tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90146019732001143552024-02-07T12:55:05.108-08:00Green Dragon in Red ChinaUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9014601973200114355.post-10473183804708827712008-08-18T03:09:00.000-07:002008-08-18T03:20:43.036-07:00I'm Still Here! - Packing and Getting Ready to Go<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzM8F2ERNq_C3dfePw8qmEnVr8UxXmdNe0Iln5ZnsVcMdm81S_S70kQHhpt_JZaGi0H_bN71CPZU8BY6otYeXzwJEIzpjzEEBiBa_VlPIvidyuxvaH5z_OtZiqBu7BLUQustwTJ7uLzxE/s1600-h/IMG_2835.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzM8F2ERNq_C3dfePw8qmEnVr8UxXmdNe0Iln5ZnsVcMdm81S_S70kQHhpt_JZaGi0H_bN71CPZU8BY6otYeXzwJEIzpjzEEBiBa_VlPIvidyuxvaH5z_OtZiqBu7BLUQustwTJ7uLzxE/s320/IMG_2835.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235799735411136706" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The Bird's Nest Stadium!<br /><br /></div>I recently just returned from an incredible trip to Beijing, full of friends, Olympic games and adventures of Olympic proportions.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAO9Dc42qCSP_zoAujj1QRDFllKEZHIPzHvrN4oqnwpC2iQclhAffd0r7bn7ANB9UeQqgQN7TLx6yF9diFra0JM2ZoeYVJquwcSjI8lfynA70eR-VNiUH2sUGWOschv0jejU3DvaMXltE/s1600-h/IMG_2942.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAO9Dc42qCSP_zoAujj1QRDFllKEZHIPzHvrN4oqnwpC2iQclhAffd0r7bn7ANB9UeQqgQN7TLx6yF9diFra0JM2ZoeYVJquwcSjI8lfynA70eR-VNiUH2sUGWOschv0jejU3DvaMXltE/s320/IMG_2942.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235800096683135186" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The Men's 100m final where Jamaica took the gold - I was there!<br /></div><br />For anyone checking into this or sending me emails, I may not be posting or replying for up to a week. This is because I am in a frenzy of packing and sorting out last minute details before my return to Canada. When I return, I have to practice for a driving test and start getting ready for University once more. Keep checking back as I will continue posting during the school year and will start a photo album that spans the three months that I was in China. In the meantime, do send post requests and opinions so that I know what to focus on writing when I get a spare moment. And of course, do try to keep things green, and if you would like tips for that, I could most certainly post some up here as well!<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip-u0wd5qGAdVGzi2O0LjWccWTBvsyR1mYTsv_dw_PcO-Uy-OjclDmsikD-HMzqzU88XeMjm7Pn3cZoHnzc39f4Vff0Ayk0OXSn5vRBWY8EzIbMhnyEmtnh0bepnFzuwp7ckM65k639W0/s1600-h/IMG_3028.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip-u0wd5qGAdVGzi2O0LjWccWTBvsyR1mYTsv_dw_PcO-Uy-OjclDmsikD-HMzqzU88XeMjm7Pn3cZoHnzc39f4Vff0Ayk0OXSn5vRBWY8EzIbMhnyEmtnh0bepnFzuwp7ckM65k639W0/s320/IMG_3028.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235799234471684194" border="0" /></a><br />Fun at the art gallery in an old factory district<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9014601973200114355.post-15505995992726490092008-08-14T04:06:00.000-07:002008-08-14T04:11:17.297-07:00Photo Studios – There is a Little Bit of Celebrity in Everyone<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX-KqLoqqit6Q0mFCRG2Co2lrvJSbLHnYZHZBb-DCRv17pHdDXhqnGfwi9-BBK3PW_35dDSgThzx-dBlmBjLP01DUjYqtlLgOWuGpdRSCG4ru6AIpIS7jxLcqZtApkun5efw0e2Qk5rnI/s1600-h/DSC_0013.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX-KqLoqqit6Q0mFCRG2Co2lrvJSbLHnYZHZBb-DCRv17pHdDXhqnGfwi9-BBK3PW_35dDSgThzx-dBlmBjLP01DUjYqtlLgOWuGpdRSCG4ru6AIpIS7jxLcqZtApkun5efw0e2Qk5rnI/s320/DSC_0013.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234329249558254018" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="" lang="EN-CA">Though photo studies may exist back home, they certainly don’t exist in as great a variety as they do in Tianjin.<span style=""> </span>Such studios can be found in almost every major shopping area which I have stumbled across so far.<span style=""> </span>Their staff are talented in photography, photoshop, photographic printing and of course, customer service.<span style=""> </span>Many of such shops specialize in wedding</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZnJMWYlt66eWZQpvCJcGUPbe41Ngk0HeiU3b5kLXikzhyphenhyphensodcT-e9iflafFjsBamsiIkXGiin-u3yX1wNfX8k9-Sf8Tk0Swtp_8urDAL_YRifHRDsLt64ANP3td-is9_LMCYABRGdxHw/s1600-h/IMG_5939.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZnJMWYlt66eWZQpvCJcGUPbe41Ngk0HeiU3b5kLXikzhyphenhyphensodcT-e9iflafFjsBamsiIkXGiin-u3yX1wNfX8k9-Sf8Tk0Swtp_8urDAL_YRifHRDsLt64ANP3td-is9_LMCYABRGdxHw/s320/IMG_5939.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234328904571145122" border="0" /></a><span style="" lang="EN-CA"> photography but not the same kind of wedding photography that one is used to back in the west.</span><span style="" lang="EN-CA"><span style=""> </span>Couples come to the studio and purchase photo packages which specify the types of prints which will be made after their photo session.<span style=""> </span>After the arrangements are sorted out, multiple costumes are donned and the couple visits various locales or sets in the studio to have a professional photographer snap shots of them while they pose.<span style=""> </span>The costumes range from traditional asian</span><span style="" lang="EN-CA"> clothing styles (Chinese, Korean, Indian and etc) to modern, funky and eccentric.<span style=""> </span>These photos are enhanced using photoshop and are then transformed to fit various print formats.<span style=""> </span>Some can be printed on rug-like wall-hangings, large format glossy prints on wood, inset in glass ornaments and countless other presentation styles.<span style=""> </span>A very popular medium is to arrange photos artistically against a backdrop and to print them out in a large format hard-cover book with rigid cardboard pages.<span style=""> </span>I have yet to see photos</span><span style="" lang="EN-CA"> taken by professional photographers at actual wedding events!<span style=""> </span>Even at the wedding I attended, such a photo studio book was passed around during the ceremony and there were no professional photographers in attendance.</span> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-CA">Similar photo studies exist for people who just want to dress up, try a few poses and create albums to help them commemorate their younger years.<span style=""> </span>These studious are capable of churning out final products that are worthy of the glossy pages of fashion magazines.<span style=""> </span>My colleague Yolanda took me to a photo studio which specialized in such albums.<span style=""> </span>Here, she showed me the photos they took – the effects that were applied to them were simply breathtaking!<span style=""> </span>The photo studio was quite an eclectic place.<span style=""> </span>It was located near a major shopping area in a former concession </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1QZ7lZCvKvplbDkO5tos-j-IrnGrQrlGbJcl0coNBQeipLn6Cz2BM_ALfQtT32r9KMrUwTUUZGFYryiVvaflmyJpw46NQtwfsZ97gmeo9_fMd11zrkIhnLVZOQGIAV2KTYWjrZ88HXRY/s1600-h/IMG_5953.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1QZ7lZCvKvplbDkO5tos-j-IrnGrQrlGbJcl0coNBQeipLn6Cz2BM_ALfQtT32r9KMrUwTUUZGFYryiVvaflmyJpw46NQtwfsZ97gmeo9_fMd11zrkIhnLVZOQGIAV2KTYWjrZ88HXRY/s320/IMG_5953.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234328594060914226" border="0" /></a><span style="" lang="EN-CA">building that had been converted to suite the studio’s purposes.<span style=""> </span>There were even two greyhound dogs that lived in the studio who were often featured in many of the studio’s works to add variety.<span style=""> </span>When we visited, one was away at the at a beach locale for one of the studio’s photography expeditions.<span style=""> </span>The decorations inside were a mix of both the modern and the antiquated </span><span style="" lang="EN-CA">with some unique Victorian features that were retained from the original building.<span style=""> </span>Here, Yolanda browsed her album on one of the studio’s computers and recommended some changes to be made.<span style=""> </span>Meanwhile, two employees staffed the computers around us and continued with their work. Here, I was given the chance to see them in action as they enhanced the original photographs.<span style=""> </span>Fingers flew and mouse clicks were abundant as pictures were refined, clipped, shifted and placed into their final artistic templates.<span style=""> </span>After Yolanda was satisfied with her recommendations, I got the chance to chip in an opinion or two before we left the studio.<span style=""> </span>It would take two weeks to make the changes requested and get the final copy printed.<span style=""> </span>In the meantime, Yolanda was given the electronic versions of the photograph which you see up on the blog. <span style=""> </span>The prices of these </span><span style="" lang="EN-CA">albums were quite reasonable as well, it seems that looking like a celebrity is not confined only to the realms of the super-rich and famous. <span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9014601973200114355.post-16109709810247109952008-08-14T03:51:00.000-07:002008-08-14T04:06:17.824-07:00Beach Expedition - The Final Hours<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRR75Ot6TlWxcxT_3Je0hvNd1If8FZ8FuPf6_TRCe-7_bMrbdArxTyoNzTpHVloa2yh8xzOjXQNcEVh-8ZMRMM25G6EDBA-irb-QtnQua1POBxs1i0HN17DhLnVkgrXkfzWP1wfSTRGuQ/s1600-h/IMG_2338.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 280px; height: 209px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRR75Ot6TlWxcxT_3Je0hvNd1If8FZ8FuPf6_TRCe-7_bMrbdArxTyoNzTpHVloa2yh8xzOjXQNcEVh-8ZMRMM25G6EDBA-irb-QtnQua1POBxs1i0HN17DhLnVkgrXkfzWP1wfSTRGuQ/s320/IMG_2338.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234325594512102754" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="" lang="EN-CA">I woke up for yet another early morning as my instinctive alarm clock </span><span style="" lang="EN-CA">kicked in, casting slumber out the door.<span style=""> </span>I was the first one to awake and decided to travel to both ends of the beach for a walk.<span style=""> </span>I passed by familiar sights that I had seen while on the ATV before.<span style=""> </span>However, I never realized how strenuous walking on sand is until that morning!<span style=""> </span></span> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-CA">After my stroll, I sat on some of our borrowed chairs.<span style=""> </span>Soon, I was approached by two beach resort staffers who started talking in very rapid Chinese to me. I managed to explain to them that I could not speak Chinese and roused one of the men from his slumber to help address their concerns.<span style=""> </span>It turns out that they just wanted to take the borrowed beach furniture back.<span style=""> </span>I was very surprised when they brought up garbage bags and started to clean </span><span style="" lang="EN-CA">up our mess from the night before.<span style=""> </span>I pitched in where I could but they were more than content</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4WaiyS_z_qFadLd2bglso0jtKnCGI0_mnya6_tbKFbOOL0YN8jNG398K7xXXGvyadQY0xTyjFHKQBkAZTKapD_6oe6i53u6eJqaRtNvaoVwTv1h040otkSyVfMfvY1CRpygZGzBFBhJ4/s1600-h/IMG_2324.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4WaiyS_z_qFadLd2bglso0jtKnCGI0_mnya6_tbKFbOOL0YN8jNG398K7xXXGvyadQY0xTyjFHKQBkAZTKapD_6oe6i53u6eJqaRtNvaoVwTv1h040otkSyVfMfvY1CRpygZGzBFBhJ4/s320/IMG_2324.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234325131973215218" border="0" /></a><span style="" lang="EN-CA"> to clean up on their own.<span style=""> </span>In no time at all, the beach furniture was packed away once more in storage and I took a seat in the sand.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-CA">In no time at all as the sun rose higher in the sky, our group woke, packed up our tents, picked up our garbage and helped the women get the bunkhouse ready for departure.<span style=""> </span>In the</span><span style="" lang="EN-CA"> bunkhouse, we swept up the nutshells on the floor and filled a water jug with tap water to give the floor a good scrub.<span style=""> </span>I was surprised by the lengths our group went to clean up after itself!<span style=""> </span>There were no regulations that stipulated that we have to clean our areas before departure.<span style=""> </span>Thus, I was pleasantly surprised with how scrupulously clean our group left both the beach and the bunkhouse.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-CA">We bade goodbye to the beach as we packed up our cars and drove out into the horizon.<span style=""> </span>Soon, I was</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE80yWdDdOszt87z072PFkpY2dAt1SiOIK4EY4YyQZ7Onrlcvom7dTBteA1D7MBB9BVM7wYTFtLjQemCa0zpUUQopEyuXj-HQXDP1zLpuDRFLp7MhdGP1bA7Jhx5FXKeNbkM30KsEiyKs/s1600-h/IMG_2362.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE80yWdDdOszt87z072PFkpY2dAt1SiOIK4EY4YyQZ7Onrlcvom7dTBteA1D7MBB9BVM7wYTFtLjQemCa0zpUUQopEyuXj-HQXDP1zLpuDRFLp7MhdGP1bA7Jhx5FXKeNbkM30KsEiyKs/s320/IMG_2362.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234324852081925506" border="0" /></a><span style="" lang="EN-CA"> napping in the back and casting occasional glances outside as the various scenes of China rolled past.<span style=""> </span>It </span><span style="" lang="EN-CA">was incredible how much I had missed out on during the night time journey.<span style=""> </span>We passed farms of verdant green, mechanized</span><span style="" lang="EN-CA"> harbours, power plants, factories, apartment complexes and bubbling fish farms.<span style=""> </span>As the countryside rolled by, I played out the memories of the weekend in my head.<span style=""> </span>Recently, my head has begun swim from too many experiences to be had in such a short period of time!<span style=""> </span>I’m still trying to piece together my experiences here, all of the places, people, discoveries, landmarks and culture.<span style=""> </span>My trip to China has been a full sensory overload, but oh what fun it has been!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-CA"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:180%;">THE END</span></p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQB9j8MkytF8SKuZInr5UrTod5FtNXhtiSJe0OVFS55vN8KhhrZN7OGunfKGWtAD5q-kmC5KZZG46vfnN1N32h35a37Xg8ht6Ry61HU4893x6huZDec-bnicxPHPHVcWctozUnC6ZgX-A/s1600-h/IMG_2282.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQB9j8MkytF8SKuZInr5UrTod5FtNXhtiSJe0OVFS55vN8KhhrZN7OGunfKGWtAD5q-kmC5KZZG46vfnN1N32h35a37Xg8ht6Ry61HU4893x6huZDec-bnicxPHPHVcWctozUnC6ZgX-A/s320/IMG_2282.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234326075750023810" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">P.S. I dedicate this blog entry to Darleen and Mr. Luo! Without them, this Beach Trip Would not have been Possible!<br /><span style="" lang="EN-CA"><span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9014601973200114355.post-27699516993021962122008-08-14T03:25:00.000-07:002008-08-14T04:05:51.413-07:00Beach Expedition Day 2 – Afternoon Activities<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Ek4_bSsCIJSiFF_h_YS3njKFjebgqF5yt56D2852GYdqAY1iL4RJoSSowNlXaR9ai90uFtjIFHrd7StMO2-lDamAbkjtamJNvT9nouzBRwhrUM-uZf26HQ_oxHaBCBRcfV4u5jLQsfQ/s1600-h/IMG_2238.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Ek4_bSsCIJSiFF_h_YS3njKFjebgqF5yt56D2852GYdqAY1iL4RJoSSowNlXaR9ai90uFtjIFHrd7StMO2-lDamAbkjtamJNvT9nouzBRwhrUM-uZf26HQ_oxHaBCBRcfV4u5jLQsfQ/s320/IMG_2238.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234323493717058930" border="0" /></a><span style="" lang="EN-CA">As we distanced ourselves from the beach area, the scenery changed quite drastically.<span style=""> </span>The beach and barren salt flats were soon replaced by immaculate asphalt, gleaming white street lamps and verdant boulevards as we drove into the city nearby.<span style=""> </span>Though relatively quiet, the place was not lacking in any of the amenities of a modern </span><span style="" lang="EN-CA">city.<span style=""> </span>We soon stopped at a Chinese restaurant where we were led upstairs to a private room with two large tables. <span style=""> </span>The place was well decorated,</span><span style="" lang="EN-CA"> spacious, air conditioned and comfortable.<span style=""> </span>In our private room, we designated one table for the men and one for the women.</span> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-CA">There was as much merriment to be had as there was food!<span style=""> </span>I’ll try and list the foods we ate but as often is the case in China, the dishes consumed were to numerous for all to be remembered. We dined on fried corn, spicy fish, spicy bacon, agaric, roast duck, roast pig, vegetable</span><span style="" lang="EN-CA"> assortment, spicy chicken and vegetable mix, mushroom soup and the list goes on.<span style=""> </span>As us</span><span style="" lang="EN-CA">ual, a sizeable amount of the food was left uneaten.<span style=""> </span>However, the</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilPMtCWLYFa_A5HJU7zyrTjjd4MIGeu27OxcW88KzOwE_VcXB4Gobpz1uztv762BJfVIiMVjDo8DnPs31kmE1iVxJDBM6ZDfAa3EltuLBUO37DecGaSj7vzlVsQ_7kYsgVCvgzbL5S2xc/s1600-h/IMG_2267.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilPMtCWLYFa_A5HJU7zyrTjjd4MIGeu27OxcW88KzOwE_VcXB4Gobpz1uztv762BJfVIiMVjDo8DnPs31kmE1iVxJDBM6ZDfAa3EltuLBUO37DecGaSj7vzlVsQ_7kYsgVCvgzbL5S2xc/s320/IMG_2267.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234323154380946210" border="0" /></a><span style="" lang="EN-CA"> food that is left uneaten at dining</span><span style="" lang="EN-CA"> establishments is seldom wasted.<span style=""> </span>At the PPG cafeteria and the many restaurants I have visited, uneaten food is placed into a separate food collection bin and which</span><span style="" lang="EN-CA"> is carted away daily to pig farms.<span style=""> </span>This certainly puts my heart more at ease as there is nothing I find harder to stomach </span><span style="" lang="EN-CA">than wasted food.<span style=""> </span>I find it incredibly unfortunate that, although good food such as this is put to use in China, back home, such food is destined only for landfills.<span style=""> </span>Of course at the landfill, its only future is to become a sodden methane-emitting mess.