delicious Hangzhou steamed buns and Joshua got to play with his new toys. We didn't have access to a car so we just hit the local shopping scene on foot. Drivers here are not afraid to use the horn. But.. they actually know how to use it--for signaling intentions and warning others. Nonetheless, Mom informed that with the blatant disregard for the rules of the road, minor accidents happen all the time.
Quite a few people here work right out of their apartment. The local cobbler set up shop from his apartment window. As far as I could tell, his primary overhead cost was a wooden chair for customers to stand on to reach the window.. slick. They should have vendors like this in the U.S. We also came across some street food. Smelled good, but we know better thanks to many of you.
The first shop we visited was a department store-- sort of a Macy's analog. I was surprised to notice that many boxed products looked old or even used, and there were very few patrons at the store. We were approached constantly by Mandarin-speaking salespeople. We don't speak Mandarin. But they seemed like very nice people.
The Wu-Mart here is China's WalMart, and very impressive. They even have a full service grocery store on the first floor. Can you identify the meat in the picture? If you guessed pork liver, you must have cheated.
By the end of the day, Joshua was OUT.
Comments
Victoria
-auntie anna