<span style=""> </span></span><span style="" lang="EN-CA">There </span><span style="" lang="EN-CA">certainly is a lot we can learn from the most common</span><span style="" lang="EN-CA"> practices in place here in the orient.<span style=""> </span>The same goes for the CFL’s as noted in a previous entry, when one is pressed to save money and resources, they can often be very innovative in an unintentionally green way.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-CA">After our lavish lunch, we returned to the beachside resort.<span style=""> </span>This time, I was able to see the surrounding sights that were covered by a cloak of darkness the night before.<span style=""> </span>We passed a variety of restaurants with open aquariums out front which displayed a live menu of fresh seafood.<span style=""> </span>We also passed countless beach shops which sold swimsuits, swimgear and beach toys.<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>Upon reaching </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiciAY8sVgPUOJAecnHLtEykie2euxGzvF2jK19uRAVDtd5IoRyggEk0Yr3xGVeP609OA-D6f6LvGmXb4_TrcWxeHbpUKJtq1idBBQ_YAWgqTbqEBKT3bshdj_SjU3Mp0iSarJfukfUViA/s1600-h/IMG_2266.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiciAY8sVgPUOJAecnHLtEykie2euxGzvF2jK19uRAVDtd5IoRyggEk0Yr3xGVeP609OA-D6f6LvGmXb4_TrcWxeHbpUKJtq1idBBQ_YAWgqTbqEBKT3bshdj_SjU3Mp0iSarJfukfUViA/s320/IMG_2266.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234322782361564434" border="0" /></a><span style="" lang="EN-CA">the parking lot, I was surprised to find the place significantly more crowded than it was when we had left that morning.<span style=""> </span>We had to circle the area for a little while before finding</span><span style="" lang="EN-CA"> parking spots.<span style=""> </span>As we neared the beach, it appeared to my untrained eyes that large crowds of people had materialized out of the sea – the beach was positively packed!<span style=""> </span>Fortunately, the crowd was confined primarily to the shade afforded by the umbrellas that were close to the water.<span style=""> </span>Our tent encampment had been left abandoned since the morning, but it remained standing – untouched by the bustling crowds.<span style=""> </span></span><span style="" lang="EN-CA">All of the women retreated to their air conditioned bunkhouse, most likely to watch television or play with their handheld videogame systems.<span style=""> </span>I was surprised that only one of them made use of the sea!<span style=""> </span>Meanwhile, I went with the men to lounge in the sand once more.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg8TgXdRLhy3jWk-lepVKSQ36-mSYMci2vStv9XrTmRMGREZ4ezFmQXF5zFFh6V2-m3OLISyARnXSlRiPy_niZSs9rblorErmyg-fbN4yEmvIqkpzJ4HDCX6lBi9VQ7-ej20twrywqrWs/s1600-h/IMG_2265.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg8TgXdRLhy3jWk-lepVKSQ36-mSYMci2vStv9XrTmRMGREZ4ezFmQXF5zFFh6V2-m3OLISyARnXSlRiPy_niZSs9rblorErmyg-fbN4yEmvIqkpzJ4HDCX6lBi9VQ7-ej20twrywqrWs/s320/IMG_2265.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234322384173487538" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-CA">Soon, I was invited to play a casual game of beach volleyball.<span style=""> </span>Someone had found a ball somewhere and it was soon bouncing back and forward above one of the nets that was randomly on the beach for the enjoyment of beachgoers.<span style=""> </span>None of us were any good at volleyball so I was thankful that there was no serious element of competition to the game at all.<span style=""> </span>No score was kept as we laughed, tumbled and dived, doing our best to keep the ball from touching the heated sand.<span style=""> </span>I was the only foreigner present at the crowded beach of at least 1 000 people, it was a good thing that I did not look fully foreign otherwise I certainly would have stood out like a sore</span><span style="" lang="EN-CA"> thumb.<span style=""> </span>I was relieved to note that the beach attire is significantly more conservative for women (since I’m just so conservative as you may know by now) than similarly sandy places back home.<span style=""> </span>However, for men, I was the only one wearing baggy, western style swim shorts.<span style=""> </span>The men present wore very tight, spandex speedos or shorts – most of which must have been purchased from the abundant beach supplies shops.<span style=""> </span>There was a certain openness and tolerance at the beach which is absent in similar environments back home.<span style=""> </span>No matter how unattractive one may be swimming clothing, they are not ridiculed, stared or jeered at ,nor discouraged from joining in with the fun.<span style=""> </span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE8f8JQv3hZJDMqXwqfutMKRAcTmPI9pxVHQKewk9GIR26alB61h90EnArFouDmhQVUZGx8IPG_tSisDGp6GgvulmHJ3ztRg9enZyZRZ3b2Uj-zFfk4ekixqm3JlLe0DbSvdBJ5rJMBjo/s1600-h/IMG_2276.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE8f8JQv3hZJDMqXwqfutMKRAcTmPI9pxVHQKewk9GIR26alB61h90EnArFouDmhQVUZGx8IPG_tSisDGp6GgvulmHJ3ztRg9enZyZRZ3b2Uj-zFfk4ekixqm3JlLe0DbSvdBJ5rJMBjo/s320/IMG_2276.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234322076210861330" border="0" /></a><span style="" lang="EN-CA">There are also very few if no people tanning as dark skin is considered less desirable than being paler skinned in China.<span style=""> </span>Because of this cultural freedom, self-consciousness is almost absent.<span style=""> </span>Although I am completely averse to beaches at</span><span style="" lang="EN-CA"> home due to a different beach culture, my aversion to swimming faded and I too joined in being free from self-consciousness.</span><span style="" lang="EN-CA"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-CA">I joined my companions with gusto when invited to head into the deep.<span style=""> </span>In the water, the waves were large and the swimming area was crowded, but there was still a great deal of fun to be had.<span style=""> </span>The volleyball had made its way over into the surf as well and was soon flying high above the waves.<span style=""> </span>In the water people splashed, chased each other and rode inflatable boats on waves that were large enough to knock one over.<span style=""> </span>I think that this must have </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYrgRE1DF64KPTfxVVlFDhYTAKsbup3Mcyczu5U6PaZ8JLYYAfUAMc-aYr2gcr_9pV6iUv_v7ZJz5GGZODZprTVTOmmeAW9LvT7pCBIomQ2NdQ4WggG9DPDD1sruYo_xFKZyTDoqj5MPA/s1600-h/IMG_2273.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYrgRE1DF64KPTfxVVlFDhYTAKsbup3Mcyczu5U6PaZ8JLYYAfUAMc-aYr2gcr_9pV6iUv_v7ZJz5GGZODZprTVTOmmeAW9LvT7pCBIomQ2NdQ4WggG9DPDD1sruYo_xFKZyTDoqj5MPA/s320/IMG_2273.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234321369993306050" border="0" /></a><span style="" lang="EN-CA">been the second time I’ve swam in the sea in my lifetime.<span style=""> </span>I was soon disoriented and was stumbling as if drunk, unfamiliar with the buffeting effect of the waves.<span style=""> </span>The sand under my feet was fine and smooth, sharp stones and shells were completely absent which made the experience a safe one as well!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-CA">After the swim, more volleyball was played until we were completely exhausted and famished.<span style=""> </span>My group of male companions and I made our way to the women’s bunkhouse for another shower session.<span style=""> </span>It was a luxury that we had a private washroom available.<span style=""> </span>Outside the bunkhouse, a good number of people were lining up to use the toilet or to shower in facilities that were considerably less clean than our own.<span style=""> </span>I waited at the end of the line once more, to enable the designated male cooks to get the barbeque ready as early as possible. I couldn’t complain though as some of the men took showers two at a time, while I was afforded the luxury of</span><span style="" lang="EN-CA"> showering alone.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKGOFHJA5Mata6mIx1mzf58_XNTN1s2mbkyOb48g0HDyHloj1wlD31cs8O8msS7Vrqw9zWdeSB-cxKdbeyiLje05FKBU_MS83TVZFlz4zv4SP5w277rMXX5iTjG-vATLRjus7jqdK06kI/s1600-h/IMG_2309.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKGOFHJA5Mata6mIx1mzf58_XNTN1s2mbkyOb48g0HDyHloj1wlD31cs8O8msS7Vrqw9zWdeSB-cxKdbeyiLje05FKBU_MS83TVZFlz4zv4SP5w277rMXX5iTjG-vATLRjus7jqdK06kI/s320/IMG_2309.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234320813008621538" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-CA">This time around, the barbequing party included the whole car club.<span style=""> </span>Some of the members prepared chicken legs and shrimp in addition to the lamb kebabs which we enjoyed the night before.<span style=""> </span>By the time I had showered, the food was cooked and ready for consumption. <span style=""> </span>There were outdoor tables and chairs for our use that some of the members pulled out of one of the public storage sheds.<span style=""> </span>The kebabs and other meats were passed around liberally in addition to Chinese beer.<span style=""> </span>Midway through my meal, I was called by one of the women (please excuse my inability to name my Chinese friends, remembering Chinese names is still incredibly difficult for me) to ride the ATVs which were available for rent.<span style=""> </span>She pulled me over with another man to the vendor and started haggling over the rental price.<span style=""> </span>Soon, three ATVS appeared out of nowhere and I found myself seated on one while the vendor was pointing at the various levers and throttles.<span style=""> </span>Though unfamiliar with the controls, his jabbing fingers soon gave me an idea of what was the brake and the gas – all I needed really!<span style=""> </span>No money exchanged hands but I was off and away on the noisy ATV leaving the other two riders behind.<span style=""> </span>I was the most adventurous driver that sailed the sands that day, with my throttle on full almost the entire time.<span style=""> </span>My other two companions drove significantly slower and were less adventurous in their voyages away from the barbeque site.<span style=""> </span>In fact, one of the members just drove in circles near our barbeque site over, and over and over</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKvcv_xWrjKZH-LaKsmsNYgf92c7qLQx6eiRqt0Apm5GgkWDaMfwQN0gmzwbacskQTjS6S05K8CGSE-S3UaTVMlpyVzjcsp5mN4mnw5l-l1oCYM4pwFeM_d1DArWB0byD7rBJiWUTSg0Q/s1600-h/IMG_2294.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKvcv_xWrjKZH-LaKsmsNYgf92c7qLQx6eiRqt0Apm5GgkWDaMfwQN0gmzwbacskQTjS6S05K8CGSE-S3UaTVMlpyVzjcsp5mN4mnw5l-l1oCYM4pwFeM_d1DArWB0byD7rBJiWUTSg0Q/s320/IMG_2294.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234320391163760770" border="0" /></a><span style="" lang="EN-CA"> again.<span style=""> </span>I used this opportunity to drive to both ends of the beach.<span style=""> </span>On one side, where there were no people camped, large, wet areas were present.<span style=""> </span>As I drove here, </span><span style="" lang="EN-CA">countless swallows materialized.<span style=""> </span>It was almost as if they emerged from the ground.<span style=""> </span>I drove away from these wet areas as soon as this occurred, I was terrified that I was driving on precious swallow habitat.</span><span style="" lang="EN-CA"><span style=""> </span>Fortunately, upon later inspection this was not the case as these wet areas were completely devoid of any visible life.<span style=""> </span>I returned the ATV back to the barbeque site and allowed other members of our group give it a ride.<span style=""> </span>I never saw any money exchange hands nor see when the vehicles were returned to the vendor, but in the end it was all taken care of somehow.<span style=""> </span>Sometimes, things fail to make sense to foreign eyes but often, that is half the fun of it all!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-CA">After the ATV ride, I resumed my dinner, this time dining on shrimp with shells and barbequed chicken.<span style=""> </span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOlPjY-6V0QVzCsPFiwKsLikMLI4TFgYObF2fMRRdWJZp4Oy0WVxIVfwSodthnJzbXCF7jqkx7fxxZPNfrzlypznwKLlEftvbrx4UnHbyqsciPQHw1c7uUr0J0w-T4-nj4IkZFPo1NMUo/s1600-h/IMG_2312.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOlPjY-6V0QVzCsPFiwKsLikMLI4TFgYObF2fMRRdWJZp4Oy0WVxIVfwSodthnJzbXCF7jqkx7fxxZPNfrzlypznwKLlEftvbrx4UnHbyqsciPQHw1c7uUr0J0w-T4-nj4IkZFPo1NMUo/s320/IMG_2312.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234320014723285378" border="0" /></a><span style="" lang="EN-CA">Note that I had not washed my hands with soap for the entire day.<span style=""> </span>I had to clean my hands with sand before riding the ATV as they were sticky from the barbeque.<span style=""> </span>I copied the hygiene habits of the other ATV riders by dipping my hands into the sand and giving them a good rub with the coarse, and hopefully clean grains.<span style=""> </span>After my ride, the sand became my washing sink once more.<span style=""> </span>Note that I was a little bit nervous to be eating the shrimp using my bare hands after the ATV ride.<span style=""> </span>However, I had no choice really and </span><span style="" lang="EN-CA">despite that I’m still fine after the fact!<span style=""> </span>For those with weaker immune systems, or a deep fear of bacteria, as you can see, liquid hand sanitizers are a must have!<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-CA">The barbeque lasted well into the night as a cloak of darkness fell.<span style=""> </span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdgCwGdasrpg97qrjSF0n4CYMM6u2QnTSVOGacCDUwUn7r_dOA4fRUO0xqX3hBLkzk4kqhu9MFAZtDCKypFTuU0Pp5G31AkzzZ3K_In8vr5-ctXd-s6DiFV00dFQbN9aUgN8Z9dDxDycQ/s1600-h/IMG_2321.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdgCwGdasrpg97qrjSF0n4CYMM6u2QnTSVOGacCDUwUn7r_dOA4fRUO0xqX3hBLkzk4kqhu9MFAZtDCKypFTuU0Pp5G31AkzzZ3K_In8vr5-ctXd-s6DiFV00dFQbN9aUgN8Z9dDxDycQ/s320/IMG_2321.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234319066274044658" border="0" /></a><span style="" lang="EN-CA">Soon, the women all headed back to the bunkhouse and only the men remained, sipping their</span><span style="" lang="EN-CA"> beer while sitting around the barbeque and slapping away the mosquitoes.<span style=""> </span>Soon, personal fireworks shows began as the</span><span style="" lang="EN-CA"> groups of beach visitors showcased their pyrotechnic skills for everyone’s amusement.<span style=""> </span>These fireworks were not like the small-scale legal substitutes we are used to back home – rather they were closer to professional pyrotechnics likes the ones witnessed at the Independence Day celebration back in Tianjin!<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-CA">The fireworks used had many varieties.<span style=""> </span>There were ones that exploded in multicoloured showers, some that existed only to make deafening explosions and generate a blinding white light, others which cast a glittering stream as they rose into the heavens and some ones which were simply beyond description.<span style=""> </span>I headed to sleep earlier that night as the men played a game of cards by the dying embers of the barbeque.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-CA"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-CA"><span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9014601973200114355.post-59282321120889640692008-08-13T05:36:00.000-07:002008-08-14T04:05:23.306-07:00Beach Expedition Day 2 – The Morning Fishing Frolic!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-_WzmcSItMY__jJRVJ8oVw1jrsea46grz4n__MfQBrjvTkMJFuogUzVM00W091lNKnoSHSdCQiKtUcujtqAhvk4fWwGg8wFccVWaYxrP5XEMZKfQKR_QQ2LErLkThPu9FdMXuWNsdVXU/s1600-h/IMG_2217.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-_WzmcSItMY__jJRVJ8oVw1jrsea46grz4n__MfQBrjvTkMJFuogUzVM00W091lNKnoSHSdCQiKtUcujtqAhvk4fWwGg8wFccVWaYxrP5XEMZKfQKR_QQ2LErLkThPu9FdMXuWNsdVXU/s320/IMG_2217.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234036634354930338" border="0" /></a><span style="" lang="EN-CA">I cannot quite comprehend how my tired self managed it, but I woke up at 8 am the next day amidst a symphony of snores and the sound of waves breaking on the beach.<span style=""> </span>I was not the only one awake though as I spied at least a few pairs of feet padding around outside as I peeped underneath the tent flaps.<span style=""> </span>I scrambled out from my plastic cocoon, careful not to trample any of my tent buddies. I joined those outside and lounged in the sand with the other male members of our tent group.<span style=""> </span>I had a decent conversation with the few souls that were conscious using a combination of my limited Chinese and sign language.<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>We sat there just watching the world go by and waited for yet another wild expedition to commence.<span style=""> </span>There were countless interesting sights to behold – a pair of horses for rent, couples both young an elderly enjoying strolls on the wet sand, </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg48_2AQHSUboZ1VcRBGVKm5u8YoIe5uebXVpBMLuLurEWtj_B23tKcbbaUxGqvTvZ1hOPBSnawTvf9wEqZIP2Fg2LpcPUSWbXlj98jSyauzW1y-f8qE4EbzIisT4sTpymJw9M0GZW82bQ/s1600-h/IMG_2289.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg48_2AQHSUboZ1VcRBGVKm5u8YoIe5uebXVpBMLuLurEWtj_B23tKcbbaUxGqvTvZ1hOPBSnawTvf9wEqZIP2Fg2LpcPUSWbXlj98jSyauzW1y-f8qE4EbzIisT4sTpymJw9M0GZW82bQ/s320/IMG_2289.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234036216782294082" border="0" /></a><span style="" lang="EN-CA">Chinese dogs and their owners out for a morning prance about and large tanker ships forming a backdrop in the distance in addition to an oil rig.<span style=""> </span>Along the beach, an endless army of umbrellas had been unfurled for as far as the eye could see.<span style=""> </span>Their ends billowed in the luxurious sea breeze that was refreshing</span><span style="" lang="EN-CA"> to both body and soul.<span style=""> </span>There were large green fences of nets set up enclosing the swimming areas.<span style=""> </span>As I surveyed the scene, it was apparent that the beach area on which I sat was th</span><span style="" lang="EN-CA">e p</span><span style="" lang="EN-CA">lace to be for tent camping, </span><span style="" lang="EN-CA">there was a mosaic of tents present th</span><span style="" lang="EN-CA">at featured military styles, tent antiques and modern camping tents.<span style=""> </span>Further away from the water, there was a built up area which consisted of the bunkhouses, restaurants and other warehouse sized buildings of undetermined purposes.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-CA">Soon, we were invited into the women’s bunkhouse to freshen up and have a snack-sized breakfast that consisted of packaged bread and sausage.<span style=""> </span>I was last in line for the showers, and unfortunately for me, the hot water had already run out by then.<span style=""> </span>I couldn’t care less though. <span style=""> </span>For me, the experience of being at the beach was enough.<span style=""> </span>As person familiar with camping, I was grateful that I even got the opportunity to have a shower!<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-CA">One word of advice for travelling in China, you will almost always be guaranteed a culturally rich and unforgettable experience wherever you go.<span style=""> </span>The one thing that you may have to look past though are the facilities which can be quite different from </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW7ohIzhyphenhyphen9iGFQB_5RnnmNHxLcBbgF41XX8rh3WLOyWN8ZDcZ_kQmzKyzNma0Qm46Gf6nudaL5wdKTrzOviBgXaEq5Yos6RAaXoGw9TBbRCSkO4j_19eQqMOhC-3y2vcdhDr3cXUzRrwk/s1600-h/IMG_2281.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW7ohIzhyphenhyphen9iGFQB_5RnnmNHxLcBbgF41XX8rh3WLOyWN8ZDcZ_kQmzKyzNma0Qm46Gf6nudaL5wdKTrzOviBgXaEq5Yos6RAaXoGw9TBbRCSkO4j_19eQqMOhC-3y2vcdhDr3cXUzRrwk/s320/IMG_2281.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234035810222315730" border="0" /></a><span style="" lang="EN-CA">those we are accustomed to in the west.<span style=""> </span>Don’t always expect to be greeted with luxury otherwise you will be sorely disappointed.<span style=""> </span>If western facilities are a must for your comfort, I</span><span style="" lang="EN-CA"> would recommend that you stick with main tourist sites and not stray fa</span><span style="" lang="EN-CA">r from the beaten path.<span style=""> </span>To truly enjoy travelling in Chin</span><span style="" lang="EN-CA">a, a great deal of openness for this unique</span><span style="" lang="EN-CA"> and rich culture is a necessity.<span style=""> </span>Simply put, if you go around expecting things to be exactly as they are back home, you may find that you are getting easily frustrated and your trip may be ruined by surprisingly small and insignificant things.<span style=""> </span>In short, don’t dive into travel in China with rigid expectations.<span style=""> </span>Rather, be open and savour just how different things are!<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-CA">After our convoy group was awake and about, it was time to set off on a fishing expedition.<span style=""> </span>We boarded our dustier convoy and rolled out to a fishing area.<span style=""> </span>It was a good thing that all of the vehicles </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig5JT1qkpgrY_xBONlSGQAbgj2eFd6HksECv5qMqypP1vgrzWIZvnvtOzoH_GmyrFAFBrz2441UogB_ZWquJO3ia3AM4yiOBoFF7VHqE0lNfjb-AwuWxra3XNhJnBFqrWqZwhYEe7IwiQ/s1600-h/IMG_2227.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig5JT1qkpgrY_xBONlSGQAbgj2eFd6HksECv5qMqypP1vgrzWIZvnvtOzoH_GmyrFAFBrz2441UogB_ZWquJO3ia3AM4yiOBoFF7VHqE0lNfjb-AwuWxra3XNhJnBFqrWqZwhYEe7IwiQ/s320/IMG_2227.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233982965708592578" border="0" /></a><span style="" lang="EN-CA">were fuel efficient, none of our cars had to fill up during the entirety of the trip.<span style=""> </span>When we arrived at our fishing hole, the place was already crowded and bustling with cars.<span style=""> </span>As we waiting by our vehicles for a purpose unknown, I pulled out a Chinese hackeysack which one of my </span><span style="" lang="EN-CA">colleagues had generously given me the day before.<span style=""> </span>We did our best to keep it up in the air, but none of us were especially talented with this feathery contraption.<span style=""> </span>Soon, nothing was safe from the </span><span style="" lang="EN-CA">wrath of the falling hackeysack.<span style=""> </span>It rebounded off the cars in our convey, the occasional unsuspecting head and even hit a passing motorcyclist right in the face.<span style=""> </span>Fortunately for the girl who kicked it at the unfortunate victim, he just kept driving onwards, unfazed, as i</span><span style="" lang="EN-CA">f nothing had happened.<span style=""> </span>Our games stopped</span><span style="" lang="EN-CA"> only when the now battered hackeysack fell apart – I kept the feathers for good memories though.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-CA">Soon, I found myself walking with the crowd along the concrete pier.<span style=""> </span>Fishing boats puttered off into the distance, and amateur fisherpeople from various walks of life crowded the edges of the pier.<span style=""> </span>The pier was composed of large concrete blocks.<span style=""> </span>One had to be careful as at the center of each concrete cube, a large hole was present and was at least one meter deep.<span style=""> </span>An carelessly placed foot could result in a tragic fall! <span style=""> </span>Nevertheless, people still rode motorized scooters and bicycles along the pier. <span style=""> </span>The crowd of people fishing were infinitely varied.<span style=""> </span>There were well-dressed men in polo shorts and spotless khakis, heavily tattooed teenagers with female friends, grandparents, babies, fashionable and fashionably clueless and just about anyone under the sun was out there casting their lines out into the deep.<span style=""> </span>I saw an endless varie</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibw_RTJX2g3tHMWqb9pF3UU6j2BrxDkZfErOyVDxvHAIcwHhr3iyo5bgGLoBq8C_tRkZZGkfPeMSuzhjJplny3x7bU7z1EvT_FRNioigPsIMOWmmobSuvld___7t2wQ0-QrkNIwkTG0MQ/s1600-h/IMG_2256.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibw_RTJX2g3tHMWqb9pF3UU6j2BrxDkZfErOyVDxvHAIcwHhr3iyo5bgGLoBq8C_tRkZZGkfPeMSuzhjJplny3x7bU7z1EvT_FRNioigPsIMOWmmobSuvld___7t2wQ0-QrkNIwkTG0MQ/s320/IMG_2256.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233982253462271730" border="0" /></a><span style="" lang="EN-CA">ty of fishing implements as I walked along – from simple long sticks with strings attached to circular nets suspended</span><span style="" lang="EN-CA"> from the ends of extendible fishing rods.<span style=""> </span>Our group walked for about fifteen minutes until we stopped by a seemingly random man who showed us a sizeable collection of fish and crabs in a cooler bag.<span style=""> </span>To my surprise, some of the members of our group started picking up his spare equipment and used a collection of our own as we gave fishing a try.<span style=""> </span>T</span><span style="" lang="EN-CA">he man didn’t seem to mind though, and he was generous both with his advice and assistance as we blundered with the alien contraptions.<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-CA">Since we had walked so far out, our group were the only fisher-people in the immediate vicinity.<span style=""> </span>Unfortunately, this did not improve our luck though as our attempts at fishing resulted in us emerging empty-handed save a crab or two (and a few crab-pinched fingers).<span style=""> </span>I gave crab fishing a try though when a friend surrendered his net in boredom. <span style=""> </span>I used a contraption which consisted of two iron rings set parallel to each other with netting in the middle section around the outside of the iron rings.<span style=""> </span>A dead fish was suspended at the center and there were four openings which the crabs could easily enter would inhibit their attempts to exit.<span style=""> </span>There was not much magic to thi</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaLFYkT2Wc9vsrFYqtFzKwXBZc0aYgv-ZlJHX_NTjmARP2hfwzxTbWbF28Ny5QiKRSVDZOge6Y56o-R3Jz5d13t7nCjzkGeCGpcDTs19Z3lXSahEXGaP2kTkq8Gz-2-78UyDYYmXHEJKE/s1600-h/IMG_2263.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaLFYkT2Wc9vsrFYqtFzKwXBZc0aYgv-ZlJHX_NTjmARP2hfwzxTbWbF28Ny5QiKRSVDZOge6Y56o-R3Jz5d13t7nCjzkGeCGpcDTs19Z3lXSahEXGaP2kTkq8Gz-2-78UyDYYmXHEJKE/s320/IMG_2263.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233981336134205362" border="0" /></a><span style="" lang="EN-CA">s style of fishing except for lucky guesswork as to where to cast the trap and plenty of patience to wait for a crab to crawl into the net and take a few bites at the fish.<span style=""> </span>There were multiple times where the members of our group almost lost our borrowed crab nets as they became lodged underneath the concrete breakwater devices. <span style=""> </span>When this happened, it took a lot of jimmying and patience to get them dislodged</span><span style="" lang="EN-CA"> from a potentially watery but crab-rich grave.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-CA">Soon, our fishing team dwindled in number, as people tired of fishing and headed back our cars.<span style=""> </span>I stayed until the very end, casting my crab net into the deep.<span style=""> </span>Soon, it was past high noon and hunger compelled us straggler fishermen to make our way back to the convoy.<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9014601973200114355.post-21567100785582011502008-08-09T06:13:00.000-07:002008-08-09T07:04:00.698-07:00The Beach Expedition<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE8VLWUsTZv1q3QkDNQgg7VnK3RnnMRXBYgeqQuMUBzcwQFytdbB5s4tNWDNlnuf4Te3D2Juol8K1fHCGOatvDfkuvbGPa8FPMG0MMbEdZ3yVAr-kbNxzCM3i1mWVc12yUxbvcc9WOrpI/s1600-h/IMG_2337.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE8VLWUsTZv1q3QkDNQgg7VnK3RnnMRXBYgeqQuMUBzcwQFytdbB5s4tNWDNlnuf4Te3D2Juol8K1fHCGOatvDfkuvbGPa8FPMG0MMbEdZ3yVAr-kbNxzCM3i1mWVc12yUxbvcc9WOrpI/s320/IMG_2337.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232515400489901698" border="0" /></a><span style="" lang="EN-CA">One weekend, my colleague generously invited me to go on a beach trip to </span><span lang="ZH-CN" style="font-family:SimSun;">乐亭</span><span style="" lang="EN-CA"> (Le Ting) with her and the now infamous car club!<span style=""> </span>A work week soon lay behind me and I anxiously waited in the office, aching to embark!<o:p></o:p></span> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-CA">The long awaited moment soon arrived and I hopped in the car with her, her husband and a new friend.<span style=""> </span>We drove into downtown TEDA to eat a quick dinner and pick up some drinks from the Tesco’s for the weekend.<span style=""> </span>If I haven’t made it clear already, Chinese meals are some of the most incredible cultural experiences that one can have in China.<span style=""> </span>Us four dined on an endless variety of food and sipped the sweet sugars of freshly squeezed juice of Papaya, Asian pear</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGQ3aLbZhZ0O21IJuB2uvZXBnlAeyqIGs5MvyqSLV84f65s2UiOy4FSvWQCD84G78lFfJ9HWO-RZ_uCZVNBbVIrkgrC68m2VYQ0Ebz5KhAV-nt36eAT30-Tx7hbQCyPzd2wFlXBU1qif8/s1600-h/100_7363.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGQ3aLbZhZ0O21IJuB2uvZXBnlAeyqIGs5MvyqSLV84f65s2UiOy4FSvWQCD84G78lFfJ9HWO-RZ_uCZVNBbVIrkgrC68m2VYQ0Ebz5KhAV-nt36eAT30-Tx7hbQCyPzd2wFlXBU1qif8/s320/100_7363.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232510590941816754" border="0" /></a><span style="" lang="EN-CA"> and Asian apples for a grand total of under $20 Canadian.<span style=""> </span>I wonder if I’m dreaming at times like these… To pick the food for this meal, we had to head downstairs to a special room where all of the dishes (at least 50!) were on display, wrapped in plastic under the glow of fluorescent lightbulbs.<span style=""> </span>For those who cannot read Chinese, these restaurants are a blessing!<span style=""> </span>After, we returned to the PPG plant for reasons that were unknown to </span><span style="" lang="EN-CA">me at the moment.<span style=""> </span>My colleague’s friend ran inside and later emerged with a gigantic Styrofoam cooler.<span style=""> </span>This behemoth was full of lamb kebabs and other meats to tide our car club over for the weekend.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-CA">We began what turned out to be a long drive in the late afternoon as the sun began to dip below the horizon.<span style=""> </span>The industrialized landscape of TEDA soon gave way to farmer’s fields and lush greenery as we drove into the distance.<span style=""> </span>The areas surrounding Tianjin are salt flats, and the majority the earth is not arable.<span style=""> </span>However, through cultivation by farmers, greenery can be coaxed from the saline earth.<span style=""> </span>Thus, as one drives through Tianjin, they will stumble upon a checkerboard pattern consisting of miles of uncultivated wasteland that is interspersed with lush green oasis that have been carefully cultivated.<span style=""> </span>Eventually, we reached a toll gate for one of the major highways where we waited for the other members of the car club to materialize out of the dark.<span style=""> </span>Before long, a sizeable convoy of vehicles (at least seven) had pulled up at our meeting place.<span style=""> </span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFF4nO1uYcqE7zRt7xM-aHQPvsdQCZ-YAE2ADrgpBOcrN5CeEFm0RYtupHWXvsNbmaM9nALK0lZaM5ksD6-54H5nG8T9p-xyWhgfOqAia0akXENCApyrZKrKFYy750YH_X13gJDOn4z6o/s1600-h/IMG_2200.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFF4nO1uYcqE7zRt7xM-aHQPvsdQCZ-YAE2ADrgpBOcrN5CeEFm0RYtupHWXvsNbmaM9nALK0lZaM5ksD6-54H5nG8T9p-xyWhgfOqAia0akXENCApyrZKrKFYy750YH_X13gJDOn4z6o/s320/IMG_2200.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232509759417774274" border="0" /></a><span style="" lang="EN-CA">There were many faces, both those of old friends and new acquaintances at our toll gate gathering.<span style=""> </span>Here, we pooled our money to pay for the accommodations and communal food and laughter was exchanged as our team readied itself for the uncertain journey ahead. <span style=""> </span>My colleague’s car was chosen to be the flagship vehicle as it had a GPS unit and she has been to the beach before.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-CA">So off our convoy drove into the dark of night, traversing highways, winding our way through small distant towns and blazing a path into the night on some very very rocky country roads.<span style=""> </span>It appears that a wrong turn was taken at some point along the way as we stopped at a gas station in the middle of endless miles of scrubland to reorient ourselves.<span style=""> </span>We passed few vehicles, only a seldom few personal cars as well as hulking trucks carrying various types of cargo.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-CA">Soon after, we appeared to be on the right track as we arrived at our destination within an hour.<span style=""> </span>We parked our cars by what looked like a covered market and discussed what would happen later that evening.<span style=""> </span>It was here that the two way radio system proved invaluable to rally lost cars and make sure that no one strayed too far from the beaten path.<span style=""> </span>Now, I originally thought that our group would be heading to a western style resort of sorts.<span style=""> </span>Fortunately, the night would have some great surprises in store.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-CA">Soon I discovered that I would be sharing a tent with some of the other men on our trip, only the female members of the expedition would have a bunkhouse.<span style=""> </span>My visions of decadent beach resorts soon faded, and I was excited to have a real Chinese beach experience.<span style=""> </span>All of the women headed off to settle themselves into the bunkhouse while all of the men in the group marched off to the beach to stake our claim.<span style=""> </span>We carried our belongings with us including the four tents which would house us for the entire weekend.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-CA">We started pitching our tents in the black of night, with only two pocket flashlights to illuminate our plight.<span style=""> </span>There was much scrambling in the sand, but our spirits were high, delighted to finally be by the sea.<span style=""> </span>It was a moment of bonding between the men in our group and I was honoured to be included.<span style=""> </span>Using the limited Chinese in my repertoire I communicated what I knew of the topic of tent assembly from my camping experiences back home.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy4Tw8dkydzVWueJIbPhYVF8JSM1fCUaKhMG73vcV5r8P6teL_pIoyCR0NQ0h_G8woqOKvqXWZhEuuXosKRXW8pRbg28r4yIYguzDPCgeytFzAeAUHVx7GHzyNrULA7TmuRL5jqpdl6RQ/s1600-h/IMG_2204.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 350px; height: 262px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy4Tw8dkydzVWueJIbPhYVF8JSM1fCUaKhMG73vcV5r8P6teL_pIoyCR0NQ0h_G8woqOKvqXWZhEuuXosKRXW8pRbg28r4yIYguzDPCgeytFzAeAUHVx7GHzyNrULA7TmuRL5jqpdl6RQ/s320/IMG_2204.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232508547235202402" border="0" /></a><span style="" lang="EN-CA"><span style=""> </span>It was quite the challenge as one could imagine, and sign language was used more often than words, but we struggled together and soon, the four tents were standing tall against the salt-rich sea breeze.<span style=""> </span>By this time, our stomachs lapped at our consciousness</span><span style="" lang="EN-CA"> as the sea waves lap the beach so we scrambled to get a portable coal-fired barbeque up and running.<span style=""> </span>The coal bricks we had brought with us failed to light, even after exhausting a whole laundry list of lighting methods.<span style=""> </span>Fortunately, a resourceful fellow paid a street vendor 5 RMB for a pile of burning embers.<span style=""> </span>This helped our barbeque get off to a kick start and soon we were all munching on freshly barbequed lamb skewers.<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>Some of us used the large Styrofoam coolers as makeshift benches.<span style=""> </span>In addition to the meat cooler, another materialized which was full of Chinese beer.<span style=""> </span>While one of the coolers was being used as a bench, it caved in and the poor fellow on top almost found himself skewered – literally! <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-CA">By the time our bellies were full, sleep tugged hard at our weary eyelids, it was well past 6am and the sky started to lighten in the distance.<span style=""> </span>In the tent, there were neither pillows, sleeping bags nor any forms of camping luxury but I couldn’t care less – all of this was superfluous compared to the experience.<span style=""> </span>I fell fast asleep, with only a thin sheet of plastic between myself and the sand as a gentle see breeze lapped at the tent flaps – free air conditioning.<span style=""> </span>Sometime, in roughing it, the beauty and the joys of the experience are made all the more vibrant!<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9014601973200114355.post-91469350288668207562008-08-09T05:58:00.000-07:002008-08-09T06:05:13.862-07:00THANK YOU!!! 谢谢!!!<span style="" lang="EN-CA">It has been an eventful 2 months since this blog was born!<span style=""> </span>So far, there have been over 1000 hits on this site, something that I never foresaw happening!<span style=""> </span>Thank you for your readership, continued support and varied comments.<span style=""> </span>Do continue voting in that poll to the left, it is useful for me so that I can gauge what you all would like to see!<span style=""> </span>It is a little bit off that despite over 1000 hits there are only less than 20 votes.<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>Don’t be shy, that poll won’t track your PC or do anything strange like that, I’m not a professional programmer!</span> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-CA">I have made a lot of realizations since starting the blog, and over the course of the time that I have been writing this, I have most certainly been changed by my experiences.<span style=""> </span>Know that I write this blog not only for my own purposes but to enrich you the reader.<span style=""> </span>Because of this, please feel free to provide feedback on what more I can do to better serve your interests.<span style=""> </span>That being said, I’m sorry if I cannot fulfill all of your curiosities, but I will do my best to leave no question unanswered.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-CA">As my time in China starts drawing to an end, I certainly hope that this blog will not.<span style=""> </span>I will continue to write about China experiences in retrospect, dig through my journal to hash up new entries and start a photo album revealing more of my travels.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-CA">Though I soon return to my native land, I plan on coming back as soon as possible. <span style=""> </span>I have fallen head over heels for China, and that is just for the tiny morsel which I have savoured for the past three months.<span style=""> </span>There are a billion different Chinas I have still yet to see.<span style=""> </span>Who knows where my path will soon take me, but I will do my best to write about it here.<span style=""> </span>But once more, thank you, for giving me the support to continue my writing.<span style=""><br /></span></span></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOex5a76IYfLUdF5SLSOVCfs9NnWMRsBOcBgfEelOnNJZFpM9LE_v9r66RsHi3JRnJHUCJDE-SKTRedGI6EZ9kUW8cgrIjdoCv8ib90pksPOACl_yXUqxc-8xexhyphenhyphen1zqn3xrq0_CXQ_Lo/s1600-h/DSC04161.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOex5a76IYfLUdF5SLSOVCfs9NnWMRsBOcBgfEelOnNJZFpM9LE_v9r66RsHi3JRnJHUCJDE-SKTRedGI6EZ9kUW8cgrIjdoCv8ib90pksPOACl_yXUqxc-8xexhyphenhyphen1zqn3xrq0_CXQ_Lo/s320/DSC04161.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232503161950508098" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9014601973200114355.post-81871527643049747672008-08-09T05:31:00.000-07:002008-08-14T03:49:37.328-07:00Cultural Surprises 1<span style="" lang="EN-CA">China is brimming with cultural surprises, I’ve done my best to list a few of the biggest and most significant ones that I can recall.</span><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUGBvpqNpEnpIWdcjDORf85erL69-S7VNtmUlm6h24j9Id3zcz7SGR12EBWXWUZce5OaQw3S7bUi6m8XM1r088R6b3vG9vHjFTgZIwY742tLev87eCTUDgmCfypxHcvNMmNvKUJvgcb3w/s1600-h/IMG_2294.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUGBvpqNpEnpIWdcjDORf85erL69-S7VNtmUlm6h24j9Id3zcz7SGR12EBWXWUZce5OaQw3S7bUi6m8XM1r088R6b3vG9vHjFTgZIwY742tLev87eCTUDgmCfypxHcvNMmNvKUJvgcb3w/s320/IMG_2294.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232501074723945090" border="0" /></a></p> 1. <!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="" lang="EN-CA">Can things this good possibly be this cheap?<span style=""> </span>From mouth watering meals to off the runway fashions and unique souvenirs, some of the best things in China will not leave a hole in your wallet.<span style=""> </span>Some of the best experiences I’ve had have also been free (eg. Public museums)!</span><br /><br /><span style="" lang="EN-CA">2. </span><span style="" lang="EN-CA"><span style=""><span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="" lang="EN-CA">Why is everyone looking at me?<span style=""> </span>Don’t be put off, foreigners are a novel sight in many areas in China.<span style=""> </span>Even in areas frequented by foreigners, inquisitive looks in your direction will be common.<span style=""> </span>Don’t be put off, learn to enjoy it, there are few places where you can take center stage as easily as this!<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg_95TybogGHM6q10Zskvqz82I4mUT8HvSKxaVd035G2QkrXI2FsvwFIid-segWK1MlKfAzeMLUEODG_XPnhgUpl2pojUIl_O2qWr2oNKqkiTCkXfoRGfFvpSz5KGwWIIQOGyDh7bM-Io/s1600-h/__Stuff++Part+_+4th+and+others+044.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg_95TybogGHM6q10Zskvqz82I4mUT8HvSKxaVd035G2QkrXI2FsvwFIid-segWK1MlKfAzeMLUEODG_XPnhgUpl2pojUIl_O2qWr2oNKqkiTCkXfoRGfFvpSz5KGwWIIQOGyDh7bM-Io/s320/__Stuff++Part+_+4th+and+others+044.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232500506629600834" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="" lang="EN-CA">3.</span><span style="" lang="EN-CA"><span style=""><span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="" lang="EN-CA">How can I possibly eat that?<span style=""> </span>Though I don’t have a problem with the exotic, some may.<span style=""> </span>From scorpion to sow stomach, some things may be difficult to handle.<span style=""> </span>You can be as adventurous or as conservative as you like.<span style=""> </span>Sometimes, just looking is enough of a cultural experience!</span><br /><br /><span style="" lang="EN-CA">4.</span><span style="" lang="EN-CA"><span style=""><span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="" lang="EN-CA">Did that person just push me out of the way? If someone or something is in the path of another person, it is quite normal to give it/them a gentle brush out of the way.<span style=""> </span>Don’t get flustered though as often it is nothing personal.<span style=""> </span>Likewise, sometimes to get somewhere through a crowd, you’ll have to push a little bit too.<span style=""> </span>Don’t be afraid to be polite though, it is appreciated increasingly more so as of late.<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxr3OwQxEMkP_KOWkF3HJi_ENtW8uZkE3mya6QwXO37npcXjhNkkmZ525ZHlww-8SbGiEudR31SNStMfmQKS480_eT1ApMtYvQNpEhKhV4o6MhsguoanAgq15JCDBwEY0_GSO6F9OYUaE/s1600-h/IMG_2262.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxr3OwQxEMkP_KOWkF3HJi_ENtW8uZkE3mya6QwXO37npcXjhNkkmZ525ZHlww-8SbGiEudR31SNStMfmQKS480_eT1ApMtYvQNpEhKhV4o6MhsguoanAgq15JCDBwEY0_GSO6F9OYUaE/s320/IMG_2262.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232499543293310594" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="" lang="EN-CA">5.</span><span style="" lang="EN-CA"><span style=""><span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="" lang="EN-CA">I’ve never seen this before!<span style=""> </span>There are countless cultural performances/experiences to be had which you won’t find written about in National Geographic or online.<span style=""> </span>Don’t be surprised if you come across something you’ve never seen or heard of before!</span><br /><span style="" lang="EN-CA"><br />6.</span><span style="" lang="EN-CA"><span style=""><span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="" lang="EN-CA">Why does everybody look so young?<span style=""> </span>I’ve found that locals often look a lot younger than they actually are. <span style=""> </span>So don’t underestimate the knowledge of the servers you have who don’t look a day past 15!<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioqOB5oo62UMKwdTvhn57_QQL4MJSGzIkomIJyQPqSyC6VWkZrVppwfmat-175kSklnODnu_vFOLlarPiQKnTmIyPFXdR6GmakVus2WE82zjDDPpXaMGOxEmpC5mySW2VeAQ_7u3W7yaE/s1600-h/IMG_2479.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioqOB5oo62UMKwdTvhn57_QQL4MJSGzIkomIJyQPqSyC6VWkZrVppwfmat-175kSklnODnu_vFOLlarPiQKnTmIyPFXdR6GmakVus2WE82zjDDPpXaMGOxEmpC5mySW2VeAQ_7u3W7yaE/s320/IMG_2479.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232498822356474930" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="" lang="EN-CA"><span style="">7.</span></span><span style="" lang="EN-CA"><span style=""><span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="" lang="EN-CA">I am so lost… Even in Tianjin, the third largest city in China (over 10 Million people) there is surprisingly little information that exists on the internet.<span style=""> </span>Even while I’m here, most of my experiences have been gained from asking my colleagues about good places to visit.<span style=""> </span>There is still a lot to be translated and disseminated in English yet.<span style=""><br /></span></span><br /><span style="" lang="EN-CA"><span style="">8.</span></span><span style="" lang="EN-CA"><span style=""><span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="" lang="EN-CA">Oh my goodness… LOOK A FOREIGNER!<span style=""> </span>After a while, you too will start to goggle at other foreigners you run across! I catch myself doing this all the time now that I’ve been here for a while.<span style=""> </span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOpQLes__Nmh_58VP4HZzJ3z3CqssArXqbJwKPU6CdrnylwRrE7Os-6XOK82NYReuymvLUzeBmpzhrHzhKJYrGCyWUPsShI6YQ8kxL7j-3F5X8JQ6jUJGt0oSOJUSZ7IcPnIV6nN_4PM4/s1600-h/DSC04157.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOpQLes__Nmh_58VP4HZzJ3z3CqssArXqbJwKPU6CdrnylwRrE7Os-6XOK82NYReuymvLUzeBmpzhrHzhKJYrGCyWUPsShI6YQ8kxL7j-3F5X8JQ6jUJGt0oSOJUSZ7IcPnIV6nN_4PM4/s320/DSC04157.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232497953247744578" border="0" /></a> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="" lang="EN-CA"><span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast"><span style="" lang="EN-CA"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9014601973200114355.post-21463318060676551372008-08-07T04:21:00.000-07:002008-08-07T04:58:13.465-07:00Children of China - The Tianjin Institute of Children's WelfareRecently, I was given the opportunity to attend a show put on by the Tianjin Institute of Children's Welfare. This shelter provides a place of refuge for disabled<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr3bqsa3xCWe_9cPAEndZdJNFlyShQyCcAWhiQsoWuyeTbS-AMyVSShCtoWW8JTJ3XVQTf3OwuIomQLSy6E6ixEMuAzB_BuKn-0maICgYd_6dbd7tzPlzRFgLvJfSsCXkRmom0eFGoQ14/s1600-h/100_8436.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 316px; height: 235px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr3bqsa3xCWe_9cPAEndZdJNFlyShQyCcAWhiQsoWuyeTbS-AMyVSShCtoWW8JTJ3XVQTf3OwuIomQLSy6E6ixEMuAzB_BuKn-0maICgYd_6dbd7tzPlzRFgLvJfSsCXkRmom0eFGoQ14/s320/100_8436.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231742786762664338" border="0" /></a> orphans who were abandoned by their parents at birth. The orphans cared for by this shelter are afflicted by a range of severe disabilities - both physical and mental.<br /><br />However, during the performances, the disabilities of these orphans were not what counted, it was their natural abilities and talents which were given center stage! This show was held one day before Children's Day on June 1st (the more auspicious day for a performance) due to a critical reason. One of the performers, a girl in a wheelchair, would be going for surgery on June 1st which would enable her to leave her wheelchair behind and stand on her own legs for th<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCjomE5fywp3FKO3cF83eIJBTVuicTVth3JZlzb2bwYRyTDPhUxEyJY6oYqb8Odsx0u0J8vzBoJE_be9M4J_iRZ50l-T0N2g-4nYOgK7o1X4JoQW0Apc7tmodlrx-7kmsUNYcmpCsRYhI/s1600-h/100_8451.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 324px; height: 244px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCjomE5fywp3FKO3cF83eIJBTVuicTVth3JZlzb2bwYRyTDPhUxEyJY6oYqb8Odsx0u0J8vzBoJE_be9M4J_iRZ50l-T0N2g-4nYOgK7o1X4JoQW0Apc7tmodlrx-7kmsUNYcmpCsRYhI/s320/100_8451.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231742375471885746" border="0" /></a>e first time. The shelter is given the opportunity to send three of its <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">children</span> for operations such as this one every year.<br /><br />The performances were endless in their variety and were a treat for the eye. There were <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">comedic</span> cross-talks, dances, and art shows which revealed the talents of the youth housed within these walls. There were also shows of patriotism that were focused especially only the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Olympics</span>. As the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Chinese</span> flags waved, the children joined in song and a recreation of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Olympic</span> torch was run around the stage, I felt honoured to be there.<br /><br />The people invited to the event were equally as varied as the performances. The fellow who sat next to me was Spanish, had been in China for 13 years <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEurQwzq5FQCqZD9R5Z7mr_0Pv4nQfWDMMJ0u3Z8t9L5CyX4NxKZ4kWAEI-RXSKg9TjkqUQMTQFs1AEdUmoBoEao6PfvvkvFlo2mvbMmx-3P9XLOaP5gedtAbJBZ0RbmFf_uj_lm6TvFc/s1600-h/100_8458.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 314px; height: 236px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEurQwzq5FQCqZD9R5Z7mr_0Pv4nQfWDMMJ0u3Z8t9L5CyX4NxKZ4kWAEI-RXSKg9TjkqUQMTQFs1AEdUmoBoEao6PfvvkvFlo2mvbMmx-3P9XLOaP5gedtAbJBZ0RbmFf_uj_lm6TvFc/s320/100_8458.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231741854109611042" border="0" /></a>and worked with a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Spanish</span> food company! There were other foreigners at the back who I did not get the chance to meet. The room was also filled with primarily <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Chinese</span> guests who travelled in both locally and from afar just to see the show. Local media was also present to capture the unique event on film. The one thing that the members of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">audience</span> had in common was that they were involved in supporting the shelter in one way or another. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">PPG</span> recently provided all of the interior and exterior paint for the shelter - a monumental gift! There were also plenty of stuffed toys present at the event which were donated by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">PPG</span> as well.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVMMF-qZme5OPcwJU9-HdIUD7SJ_VTl_Biv2JXrHdgdFetMwfP6ezig-_VvQoowzR0hWdKMXCVe6TJmvGafxUnzoZdpfuxKpvzOP0RT1_fruMnAfdPx_jXbefyGq5XKPf3bJjHFcB4gyc/s1600-h/100_8470.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 295px; height: 222px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVMMF-qZme5OPcwJU9-HdIUD7SJ_VTl_Biv2JXrHdgdFetMwfP6ezig-_VvQoowzR0hWdKMXCVe6TJmvGafxUnzoZdpfuxKpvzOP0RT1_fruMnAfdPx_jXbefyGq5XKPf3bJjHFcB4gyc/s320/100_8470.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231741377864827170" border="0" /></a>After the performance, the guests were given a tour of the facilities. Here, I was shown the dormitory rooms, care rooms and play rooms. One room I found especially moving was a room full of at least 20 babies that were under the careful observation by 3 nurses. These babies all had severe cleft lip and this was the first time I had seen this physical condition in my life. These were all babies abandoned by their parents, thank goodness the Welfare Institute is able to support them due to the sponsorship of the central government and from generous corporate sponsors such as <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">PPG</span>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9014601973200114355.post-12911675695052538192008-08-07T04:00:00.000-07:002008-08-07T05:09:58.010-07:00Once in a Lifetime - Torch Rally 2008I woke bright and early on the morning of August 2nd. I had only one purpose in mind - to see the torch that represents the culmination of millions of efforts to prepare for the event the whole world has been holding its breath for - Olympics 2008.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMacDuGQjMZcLY_lReIXAjRWBGGtkqRdw8vmLStWibTfYVka4WQwdMUAASkpsHuUn2bCQcwaxQQfXH411-IDFRKcrSQrQBj_fpeISeJjilAzEvZGfKeRcEN9nYo43IYgMa_PYanE3_q6w/s1600-h/IMG_2415.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMacDuGQjMZcLY_lReIXAjRWBGGtkqRdw8vmLStWibTfYVka4WQwdMUAASkpsHuUn2bCQcwaxQQfXH411-IDFRKcrSQrQBj_fpeISeJjilAzEvZGfKeRcEN9nYo43IYgMa_PYanE3_q6w/s320/IMG_2415.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231733772597431362" border="0" /></a><br />I walked out of my building unsure of exactly where or how I was going to see the torch, and started walking towards the barricades set up around the torch route. The first barricade I reached was fairly far off from the barricade closest to the torch. Thus, I followed the crowds of locals to another, less crowded barricade which must have been only 100 meters away from the torch route.<br /><br />Nothing could quite describe the energy to be felt by all of us spectators waiting under the beating sun to get a glimpse of the olympic flame. The people around me were from all walks of life - young students sitting atop the brick walls, elderly people waving their fans to keep the heat at bay, young couples holding hands and street cleaners standing atop their bicycles. Everyone seemed to be here at the barricade with me, holding our breaths in unison for the torch to blow past. People climbed lamp posts, flags waves and sun umbrellas fluttered as we <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfY0EsOJHi1ZWkiqpZBTiIFlDBqfr_yCGYAGEM-cQT-C-va-fytJZ_51UcpJNf8uxA9aaqgOXoXV7wumJo3Bt111YoZN5tz-8GrtEC3KGgiWoH4eVasmjX367fRxkMPUH4LRkJxQvuGLA/s1600-h/IMG_2424.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfY0EsOJHi1ZWkiqpZBTiIFlDBqfr_yCGYAGEM-cQT-C-va-fytJZ_51UcpJNf8uxA9aaqgOXoXV7wumJo3Bt111YoZN5tz-8GrtEC3KGgiWoH4eVasmjX367fRxkMPUH4LRkJxQvuGLA/s320/IMG_2424.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231733254301035842" border="0" /></a>waited...waited... waited...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">There were multiple false alarms, causing excitement to ripple the crowd. Various vehicles went by in the distance, from coach buses to police cars and two open buses blasting music and featuring cheerleaders to lead in the crowd in the unified Olympic cheer!<br /></div><br />When the anticipation became almost unbearable, FINALLY! A small orange flicker, flew past briefly in the distance, spotted in between the gaps in the crowd at the first barricade. Cries of excitement rippled through the group at the barricade I was at. Cameras flashed, children were lifted above the crowd and our voices joined in the Olympic cheer.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHgDt4CuQXWkiNileBk96QsAERRFD8NYu2UMzg2BHDz9s1K_c3cq3jPbvArdK8zEQNqOOs1WHrCTr7i8c6mUK0l_oajLgUVwnsCAoqjif1RxnP1b1xkm-t1hyOE8_Mwt2ShiafvvvfRmE/s1600-h/IMG_2428.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHgDt4CuQXWkiNileBk96QsAERRFD8NYu2UMzg2BHDz9s1K_c3cq3jPbvArdK8zEQNqOOs1WHrCTr7i8c6mUK0l_oajLgUVwnsCAoqjif1RxnP1b1xkm-t1hyOE8_Mwt2ShiafvvvfRmE/s320/IMG_2428.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231732808947671618" border="0" /></a><br />Soon after, the crowd broke up and we all headed our separate ways, a bit of that Olympic flame now burning within.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: right;">Its hard to see, but here, I<br />caught a bit of the Flame on Camera<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9014601973200114355.post-41408451070314669182008-08-01T02:26:00.000-07:002008-08-01T03:08:30.833-07:00Tips and Tricks 1I saw that there was a vote for hints and tricks for living/travelling in China. Similar to reflection section, I'll write out a list of the tips I think can help, with random fun photos in between.<br /><br />1) Bring a friend or two - sometimes, travel is best experienced in a groups of 2+.<br /><br />2) Make sure that friend you bring speaks Chinese/is a local/is experienced or that you are yourself! This can help you in your travels, dealings with purchases, sightseeing and all sorts of wonderful things.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1t9vKGxbMnvH5keCF2bMraz7mByzywlDCVPJw-SL0O0I9tRabWVeSswWTf-BcADngqYBRYA2ElWkJQm9cddCii5EbaW-kxQjnZ6FPOcPLW-a9EdTk2TXglHGqT7rCpBwoEocy4lEnZZY/s1600-h/IMG_2060.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1t9vKGxbMnvH5keCF2bMraz7mByzywlDCVPJw-SL0O0I9tRabWVeSswWTf-BcADngqYBRYA2ElWkJQm9cddCii5EbaW-kxQjnZ6FPOcPLW-a9EdTk2TXglHGqT7rCpBwoEocy4lEnZZY/s320/IMG_2060.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229488802929625362" border="0" /></a><br />3) Think carefully about that camera. What is best for you? Disposable batteries, rechargeable? Large, high detail or small and compact? The rechargeable batteries I have here won't charge, and I hate buying disposable.<br /><br />4) Make sure you take that camera EVERYWHERE! I missed out on a lot of good opportunities on trips to and from work because I neglect to bring my big bulky camera with me. You just never know what you're going to see!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvbFKgZvXzSamoAk6dX6LVBva0e4A7j5TU7aqsK3de07LRCS_uH3EBSSX7A57a50WELVQDMUVMQjmLA2hbUudNagDsX5eYmt0jBq3ykAGbJozBsTpb0obv3a-ZI_1rXXsA9BVaigYpvhs/s1600-h/100_7629.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvbFKgZvXzSamoAk6dX6LVBva0e4A7j5TU7aqsK3de07LRCS_uH3EBSSX7A57a50WELVQDMUVMQjmLA2hbUudNagDsX5eYmt0jBq3ykAGbJozBsTpb0obv3a-ZI_1rXXsA9BVaigYpvhs/s320/100_7629.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229487272275610322" border="0" /></a><br />5) Bring business cards - even if you don't work. You'll meet a ton of new faces, make countless contacts and friends. Instead of scrabbling for pens and paper, business cards make things a TON easier. Prefereably, those business cards are printed on post-consumer recycled paper.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">6) Make connections before you come. Having connections helps as if you're forging it out on your own, it can often be difficult. Thus, coming on business or with a local language school can help you get to where you need to go.<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpzuShMuHX7AOzGBIdjbRKzMgoReOC9KPJWUoZrT7ftDbj0cjAM1Lm_N6hQ3bVqnKez914vX5kfZx-aqK3c89MZxm70-omxoFb8VGjoCiLQZx28q_w98tURbzghQUI4GpHAUsBhvrn4kc/s1600-h/IMG_7194.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpzuShMuHX7AOzGBIdjbRKzMgoReOC9KPJWUoZrT7ftDbj0cjAM1Lm_N6hQ3bVqnKez914vX5kfZx-aqK3c89MZxm70-omxoFb8VGjoCiLQZx28q_w98tURbzghQUI4GpHAUsBhvrn4kc/s320/IMG_7194.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229485237804513346" border="0" /></a>Photo credit: AmCham Tianjin<br /></div><br /><br />7) Bring a reusable bag. For carrying purchases, buying your groceries, it will save a lot of unecessary plastic and trouble if vendors don't give you a plastic bag!<br /><br />8) Keep a journal - so much happens here that if you don't keep one, you'll most likely forget all of the things that you've gotten up to.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4TlrdNGhDtozLHIzNpDNlp96bMn4kMDlhr7U79lDsgMvxgwubR4UWkVMQYWTsBhjm2NdkGKXFdYwa379vUMdQRRKBtOMPgFZugFyt4ZLi42lmRj-g1JLF-JAI65kpNAEWbnMhIJlklws/s1600-h/IMG_2048.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4TlrdNGhDtozLHIzNpDNlp96bMn4kMDlhr7U79lDsgMvxgwubR4UWkVMQYWTsBhjm2NdkGKXFdYwa379vUMdQRRKBtOMPgFZugFyt4ZLi42lmRj-g1JLF-JAI65kpNAEWbnMhIJlklws/s320/IMG_2048.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229484114898033938" border="0" /></a><br />9) Pocket translators are invaluable - especially ones where you can scribble in Chinese characters and get a translation.<br /><br />10) Bring pocket tissue with you everywhere - not all washrooms supply toilet paper for hygenic and other reasons!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNPyBEu-uxesuGFSHbiYSEHULsZRsr2zfz3qG5FvCJfd_dyXRdNe6L0yOthUf1Z3rSUMbuk31nFuP8pqINlijlwK0gWpLlBSAhIYcLbs7rEwXiS9WyJ5rE9CtyWrccaPQh59FuF3S9zyM/s1600-h/100_8759.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNPyBEu-uxesuGFSHbiYSEHULsZRsr2zfz3qG5FvCJfd_dyXRdNe6L0yOthUf1Z3rSUMbuk31nFuP8pqINlijlwK0gWpLlBSAhIYcLbs7rEwXiS9WyJ5rE9CtyWrccaPQh59FuF3S9zyM/s320/100_8759.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229483089335315810" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9014601973200114355.post-68966589402643950092008-08-01T02:19:00.000-07:002008-08-14T03:49:47.430-07:00Sea of CFLs<div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="" lang="EN-CA">This is a mall....</span></div><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSS3Ust4aFLnsgle7LPtInEOK2wW4EYZnGHznbJCNboglHB_4f6W1JPQodEx68mbOvqpHZQtBHjGNIVpt35sfN9DMcO5NrEc0tjysz_OdUsGMgCKpNvBTYEHBDL2dpKjhtUU3kzkE46UI/s1600-h/100_7888.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSS3Ust4aFLnsgle7LPtInEOK2wW4EYZnGHznbJCNboglHB_4f6W1JPQodEx68mbOvqpHZQtBHjGNIVpt35sfN9DMcO5NrEc0tjysz_OdUsGMgCKpNvBTYEHBDL2dpKjhtUU3kzkE46UI/s320/100_7888.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229478012792273410" border="0" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lit by skylights and CFLs!</span><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-CA">CFL – Compact Flourescent Lightbulb.<span style=""> </span>These energy savers are touted as being far more cost effective than their incandescent counterparts.<span style=""> </span>Thankfully Canada is phasing out incandescent, but it took a while for us to jump on the boat to ban the bad bulbs.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-CA">Though China does not seem to have incandescent bulbs banned yet (maybe soon! *fingers crossed*) I’m not sure If a ban is needed since CFL’s are ubiquitous already.<span style=""> </span>From my friends’ apartments, to office buildings and restaurants alike, these bulbs are used en masse.<span style=""> </span>An incandescent bulb is a rare sight as people are very familiar with how inefficient and costly incandescent bulbs can be.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-CA">Turning off lights when they are not in use is the normal practice and wasting any energy for whatever reason is frowned upon.<span style=""> </span>I think this is a great part of the culture here as I don’t find myself turning off lights and asking for CFL’s like I have to do back home.<span style=""> </span>China never fails to impress me with how energy environmentally conscious people are over here!</span><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9014601973200114355.post-61578469164329975322008-08-01T02:09:00.000-07:002008-08-01T03:12:31.563-07:00My New Haircut: Done the Chinese Way<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="" lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Before:</span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjavbpcO11TIV-9hpZPh_1Cg3h165tk3KPOgGlq4T_6xe_s2_gCNYXRk1OlF_cMV7LC4uxQVgx_YcTVATyt8_62wSSA7J9XhwGWdWLTENlN3ukCSBMG9USx44Tj3LRhyiW10Op2A8E-3NE/s1600-h/IMG_2002.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjavbpcO11TIV-9hpZPh_1Cg3h165tk3KPOgGlq4T_6xe_s2_gCNYXRk1OlF_cMV7LC4uxQVgx_YcTVATyt8_62wSSA7J9XhwGWdWLTENlN3ukCSBMG9USx44Tj3LRhyiW10Op2A8E-3NE/s320/IMG_2002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229474617254485554" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo credit: Jason<br /></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-CA"><br />My hair was getting pretty lengthy as of late here.<span style=""> </span>In addition to heat and discomfort, my colleagues took great pleasure in humouring me that I looked like a girl.<span style=""> </span>I thought it time to do away with my long locks and to get a haircut the Chinese way!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-CA">Yolanda escorted me to a barbershop after work.<span style=""> </span>The shop we visited looked quite fancy and it was immaculate.<span style=""> </span>It had a distinct resemblance to the higher end hair salo</span><span style="" lang="EN-CA">ns in Canada, of course with much more reasonable prices!<span style=""> </span>Yolanda informed me that the haircut would cost a grand total of 20 RMB ( less than $3 Canadian!!!).<span style=""> </span>Now, the haircutting ritual in a Chinese barbershop is very different from those we are accustomed to back home.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-CA">First, you are direct to a reclining chair with a large sink at its head.<span style=""> </span>Here, you recline and one of the barbers in training comes over and gives your hair a thorough washing in the basin.<span style=""> </span>A towel is placed between you and the basin to make sure that your clothing does n</span><span style="" lang="EN-CA">ot get soaked in the process.<span style=""> </span>The hair wash was very relaxing and also included a scalp massage.<span style=""> </span>A towel was then wrapped turban style around my freshly washed head and I was lead to a barber’s chair.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-CA">Here, a stylishly dressed barber (Pink Jeans with large tears, coloured hair and a half-length tie) fashioned my hair with style.<span style=""> </span>There was much scissor and comb flinging tricks to enjoy as my Canadian hairstyle gave way for a Chinese one.<span style=""> </span>He used special scissors with a blade that looks like a comb which turned my normally flat hair, into a spiky, Chinese style hairdo.<span style=""> </span>I was surprised that my hair could actually stand up straight like a local!<span style=""> </span>The haircutting process took longer than those back home, but he put a lot of work into the cut, using at lea</span><span style="" lang="EN-CA">st 5 different scissors, a hair shaver and other implements I could not possibly name.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-CA">After I was satisfied with the cut, I was led back to the reclining chair to have my head washed again, before being led back to the barber who dried my hair and spiked it slightly with gel.<span style=""> </span>Unfortunately, only my colleague had a camera at the time and she snapped some photos I hope to get sometime soon.<span style=""> </span>I was informed that I was the first foreign customer at the shop which was quite an honour for me!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-CA">One notices that all of the barber shop employees have dyed and highly styled hair.<span style=""> </span>This is because they offer their own hair up as an opportunity for budding barbers to practice. <span style=""> </span>As these young attendants strutted about their shop doing their own things, I was continually kept in a state of awe – it was a very entertaining experience.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-CA">My barbershop experience was limited but at this <a href="http://benross.net.customers.tigertech.net/wordpress/?page_id=177">link</a>, you can read about a foreigner who worked in a local barbershop for a month.<span style=""> </span>The barbershop itself packs a whole ton of culture, into a very reasonably priced salon environment!</span></p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-CA"><span style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">After:</span></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg59oHpFDrHFuVpdnpQ-Wi-Db6FMq_iuOKWvMrGMG2lXkQURK1For4yCIU4M2jR20NRSWi44V7zB4cpZu4J82uTXIu-odwm86QRJU4NzoYi657BgDAuESafWLV2yfVbx1_dMnTqIvN9_MY/s1600-h/IMG_2284.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg59oHpFDrHFuVpdnpQ-Wi-Db6FMq_iuOKWvMrGMG2lXkQURK1For4yCIU4M2jR20NRSWi44V7zB4cpZu4J82uTXIu-odwm86QRJU4NzoYi657BgDAuESafWLV2yfVbx1_dMnTqIvN9_MY/s320/IMG_2284.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229475671231297698" border="0" /></a><span style="" lang="EN-CA"><span style="">Photo credit: Darleen</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9014601973200114355.post-38432495424241857892008-08-01T01:30:00.000-07:002008-08-07T05:25:36.774-07:00An American Independence Day - In China!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFVi49HtXWarXB_NChX3VzVjjaaow2759royr1eBQ0ltn3tPqlPyzq88d-vSlRWuPoF05ITiS90oculCAWa1PRLhFM47TzpBz7vqIfxLyFEut9QqwPvxA2AT4Qw-nsI-Jc4j8go8jQ504/s1600-h/IMG_7196.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFVi49HtXWarXB_NChX3VzVjjaaow2759royr1eBQ0ltn3tPqlPyzq88d-vSlRWuPoF05ITiS90oculCAWa1PRLhFM47TzpBz7vqIfxLyFEut9QqwPvxA2AT4Qw-nsI-Jc4j8go8jQ504/s320/IMG_7196.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229473394488567890" border="0" /></a><br />I haven’t written one of these in a while, since moving to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Tianjin</st1:place></st1:city>, my outings have increased exponentially and I barely even have time for myself! <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>On Saturday, my friend David arrived from <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Korea</st1:place></st1:country-region>.<span style=""> </span>We planned to volunteer at the AmCham (American Chamber of Commerce) Independence Day Celebration.<span style=""> </span>From what I had been told that week, I would help organize kid’s activities (Bouncy castles and whatnot).<span style=""> </span>Later, I was surprised to receive another call informing me that the original MC was sick and that David and I were more than welcome to become the new ones.<span style=""> </span>I happily volunteered, eager for the opportunity to help out!<span style=""> </span>If only I knew of all of the excitement that would soon be had, I would have brought some of my local colleagues along too!<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>At 11:45am that day, David arrived at my building after disembarking from his direct flight from <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">Korea</st1:country-region></st1:place>.<span style=""> </span>It was a good thing that he had two black belts in Tae Kwon Do as all of that training and built up stamina would soon come in handy.<span style=""> </span>He had less than an hour to get his stuff in order and get ready for the long evening ahead.<span style=""> </span>I would later find out that he had less than 4 hours sleep that day, talk about stamina!<span style=""> </span>We were to meet our AmCham contact in the Hyatt Hotel, a ten minute walk away.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>You know you have become a <span lang="ZH-CN" style="font-family:SimSun;">天津人</span>(Tianjin Local) when your guest grabs your arm as you cross the road in fear for both of your lives.<span style=""> </span>Wading through speeding traffic had become second nature than me, I hadn’t realized that David was not used to this crazy jaywalking phenomenon.<span style=""> </span>I’m sure that soon he’ll be up to speed with hacking through the urban jungle given a week or two here.<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>We eventually arrived at the Hyatt Hotel and headed up to find the AmCham room.<span style=""> </span>I was surprised to see that a permanent office was set up in a hotel room, complete with signs on the wall outside the door.<span style=""> </span>From what I’ve experienced now, it seems that these hotel-offices a common practice for many organizations in <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">China</st1:place></st1:country-region>.<span style=""> </span>The door was open for us and we entered to meet <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitkdo0g8xpDLXaLyfEK8oSgHa9MAdAvE_rhEbV5Pbl02739xYnckT5GCODdZS7yLz4Jbc8EyQjJUi7m5wPfqtJQ-ulDQupTIaUPbTQjjM9s6Owim3FAgGR366WcPwxWQvEuuIP0JMZrQU/s1600-h/IMG_7043.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitkdo0g8xpDLXaLyfEK8oSgHa9MAdAvE_rhEbV5Pbl02739xYnckT5GCODdZS7yLz4Jbc8EyQjJUi7m5wPfqtJQ-ulDQupTIaUPbTQjjM9s6Owim3FAgGR366WcPwxWQvEuuIP0JMZrQU/s320/IMG_7043.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231750539394601698" border="0" /></a>Anna.<span style=""> </span>She provided us with a short a briefing and schedule detailing the evening’s events.<span style=""> </span>She also outfitted us with some immaculate white AmCham golf shirts.<span style=""> </span>Later we found that we were the only ones wearing such golf shirts which not even the organizers had!<span style=""> </span>It certainly seemed like we were to take center stage at this event.<span style=""> </span>We were surprised to find that we had less than half an hour to prepare our speeches for the evening’s events.<span style=""> </span>David and I worked hurriedly on the computer writing a speech in English which was then translated to Chinese by an online dictionary.<span style=""> </span>While we were in the process of doing this, 3 other young local Chinese AmCham members entered the room and Anna started planning something with them.<span style=""> </span>I’m grateful that David had a Commerce background, I’m sure that many would have folded under the stress of delivering a severely under-prepared speech in a foreign language.<span style=""> </span>I didn’t have a problem as my parts were in English.<span style=""> </span>Back home, I speak with little to no preparation so I felt quite comfortable and ready – no stomach full of butterflies for me!<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>Soon, it was time to leave the hotel and travel to the venue and the introduction speech was not even finished yet!<span style=""> </span>We panicked as the printer in the office ran out of ink.<span style=""> </span>Luckily, I had brought my USB along.<span style=""> </span>We uploaded the speech to the USB and Anna led us downstairs to the business office to have it printed.<span style=""> </span>The service was prompt and professional, and soon David had his freshly printed speech in hand.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>I must pause now to take note of how familiar we were with the event.<span style=""> </span>So far this entire time, we were completely confused as to what was going on.<span style=""> </span>We did not know where we were going, who we were speaking to, and what we were expected to say.<span style=""> </span>This total void of information was a great excitement for me – I’m too used to knowing exactly what is going on in a predictable day of University classes!<span style=""> </span>We eventually found ourselves in the lobby where quite a few other<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixnYjs21E2RswVXNzlmHgWChxZz2pb4xJPm3YcbaN_oosHDYlsRp3-tYHhC8Jl8i9qlw1FoUTDUU5W3pDu_qaje9gnxxElQ5-WmaQkDfujUoEp0lUGIucxMuT-If5Pylui6WbRrQ2nkus/s1600-h/IMG_7129.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixnYjs21E2RswVXNzlmHgWChxZz2pb4xJPm3YcbaN_oosHDYlsRp3-tYHhC8Jl8i9qlw1FoUTDUU5W3pDu_qaje9gnxxElQ5-WmaQkDfujUoEp0lUGIucxMuT-If5Pylui6WbRrQ2nkus/s320/IMG_7129.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229472223990008162" border="0" /></a> expatriates and AmCham members were congregating.<span style=""> </span>We had a good time meeting and greeting some of the other guests.<span style=""> </span>Soon, we boarded up on the waiting coach buses outside.<span style=""> </span>I was thrilled to discover that the bus I was on was driven by the PPG driver that takes me to work in the morning!<span style=""> </span>He was equally delighted to see me as well!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>All of the guests boarded up on one bus while the organizers (David and I included) boarded another.<span style=""> </span>The ride took nearly an hour but this was much needed.<span style=""> </span>David caught up on his much needed sleep while I wrote down English speeches for the key parts of the program to be translated into Chinese for David.<span style=""> </span>It was fortunate that Annie, one of AmCham’s organizers spoke excellent English and the speeches were translated without a hitch.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRVni8Q0AKLFS2wIVIlKUd2G7oxT6-y4c8x4MumOqIUr6LE2X5LBzvxAXPsLEfKADmJTFFrBIymV-WpQgYMRaSu9ObDHgYiSowSIrCMfElKUl9Z_od79J7byKOZQ10DlkHF0NwChI1EcE/s1600-h/IMG_7093.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRVni8Q0AKLFS2wIVIlKUd2G7oxT6-y4c8x4MumOqIUr6LE2X5LBzvxAXPsLEfKADmJTFFrBIymV-WpQgYMRaSu9ObDHgYiSowSIrCMfElKUl9Z_od79J7byKOZQ10DlkHF0NwChI1EcE/s320/IMG_7093.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229470989759239634" border="0" /></a>When we arrived at the venue, both David and I were completely floored – it was amazing. <span style=""> </span>The Venue was called the Margaux Manor, and it looked like a little French village in the middle of the Chinese suburbs.<span style=""> </span>There were no skyscrapers in sight, and though the sky looked ominous earlier, it began to clear.<span style=""> </span>The decor on both the interior and exterior of the Manor was exquisite and there was ample greenery, water fixtures and authentic French decor.<span style=""> </span>We found ourselves walking with the rest of the bus passengers to a large courtyard in the center of the villas.<span style=""> </span>Here, the place was bustling with guests from all walks of life.<span style=""> </span>Strangely enough, the demographics of those in attendance was 30% Foreign and 70% Chinese!<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>Anna sat us down with Hank Martin, the charismatic Chair of AmCham.<span style=""> </span>He provided us with tips and key things to mention when making the speeches.<span style=""> </span>There was a large stage set up in the courtyard, complete with a huge AmCham backdrop, lighting and a massive sound system.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>David and I put the final touches on our speeches as a live band started to play.<span style=""> </span>We also had the chance to meet some very friendly employees of a logistics company who sat at our table.<span style=""> </span>Soon, the band’s performance was coming to an end and it was our time t<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXWnqGhp-7uXGZvHAHv0VBuFgkmQYkLRThSuF8Wia0aWDGkDWFLD2ezQO3GnP3axnz_Cqcy-_zptxcgKvt_VQQQ2eQtwQjx923Rfds6iVC8k-1EhQeQZ-e9NMnjUi-Nf-kSrZ-JqjqUm4/s1600-h/IMG_7144.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXWnqGhp-7uXGZvHAHv0VBuFgkmQYkLRThSuF8Wia0aWDGkDWFLD2ezQO3GnP3axnz_Cqcy-_zptxcgKvt_VQQQ2eQtwQjx923Rfds6iVC8k-1EhQeQZ-e9NMnjUi-Nf-kSrZ-JqjqUm4/s320/IMG_7144.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229470177135270850" border="0" /></a>o get up and start talking.<span style=""> </span>David and I took the stage, and I delivered a speech in English followed by the Chinese translations read by David.<span style=""> </span>Everyone stood for the American National Anthem, which was sung by a governor of AmCham.<span style=""> </span>She was extremely talented.<span style=""> </span>I found it to be quite the phenomenon that two Canadians were leading the AmCham celebration.<span style=""> </span>This was also the first time I have ever stood to join in the American Anthem!<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>Opening speeches were given by Hank and the Operation Director of the Margaux Manor Club and soon the banquet was opened to the guests.<span style=""> </span>David and I stood in line, mingled with guests and learned a thing or two a<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFSzj2Remlag9wY4inNOYl9ifFk5ccbhXw0v51owZckS_stYFun-HCivGN27UUf5JeS5sWBR9xJdTwgdN6YfXebJjBT56gcs9UFZjvqHLE24S7zoOiwUWdnKegplr5PMonZizxpVCkwqE/s1600-h/IMG_7025.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFSzj2Remlag9wY4inNOYl9ifFk5ccbhXw0v51owZckS_stYFun-HCivGN27UUf5JeS5sWBR9xJdTwgdN6YfXebJjBT56gcs9UFZjvqHLE24S7zoOiwUWdnKegplr5PMonZizxpVCkwqE/s320/IMG_7025.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229469048390356018" border="0" /></a>bout business in <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">China</st1:place></st1:country-region> from some of the very knowledgeable expatriates in attendance.<span style=""> </span>Fortunately, Annie picked up food for us as it was almost time to speak again and we weren’t even near the buffet yet!<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>First two pairs of very talented Chinese dancers performed a Cha-cha rendition.<span style=""> </span>Both young women in the dancing pairs wore high heels that were at least two inches high.<span style=""> </span>It was incredible that they could pull off such moves without even stumbling!<span style=""> </span>David and<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT7NvwMUYzfsxYx8_v7rvpmCj4Gu3Z-Yr6yz4rOT9DE6NN6_QgvAxvGbwsmjQtqY3Cq6BmZZX4aXv9NFEFp6cnKxG3nMIg_mSraffRlTaEYmSd5T4Lw9nFl4bkN3hZMZo8Hdp2fFL73A0/s1600-h/IMG_7331.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT7NvwMUYzfsxYx8_v7rvpmCj4Gu3Z-Yr6yz4rOT9DE6NN6_QgvAxvGbwsmjQtqY3Cq6BmZZX4aXv9NFEFp6cnKxG3nMIg_mSraffRlTaEYmSd5T4Lw9nFl4bkN3hZMZo8Hdp2fFL73A0/s320/IMG_7331.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229467676565483186" border="0" /></a> I gave speeches for the first set of draws for the evening.<span style=""> </span>The prizes up for grabs were incredible, ranging from a year’s membership at the Margaux Manor, to Digital Cameras and Barbeques!<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>After the first draw, some other MC’s took over for us giving David and I a chance to sit back and enjoy the show and mingle a bit more.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>Kind hearted and friendly foreigners were in abundance here (unlike previous experiences!).<span style=""> </span>We met a great variety of people from local Chinese employees in multinational companies, to English teachers, working expatriates and entrepreneurs.<span style=""> </span>I was delighted as well to meet people of mixed heritage like myself!<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>There were two more lucky draws for the evening, with prizes that were equally incredible as the ones given out for the first one.<span style=""> </span>The dancers performed two more numbers and there was a traditional Sichuan Face-Changing (Bian Lian) performer.<span style=""> </span>As he walked the stage, changing his masks at lightning speed, I tried to piece t<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzvm5HIRqiPdqu1QEsMlSqZBLWZe84X3TPC4CqLYYL12JHpBRC3t7UEBTGFs0WYf1Xql68vctBx0xaTrMjTbz95dg2VpxR3kwbFbJFA_MSi4MHUju4UjxNPRlDr-gCWB6elh_QRSZfAOk/s1600-h/IMG_7361.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzvm5HIRqiPdqu1QEsMlSqZBLWZe84X3TPC4CqLYYL12JHpBRC3t7UEBTGFs0WYf1Xql68vctBx0xaTrMjTbz95dg2VpxR3kwbFbJFA_MSi4MHUju4UjxNPRlDr-gCWB6elh_QRSZfAOk/s320/IMG_7361.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229466158909623858" border="0" /></a>ogether how he pulled it off.<span style=""> </span>I was completely baffled though when he approached me to shake my hand and his mask changed right before my eyes at a rate too fast to even see.<span style=""> </span>The great thing about this performance is only the performers know the trick, unlike so much of the well-known western magic.<span style=""> </span>This is a closely guarded secret that only a few know, hopefully, I can learn a bit more about this in my lifetime! He ended his colourful performance by blowing fire across the stage - I was blown away.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTE-wr_QgiK3doi3v5GjfLPKjtjVLDjGz5oPWBEMxStsVqhfgQngjeGab5VL6yuzzqmy28ikvviDnpmXEAOEsU5PgLOMFBfnDncofnh5PchIHHV6Mbdd32nCMvtMKXHysOU0iNvtMICZ4/s1600-h/IMG_7403.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTE-wr_QgiK3doi3v5GjfLPKjtjVLDjGz5oPWBEMxStsVqhfgQngjeGab5VL6yuzzqmy28ikvviDnpmXEAOEsU5PgLOMFBfnDncofnh5PchIHHV6Mbdd32nCMvtMKXHysOU0iNvtMICZ4/s320/IMG_7403.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229465579049719746" border="0" /></a><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>To wrap up the night, one of the most incredible firework performances lit the night sky.<span style=""> </span>This was on a scale equivalent to even the best Canada Day celebrations I am used to back home.<span style=""> </span>It was INCREDIBLE.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>Sadly, the night was coming to an end.<span style=""> </span>David and I bid goodbye to our new friends, and with pockets full of business cards, we hopped on the bus which took us back to our building in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Tianjin</st1:place></st1:city>.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>We went to one of the local Bars afterwards, but the story of that will come sometime soon!<span style=""> </span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9014601973200114355.post-64267509216716370852008-07-29T08:00:00.001-07:002008-07-29T08:02:21.881-07:00The Busy LifeThings have been insanely busy here in Tianjin. Most likely, I'll get back to blogging more consistently when I return to Canada. I will keep a journal though so the memories will be fresh and authentic. I'm still alive just in case there is any doubts out there!<br /><br />Upcoming topics:<br />Beach Vacation,<br />American Independence Day in China,<br />The Show at the Orphanage<br /><br />Aaaand oh so much more. <br /><br />P.S. When living in China, there's not a dull moment!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9014601973200114355.post-26001115151257767342008-07-17T07:36:00.001-07:002008-07-17T07:47:35.025-07:00Car Clubs - All the cool kids are doing it<span style="" lang="EN-CA">With China’s booming economy, the apple of everyone’s eyes seem to be cars.<span style=""> </span>However, in China, car clubs take automobile appreciation to the next level.<span style=""> </span>I have not heard of such clubs for “ordinary” cars in Canada though similar groups exist for antiques, hummers or other luxury vehicles.<o:p></o:p></span> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-CA">My colleague Darleen and her husband are both members of a Tianjin car club.<span style=""> </span>All of the members are fans of a certain Japanese car brand which we do not have in Canada.<span style=""> </span>The logo of this car is a “1” and all of the models I have seen so far are very similar.<span style=""> </span>Each member of the car club has exactly the same model of car, the only differences between member cars are colours and side decals.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFf4P2vfThD2GKO7bu1XcywUQEG2LjXrSj-IEETOsXlu-lnRkA9bLkCdpf_AfcjxB0j4TNY1tBnr3h6OoxzX8mN6BXmy4Q1FB9ZXA_Do5Y-_DRDRHPA1bYxHX_IfEZl05WwK8oR5qnyp4/s1600-h/IMG_1718.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 194px; height: 145px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFf4P2vfThD2GKO7bu1XcywUQEG2LjXrSj-IEETOsXlu-lnRkA9bLkCdpf_AfcjxB0j4TNY1tBnr3h6OoxzX8mN6BXmy4Q1FB9ZXA_Do5Y-_DRDRHPA1bYxHX_IfEZl05WwK8oR5qnyp4/s320/IMG_1718.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223994406847459506" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-CA">The members of the car club (numbering over 1000) are from all walks of life.<span style=""> </span>For example, at the wedding mentioned in an earlier post, the MC for the event was a member of the car club.<span style=""> </span>Also, Darleen and her husband were invited because they are members of the car club.<span style=""> </span>Thus, club thus works as a good guanxi network as exhibited by the MC who gave the wedding party a special discount price!<span style=""> </span>Online, members discuss good travel and tourism areas, great restaurants within Tianjin and they frequently plan get together events at restaurants, badminton courts and KTV parlours.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-CA">Most of the cars belonging to this club have two-way radio systems installed in the dashboard.<span style=""> </span>This allows members to communicate easily between all member cars when they go on an outing together.<span style=""> </span>Thus, to facilitate this system, all or most of the cars have a large antenna which is affixed to the hood of the car magnetically.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-CA">From my outings with Darleen, the car club is like an extended family where all members initially share the same interests in the same model of car.<span style=""> </span>This interest unites the group</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDGlQm7rldDupFFQWbsmem7pjGEroD_LMe8_pesSuVc6pCnK4hujQWKCA0BJYIIllgQbuddfba_IR4hzKTAJx4Wd2J51BGNA2xARbaTHlG92kTQqPF-l2hYceqURLWaU5YbStWqZeUNOA/s1600-h/IMG_1711.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 232px; height: 174px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDGlQm7rldDupFFQWbsmem7pjGEroD_LMe8_pesSuVc6pCnK4hujQWKCA0BJYIIllgQbuddfba_IR4hzKTAJx4Wd2J51BGNA2xARbaTHlG92kTQqPF-l2hYceqURLWaU5YbStWqZeUNOA/s320/IMG_1711.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223992347845773778" border="0" /></a><span style="" lang="EN-CA"> who find other similar interests together that go beyond the car.<span style=""> </span>It seems like a lot of good friendships have blossomed out of the appreciation for cars.<span style=""> </span>Thankfully, big SUVs are not as popular in China as they are back home.<span style=""> </span>I have seen three hummers so far, and other big hunks.<span style=""> </span>On the bright side, I’ve seen at least 3 Toyota Prius’ zipping around.<span style=""> </span>Now, I just need to find the car club for Toyota Prius’!<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9014601973200114355.post-28597365210804434922008-07-17T07:23:00.000-07:002008-07-17T07:47:35.026-07:00My Big Fat "Chinese" WeddingI was given an amazing opportunity to attend a Chinese wedding recently.<span style=""> </span>I found the event to be delightfully different from those back home in the west!<span style=""> </span>This wedding also had a special Korean theme to it as the bride (who was Chinese) had worked in Korea for quite a few years.<span style=""> </span> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>The event begins with the bride and groom party culminating in the bride’s house.<span style=""> </span>The bridal party hides in a room while the groom is kept at bay outside the door.<span style=""> </span>As the groom pleads to be admitted, the bridal party demands money in red pockets or that the<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg9e47AHRaPz4A6kPdiMX2gdbKQJ3xqQzMgJLPEFM5pGnPJiYjR1bCiNE6CH7OcJ-mNI9AHQ4o29CUpoAgExEF6n7tfov4YzLp_PKP1mHnpCvab0G7pty1sA05V2fN-p9Edi5TgXxCbLw/s1600-h/IMG_1731.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 203px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg9e47AHRaPz4A6kPdiMX2gdbKQJ3xqQzMgJLPEFM5pGnPJiYjR1bCiNE6CH7OcJ-mNI9AHQ4o29CUpoAgExEF6n7tfov4YzLp_PKP1mHnpCvab0G7pty1sA05V2fN-p9Edi5TgXxCbLw/s320/IMG_1731.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223991123691442658" border="0" /></a> groom perform a dance to the delight of all onlookers.<span style=""> </span>Eventually, the groom is allowed to enter the room and be reunited with the awaiting bride.<span style=""> </span>The couple then walks hand in hand to the bride’s parents whom they kowtow to and make a speech of gratitude.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>The wedding party then makes its way outside the home where everyone hops into the vehicles that have been specially arranged for the wedding.<span style=""> </span>At least five cars follow the wedding vehicle driven by the groom.<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>The motorcade makes its way through the streets towards the restaurant where the wedding ceremony is to be held.<span style=""> </span>For this wedding, the members of the car club were invited.<span style=""> </span>So, instead of a pricey motorcade of rented red cars, at least 20 car club vehicles formed the wedding procession.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>When all the guests finally arrive at the restaurant, they gather around the entrance where confetti cannons, sparklers and other fanfare have been set up.<span style=""> </span>Before the bride and groom arrive, firecrackers in the shape of two hearts are set off filling the air with loud popping noises and smoke.<span style=""> </span>Soon, the bride and the groom roll up in the wedding car and enter the restaurant under a rainstorm of confetti.<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>The wedding party floods into a special reserved room which is bright and colourful, filled with many wedding decorations.<span style=""> </span>As the guests tuck into appetizers, the ceremony begins.<span style=""> </span>The master of ceremony makes many speeches and the bride and groom perform multiple acts that are symbolic of marriage.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>Soon, the wedding banquet begins and is consumed with gusto by the now hungry guests.<span style=""> </span>During the feast, it is customary for the bride to changes dresses at least once.<span style=""> </span>At the wedding I attended,<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCGRhGTbi13vlSaWra1QjxtzZNDbTNF8xCFKf3RQBBY8yJbEvWQ9Hgt-PIXaUFcZMsBijeVNwpgZJDmPVoStNBb8s2vmFRczZRMGkgJFNGbpGDe-qV0Mc-tIFxm5zrBmCoJSstR2SQoxA/s1600-h/IMG_1763.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 177px; height: 132px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCGRhGTbi13vlSaWra1QjxtzZNDbTNF8xCFKf3RQBBY8yJbEvWQ9Hgt-PIXaUFcZMsBijeVNwpgZJDmPVoStNBb8s2vmFRczZRMGkgJFNGbpGDe-qV0Mc-tIFxm5zrBmCoJSstR2SQoxA/s320/IMG_1763.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223990563043032130" border="0" /></a> the bride wore three different dresses of very different styles!<span style=""> </span>When everyone is full and the banquet almost finished, the bride and groom visit each table to share a drink and cigarettes with their guests.<span style=""> </span>The bride lights cigarettes for the men, using a special red lighter bought especially for the occasion.<span style=""> </span>To add to the fun, the male guests who are having their cigarettes lit play tricks on the bride. <span style=""> </span>This includes blowing out the lighter or flicking their cigarettes from side to side in their mouth, making it next to impossible for the poor bride to light.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>After the merriment of the meal is finished, it is time for the younger guests to visit the newlyweds’ house.<span style=""> </span>Here, they watch the newlyweds play Chinese wedding games.<span style=""> </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRJAGhYEscYm154iig74PH2cEgZTWTlu_UtRxkdxqOkF33jPfXUOCs-D6ImeuLeooRY2eAd35R9wjrEv_rttuPEkjRsaYsyupBeraZzFbJAQnMAqM5g9mSrygP3qpbcADY4KFpiQhhFQ/s1600-h/IMG_1772.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 124px; height: 164px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRJAGhYEscYm154iig74PH2cEgZTWTlu_UtRxkdxqOkF33jPfXUOCs-D6ImeuLeooRY2eAd35R9wjrEv_rttuPEkjRsaYsyupBeraZzFbJAQnMAqM5g9mSrygP3qpbcADY4KFpiQhhFQ/s320/IMG_1772.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223989650191321762" border="0" /></a>These games are intended to help the bride and groom get to know each other even better!<span style=""> </span>One of the games, for example, involved the groom sitting in a chair while the bride tried to feed him cake.<span style=""> </span>The catch of this was the bride was blindfolded!<span style=""> </span>The wedding guests had fun making her task more difficult by directing her spoon in ways that soon caused the groom to be covered in cake.<span style=""> </span>After all the fun and games, it is now late at night and the bride and groom bid their guests farewell.<span style=""> </span>My first Chinese wedding was certainly an experience to remember!<span style=""> </span>I hope there will be opportunities for me to attend other such events which celebrate life in the culturally rich milieu of China! <span style=""> </span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9014601973200114355.post-82417188687242763682008-07-06T18:20:00.000-07:002008-07-17T07:47:45.325-07:00Reflection Section 1Wow - half of the summer gone just like that, in less time than it takes to blink. From what I've found, it seems that many things are plentiful in China, except for time. In just the past weekend, I've been overwhelmed with a wealth of new experiences, new friends and unforgettable moments.<br /><br /><div>I'll try and come up with a bullet list of what I find to be the most interesting things I've realized. Random pictures from my travels will be included for your browsing pleasure.</div><ul><li><div style="text-align: left;">China is not uniform - there are more sides to China than there are inhabitants. From walking down the road to touring the countryside, there is something new around every corner and<span style="font-family:Arial Black, Geneva, Arial, Sans-serif;color:#800000;"> </span>under every roof, catching your eye after every blink and on every face that you come across. You could spend an entire lifetime here exploring, and still barely scratch the surface.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicx2liH-WT9R_ZjtCymVGNRTGUA2vkHJ9MHqkdMmlDvNswLeV0uz69C-2qXvr7kLqy66GRl5SPfH6viJ3LVvtYWXxG-9_TxH5vbl252diPI_JDWWmVOcP1r_ha_QYabmWnyHv0-mZrFzI/s1600-h/IMG_1817.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicx2liH-WT9R_ZjtCymVGNRTGUA2vkHJ9MHqkdMmlDvNswLeV0uz69C-2qXvr7kLqy66GRl5SPfH6viJ3LVvtYWXxG-9_TxH5vbl252diPI_JDWWmVOcP1r_ha_QYabmWnyHv0-mZrFzI/s320/IMG_1817.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220966535148453010" border="0" /></a></div></li></ul><ul><li><div class="Ih2E3d">Life goes at a breakneck speed. Things that take weeks to be done back home, take only days or hours in China time. I'm still learning more of the mechanics behind all of this. The cities are like rolling seas of development. The new rises, the old falls and soon the new becomes old which falls once more. Don't plan, don't wait for expectations to be met, and don't even blink - you've already missed out on something.<br /><br /></div></li><li><div class="Ih2E3d">There are great people here. From the locals I've met at work, to the foreign community I just met over the past weekend, you won't be alone. China offers you an endless selection of companionship, open ears and sources of advice.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo7-YGyZXHy7xfyoSqjqKiQdJRduTnVtOgczJ9Q0TDRgHgXVZCD1rkT6tb4ppiAS62qYogGAa23MlRyhKJxlgAoZlHdEyHLpqLh7yaAleRG21di2ISk-KCcd86mhJhEdi16itNnkM7CJ0/s1600-h/100_7762.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo7-YGyZXHy7xfyoSqjqKiQdJRduTnVtOgczJ9Q0TDRgHgXVZCD1rkT6tb4ppiAS62qYogGAa23MlRyhKJxlgAoZlHdEyHLpqLh7yaAleRG21di2ISk-KCcd86mhJhEdi16itNnkM7CJ0/s320/100_7762.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220965184169430338" border="0" /></a><br /></div></li><li><div class="Ih2E3d">Opportunity is everywhere. For travel, work, fun, romance, shopping, helping, developing and the list goes on. It seems that no matter what interest brought you here, you can find yourself a cozy niche.<br /><br /></div></li><li><div class="Ih2E3d">The person you were before going to China will not be the same person who returns. Living here, your view of the world will change, your initial interests will be transformed and you will find yourself immersed in a rich new world. China seems to be like a crucible of creation, taking raw input and forging it into something new with every second breath.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghoLPKTdv1mwuCr8OhELHV5jn-ADVfcVYr43zn5yu2BttSj10Ahtz0sO5gNA-aWZcU87ns5UJtI0i6HXiELSk4ZQoJPmu4IVgl8yCind4hZS3gIf9cmI7Hjl6s78oqpQo7WKIv1vyrrd4/s1600-h/100_7631.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghoLPKTdv1mwuCr8OhELHV5jn-ADVfcVYr43zn5yu2BttSj10Ahtz0sO5gNA-aWZcU87ns5UJtI0i6HXiELSk4ZQoJPmu4IVgl8yCind4hZS3gIf9cmI7Hjl6s78oqpQo7WKIv1vyrrd4/s320/100_7631.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220964356482832994" border="0" /></a></div></li></ul><ul><li>You can live well without knowing any Chinese, but it really really helps if you do. I've heard of people living 8+ years in China and learning only a word or two of the local languages. They get by perfectly fine provided they<span style="font-family:Arial Black, Geneva, Arial, Sans-serif;color:#800000;"> </span>make the right connections which can help their wishes be translated. Learning the language will greatly help one to gain a great deal of independence which is an incredible experience - but it is not a must.</li></ul><ul><li><div class="Ih2E3d">If you want to make a difference on the world stage - come to China. From shaping the world of business, realizing your dreams of fame, waging a war against cancer or helping China to tackle the world's environmental woes, all roads lead to China.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJCRXZzVAJQVDah6PsILltpDWnpP7CY3wq58KfcStyc6meVIs0pcoP2qhGwm5laiXQk8hdLAw1W83QhR8Q97P41xIGH5SrBVrE2wxQ_xOHzGmIzQqMWJ3G7k_5sJRbiUoWOS9X6Tg7fRw/s1600-h/100_7180.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJCRXZzVAJQVDah6PsILltpDWnpP7CY3wq58KfcStyc6meVIs0pcoP2qhGwm5laiXQk8hdLAw1W83QhR8Q97P41xIGH5SrBVrE2wxQ_xOHzGmIzQqMWJ3G7k_5sJRbiUoWOS9X6Tg7fRw/s320/100_7180.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220963951886346098" border="0" /></a></div></li></ul><ul><li>One should approach China with an open mind and not make comments on<span style="font-family:Arial Black, Geneva, Arial, Sans-serif;color:#800000;"> </span>China until <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">visiting</span>. Even then, wait until you have enough knowledge before doing so (I'm not there yet but I'm trying my best)! The China viewed externally and internally are completely different. Sometimes, coming in as an outsider your opinions and attempts to do good may create more trouble than the good that was initially intended. It's easy to think you know China when you are on a roll,and it may be very difficult to humble yourself and realize that no matter what, there is always a thousand more things to learn. But to do so, will open up new worlds of possibilities and, hopefully, continuous excitement.</li></ul><p> </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9014601973200114355.post-10889291332716104072008-07-03T21:35:00.002-07:002008-07-17T07:47:55.090-07:00China Wonderland - People's Park TianjinWhen Michael was visiting in June we stumbled across a very traditional Chinese park while on a walking tour. This brought back nostalgic memories of his past in China and we decided to head inside.<br /><div> </div>We paid for tickets then headed in the main gate which was near to a very large artificial lake. Nearby, there was a strategically placed docks with animal-shaped peddle and paddle boats for rent. We decided to give one a spin. We paid the 30 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">RMB</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3c8Tnz9_-DXKybIlv7PS8gO0mirCTPBfnldQR_pPevv0su02t_xcqxi0DwJQbr8miU9A0X_KsEEhRx49flbpHuOqBuah2Mj3cM5XizI-4pVvO5lPgHuVd0Wf0nbrSc7KTAPgfYjXsb4E/s1600-h/100_7931.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3c8Tnz9_-DXKybIlv7PS8gO0mirCTPBfnldQR_pPevv0su02t_xcqxi0DwJQbr8miU9A0X_KsEEhRx49flbpHuOqBuah2Mj3cM5XizI-4pVvO5lPgHuVd0Wf0nbrSc7KTAPgfYjXsb4E/s320/100_7931.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219368721254267474" border="0" /></a> for a one-hour rental and put down a 100 deposit which I'm guessing is to prevent us stealing the boat (If that's humanly possible) or deciding to try and sink it in the middle of the lake! Such things were not in our intentions, of course. We <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">hopped</span> on board and paddled the animal shaped contraption to lands unknown. We followed the lake's perimeter and found some channels off to other areas of the park. Unfortunately, they were all blocked off, this was likely because they were too narrow to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">accommodate</span> two ships going abreast. I'm sure that in the past, many boat jams must have <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">occu</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZdOt8dD6jIxWNRMNv_-4FXywX-7EWI2q0bhl0yFUKt7YaHB_X7xJHSnLGoG11fI-XNoyOm8Pq_5gOhbxICE3aN3IQHlnywhZgs1XQgEULSlDiNuJLXcBrdhFl5DSl_zbTrJ6IobhYGe0/s1600-h/100_7985.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 187px; height: 139px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZdOt8dD6jIxWNRMNv_-4FXywX-7EWI2q0bhl0yFUKt7YaHB_X7xJHSnLGoG11fI-XNoyOm8Pq_5gOhbxICE3aN3IQHlnywhZgs1XQgEULSlDiNuJLXcBrdhFl5DSl_zbTrJ6IobhYGe0/s320/100_7985.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219368369836785074" border="0" /></a><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">rred</span> in these channels to merit the present blocades. As we followed the outer edges, we noticed that the outer rims of the lake were inhabited almost exclusively by young couples. As they were clearly demonstrating by their behavior, the Chinese attitudes towards public displays of affection have been changed from conservative to far more liberal. I suppose thatis likely due to the influx of western media! We passed other peddle and paddle boats as well which were making their own way leisurely across the jade-green lake.<br /><div> </div><br /><div>We took the time to unfold our map in the boat, unafraid to look like tourists i<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwma9bJ0WnvK9dVa2YPgU5HnQ0fWmZMpi1vrEWUthRqVvsLlpWEOnbcfvWiOUY_wz3nT6EL-YKspQ929kRUKSCaNhYyA6iYwH4VczuuDghfw1_AVjmekUZPCnR5EZ1GN1n2yO-ZS9iQQ0/s1600-h/100_8011.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 192px; height: 144px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwma9bJ0WnvK9dVa2YPgU5HnQ0fWmZMpi1vrEWUthRqVvsLlpWEOnbcfvWiOUY_wz3nT6EL-YKspQ929kRUKSCaNhYyA6iYwH4VczuuDghfw1_AVjmekUZPCnR5EZ1GN1n2yO-ZS9iQQ0/s320/100_8011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219367337315035378" border="0" /></a>n the secluded cabin. As we plotted out our next destination, we took turns paddling around individually to keep the boat in motion. Through some strange magic, if we ceased paddling, there was a current in the lake which would carry us around at random. Eventually, we abandoned ship (at the dock of course, so I could get my 100<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">RMB</span> back!) and went on a leisurely stroll in the park. We passed many cages which look liked they belonged to a small zoo. One could only imagine which animals once lived behind these bars.</div><br /><div> </div>One large cage was still in use though and housed a good variety of strutting roosters, sleeping <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDZ4F31tnEtDFNAQou07fQO7VK4e_d9FCFkVLMUKf-dujZRIwBkxhGiW1NlYKq9_N1ad51aki8DL54UnESvBfzdhnuDTzqdpsoEgCE9x837kfeVOmD2UTArX2QYJBTVbJUbhs-grP1VvI/s1600-h/100_7995.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 243px; height: 182px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDZ4F31tnEtDFNAQou07fQO7VK4e_d9FCFkVLMUKf-dujZRIwBkxhGiW1NlYKq9_N1ad51aki8DL54UnESvBfzdhnuDTzqdpsoEgCE9x837kfeVOmD2UTArX2QYJBTVbJUbhs-grP1VvI/s320/100_7995.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219367694279077058" border="0" /></a>pigeons and geese which waddled around making strange noises. We passed gigantic plastic cacti and other plants in addition to a people-powered roller coaster where young children and a parent pedalled around the track in open helicopter-shaped carts. The park featured <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Chinese</span> pagodas, walking paths and authentic looking Chinese trees and shrubs. There were elderly couples strolling in the park as well, but surprisingly, the place was not too busy. Soon, it <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">was</span> time to head elsewhere and we left the park behind with fond memories in our hearts.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9014601973200114355.post-7429616400249889362008-07-01T23:09:00.000-07:002008-07-04T20:28:16.958-07:00China shopping: A cultural experience in itselfHere in China, an infinite amount of things can be bought. Whether you are in the market for clothing, art, souvenirs, books, anime stuff, calligraphy supplies, keepsakes or just about anything under the sun, I would venture a guess that it can be found in China. Despite many rumors spread out west, I find the quality of many goods here to be excellent, even better than some of the stuff in Canada! I think this is because that the importers in Canada desire a high markup profit and thus by cheap products which we lap up since there are no good alternatives. But in China, there are countless alternatives so the quality must be high otherwise the Chinese locals with cash will not buy it. As a result of this, you can find many things of high quality here that can be found at prices unheard of in Canada. <div>There are quite a few places where on can shop: Malls, small <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">street side</span> shops, markets Friendship malls and street vendors of all sorts. </div><br /><div>I'll first start things off with the familiar: The friendship mall and other malls filled almost<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7Wzn6BF1iRlM_CoTQ1lZoAC4QWpUlrd48JbT6W3b13M6cJu5Y2SaxhwAQqCFT8nEg-bsc3PZr2cscZXUp39y6y0PRdHplUSQsu9ZivTNjLl3LcOv2yukMtqcG0A_LtJxU1AlMkog-D8/s1600-h/100_7282.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7Wzn6BF1iRlM_CoTQ1lZoAC4QWpUlrd48JbT6W3b13M6cJu5Y2SaxhwAQqCFT8nEg-bsc3PZr2cscZXUp39y6y0PRdHplUSQsu9ZivTNjLl3LcOv2yukMtqcG0A_LtJxU1AlMkog-D8/s320/100_7282.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219366549940978866" border="0" /></a> exclusively with only western brand clothing. Here, you can find western goods at western prices. As you can probably guess, I've bought nothing from a friendship mall. However, quite a good selection of quality Chinese ornaments and handicrafts can be found here as well as Chinese made-watches. Despite selling western-brand goods, the selection of these malls are infinitely better than any North American one. I think that the Chinese have a very discriminating fashion sense as most of the clothing here is not ugly nor boring (a common sight back home). There are whole floors of clothing for men, unlike the small sections that men are used to back in the western world. In these malls, there are also a great variety of women's clothes for all ages.<br /><br /></div><div>The Chinese malls are quite a different story and they come in all shapes and sizes. From mall to mall, selection varies even in the same brands of stores. The general selection includes sports goods floors, young women's clothing floors, older women's clothing floors, <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQSGNPxa9m_jxuXOhEAKLtb5RysZmSMrwjw7Hm18by8Nmi1p0V9AZqtSYz5DvSxnA9ml7kMRMW49nhReBZERvq5CJHT2qSaCFREphUCJVgb8hu6xGBCFbbf5VUnQpUHXm7bR-a8aWtkCc/s1600-h/100_8406.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQSGNPxa9m_jxuXOhEAKLtb5RysZmSMrwjw7Hm18by8Nmi1p0V9AZqtSYz5DvSxnA9ml7kMRMW49nhReBZERvq5CJHT2qSaCFREphUCJVgb8hu6xGBCFbbf5VUnQpUHXm7bR-a8aWtkCc/s320/100_8406.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219364139407100610" border="0" /></a>men's clothing floors, and miscellaneous goods floors. If you buy anything, the store clerk issues you a receipt which you take to a payment booth. Here, you are given a receipt which is stamped which you must return to the booth you bought from in order to claim your goods. In these malls, most credit cards are accepted no problem. You'll see all sorts of interesting brands, some familiar but most of them will be Chinese or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Hong</span> Kong brands. There are also unlikely clothing manufacturers such as Caterpillar (heavy machinery) and Jeep! Perhaps these are <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">spin-off</span> companies as if Caterpillar and Jeep do not register their trademark for clothing, an entrepreneur can use their logos and start a store under their name, this is fair game over here! At malls like these, attendants are always available. As you walk by they will talk to you about the sales in place. I half feel like responding back, but this is not required. It is perfectly acceptable to walk right past them even if they are talking to you! If you walk into the shop, the server will often follow right in your footsteps offering advice and suggestions frequently. Service is of excellent quality here and the salespeople will go out of their way to enhance your shopping experience. An example of this is when I went to a mall with two of my colleagues. One wanted to try out some hair accessories. The attendant<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4cNxlc438C9Z9rEkpD0e_zJxuxNEQ7pcoc-q072-EAnZIS5FJacQ8rL1Z_SUccIJ2160tDazYtRDenOsVz3w8e5hD3dswQWQW_WF7NDMJDa0fcxlh0MyQgPCypjjkGsgH5G0yQ7X7Vkc/s1600-h/100_7471.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 187px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4cNxlc438C9Z9rEkpD0e_zJxuxNEQ7pcoc-q072-EAnZIS5FJacQ8rL1Z_SUccIJ2160tDazYtRDenOsVz3w8e5hD3dswQWQW_WF7NDMJDa0fcxlh0MyQgPCypjjkGsgH5G0yQ7X7Vkc/s320/100_7471.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219363291370658290" border="0" /></a>s styled her hair for free in multiple professoinal ways and applied the hair accessories at her request. Though she did not buy, if she did they attendants told her that they style her hair for free whenever she dropped by. Such is the service over here! The malls I've seen like these are abundant on very famous streets. In <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Tangu</span>, there is the gorgeous and very famous Golden Street and there is an equivalent in Tianjin where about 8 of these malls in a row are situated. All are air conditioned and to save energy, they have plastic flaps hanging down in the entranceway. This acts like a moveable plastic curtain which traps the cool air inside. One merely pushes the curtain aside to gain entry into an air conditioned shopping paradise. </div><br /><div>Near to the Tianjin Golden Street, there is a street full of multiple small shops. I took a browse here with my colleague Yolanda. The majority (95%) of the shops here were women's clothing from Korea, Japan, Hong Kong and local products. Each shop was completely different and had an incredible varieties of style I've never seen before. China is lightyears ahead of Canada in terms of fashion sense and variety, I would expect some of these fresh styles to make their way back home in maybe 5 years or so (ayah!). As expected in China, where the shop's owner is the one selling you goods, you can bargain as much or as little as you like. Often, the price their give is high, but it is still quite a good deal compared to Canadian clothing standards. Of course if you want to buy the real Chinese way, make sure to brush up on an arsenal of bargaining tactics to get yourself a sweet deal. </div><br /><div>In <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Tangu</span> there is a Foreign goods market which is quite famous in China. I took a look myself and found it to be fascinating. There were two large storehouse areas which were positively teeming with booths. The selection seemed focused primarily on fake watches, belts and sunglasses but there were a good variety of clothing shops thrown into the mix. One could also find army surplus stores selling American army surplus equipment and also some toy stores and purse/<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">murse</span> stores. The selection was quite good but I was just looking for a cultural experience and not a browse. There was also a pet store with adorable fuzzy bunnies in tiny cages as well as a selection of other popular pets.</div><br /><div>The street vendors can be found just about anywhere in China. They either set out a cloth with their goods on top, have a booth set up or have their goods on display on the backs of their bikes. Their goods vary ranging from women's underwear to fake <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Dolce</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Gabanna</span> belts. </div><br />The aggressiveness of vendors varies across China. For all of the places I have been in Tianjin, the vendors keep to themselves, and only talk quietly to you about bargains they<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5CovK4RAqUqxDtEyjtncseKIA4EkcO4ynZDVfjqost-D8nX8Ib5_h2tiVRHOkQMZknAzl8yZTIc4b_g8lFNVZ-WYSg_ni79dV2lvKwSuPNnDhk_uD9JVf9fXB9ib_L3qryXQR0OpSYB0/s1600-h/100_8742.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 187px; height: 149px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5CovK4RAqUqxDtEyjtncseKIA4EkcO4ynZDVfjqost-D8nX8Ib5_h2tiVRHOkQMZknAzl8yZTIc4b_g8lFNVZ-WYSg_ni79dV2lvKwSuPNnDhk_uD9JVf9fXB9ib_L3qryXQR0OpSYB0/s320/100_8742.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219362108116620018" border="0" /></a> may have on at the time. In Beijing they are more aggressive in that they call out loudly to you and may make a grab at your hand to pull you closer. I haven't run into a situation I couldn't handle though and have always managed to get away unscathed. Here we see a street vendor selling barbequed goods - the specialty being barbequed seahorses and scorpions which were still wriggling on the skewer! In short, the shopping experience is a deeply ingrained and highly valuable show of the incredible culture that China has on offer to the world.<br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9014601973200114355.post-74053366244482719372008-07-01T10:47:00.000-07:002008-07-01T06:49:38.900-07:00I must be in HeavenAs for that short post yesterday, the excitement I had was overwhelming. I moved from a great place in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">TEDA</span> to Tianjin where I will be staying in an amazing new place.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">TEDA</span> is a great section of Tianjin. It was comfortable, easy to navigate and had a good variety of things to do. It is a fresh ne<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-mUg40-UJ7Q5LAqW3Vnv33yNj2_lBuOKSeVKf3c7-B2csnZvY0VNEPaYzN_tzS2g5crHXYNfS5oS5j2ZYE55g3taxKIZrvyuYTqlDZ_kNCvT67X-EGv4re8UyY-Cut5a6MbgF4Ql7MaM/s1600-h/100_7280.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-mUg40-UJ7Q5LAqW3Vnv33yNj2_lBuOKSeVKf3c7-B2csnZvY0VNEPaYzN_tzS2g5crHXYNfS5oS5j2ZYE55g3taxKIZrvyuYTqlDZ_kNCvT67X-EGv4re8UyY-Cut5a6MbgF4Ql7MaM/s320/100_7280.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218041020647650466" border="0" /></a>w face that China presents to the world, all built in the last 10 - 20 years which is quite a feat of rapid development! It was a perfect environment for business as proven by the multiple foreign-owned companies that had set up shop there. There was also the large <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Tesco's</span> right next to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">TEDA</span> international hotel which I will surely miss for its convenience. What I miss most of all are the friends I made at the won-ton restaurant. I enjoyed <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">being</span> greeted by extra large smiles daily, choosing from the English menu they always had ready for me and talking to them in a mix of Chinese and English. Through this, I hope their English improved because my Chinese certainly did! I ate there nearly every day during the week.<br /><br />I first became fond of this place on a bright and sunny Saturday a month ago. I was going to go out soon but wanted to grab some lunch quickly. I wanted an authentic Chinese experience so I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">wandered</span> down an alley next to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Tesco</span> where I found the won top shop. The m<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTEqtYaozYrHo7bTWLZR-xLA8Wru4-cxrSqP9pqHvVII83AhoRB2BuF2x25t78Zw3HKuwtai6n3oLEyDB7nmIbpg_1_4t08LY7oj9ZUE848AhCekIWBAfoq9x-N29aVvBYaADGMsIiDAA/s1600-h/100_7286.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTEqtYaozYrHo7bTWLZR-xLA8Wru4-cxrSqP9pqHvVII83AhoRB2BuF2x25t78Zw3HKuwtai6n3oLEyDB7nmIbpg_1_4t08LY7oj9ZUE848AhCekIWBAfoq9x-N29aVvBYaADGMsIiDAA/s320/100_7286.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218040560098361250" border="0" /></a>enu was all in Chinese but somehow, they had a translated <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">English</span> menu that was worn from many years of use but still legible (I don't know who would use it other than me though, I was the only <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Laowai</span> I ever saw there!). I ordered two large bowls of won tons by mistake thinking they were dumplings. I ate them anyway and found them to be more than delicious. After my meal, an attendant who I had not seen on the way in came up and started talking to me in fairly good English. His name was Cooper and he welcomed me back again! I did return diligently and saw him three times after that. I think he's moved on since because I stopped seeing him after a while. However, I started seeing one of the Kitchen staff who's English was just as good as Cooper's. Another funny young man in the kitchen would always cry out "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">HellooOOoOH</span>!" with a huge smile and an incredibly funny accent that would make everyone laugh, myself included!<br /><br />I got off topic, sorry about that! So yesterday, my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">EHS</span> Colleague Yolanda helped me load up all of my huge ( and very Canadian) Roots bags (go Canada!) into a taxi cab which we had taken from work to the hotel. We had enlisted a nice bellboy to help us. I made sure to tip him as I realized <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">TEDA</span> International Hotel was used to the western tipping customs. Yolanda and I rode the cab from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">TEDA</span> to Tianjin. We arrived at our new building which was a bit confusing because it offered both hotel accomodations and service apartments. Yolanda went inside to check at the desk as to which entrance we have to drive to for unloading. After getting lost a few times and heading the wrong way, we <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">eventually</span> found it. We pulled up a baggage cart, loaded it up, paid the friendly taxi driver and headed into the service apartment lobby.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7WeS7warn31x-oVziym48RW5Es1ObB2lLSGqPOds6gi-znVyL6mpiknkTMttyT6tHqRXma9txQFFBVshk8qft5CV2qmR49x0J7AMwkErlnMP-rYMmAWJq2_bV6J6chIensVquiQOAGv0/s1600-h/IMG_1843.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7WeS7warn31x-oVziym48RW5Es1ObB2lLSGqPOds6gi-znVyL6mpiknkTMttyT6tHqRXma9txQFFBVshk8qft5CV2qmR49x0J7AMwkErlnMP-rYMmAWJq2_bV6J6chIensVquiQOAGv0/s320/IMG_1843.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218039814984286898" border="0" /></a>If <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">TEDA</span> hotel was five star, the place (<a href="http://www.tib.com.cn/english/index.htm">Tianjin International Building</a>) must have been a ten star. The lobby was gorgeously decorated, with marble, mirrors and vases. We talked to the attendants who took my passport and sorted out the room key which turned out to be a swipe card. One of the attendants then accompanied us up to the <a href="http://www.tib.com.cn/english/guestroom/index.htm">service apartment</a>. When I reached my room up high on the 29th floor, I was absolutely floored. The apartment was as big as a house. There was a full kitchen, bike storage closet, a large connected dining and living room, a guest bathroom, an office, a bedroom and a walk in closet. It was a luxury suite! The floor was rich hardwood, the lobby was marble, a massive widescreen tv in the living room, the office desk was made of glass and the master bedroom had a toilet with a <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3cFUH-0KqtXoTbu09dIzkeYpqysiaGgo_dtXeBQUVSvahe_1zhxuhJvYVkBIaVutUuCjLrH3SH9ynsRr-PDRdYBHQCsnTW7MCrAuqvEWli_LwnF8RqnTws50pm9DSDQpvNfYwrhLomMo/s1600-h/IMG_1837.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3cFUH-0KqtXoTbu09dIzkeYpqysiaGgo_dtXeBQUVSvahe_1zhxuhJvYVkBIaVutUuCjLrH3SH9ynsRr-PDRdYBHQCsnTW7MCrAuqvEWli_LwnF8RqnTws50pm9DSDQpvNfYwrhLomMo/s320/IMG_1837.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218039360865834722" border="0" /></a>Japanese bidet (heated seat and all which I turned off to save electricity) and a shower and bath fully enclosed by glass. What really got me the most was the amazing views offered by the huge windows in the living room, office and the smaller ones in the bedroom. It was the nicest apartment I have ever seen in my life - hands down. Such is the business life in China, those doing business are treated like Kings. I was completely surprised by this, I was expecting a traditional Chinese apartment like the wonderful one I stayed in while I was in Beijing. I'm not sure if any foreigners my age are as lucky to have such an experience. I'm was thrilled again to wake up this morning in the same apartment and realizing that I was not dreaming.<br /><br />Yolanda and I then went out for dinner, there was an amazing Korean restaurant right outside of the building. I helped her choose some very Chinese food (I have Chinese food tastes). We had liver and bone marrow which was cooked on a Korean <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">barbeque (which used live, red hot charcoal)</span> right in front of us. As side dishes, we had some spicy vegetable which looked like asparagus, some vegetables that were fried Korean style and a bowl of cold <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">noodes</span> each. It was one of the best meals in my life, which further added to the excitement of my new living quarters.<br /><br />The excitement alone is not just for the apartment, it was also primarily for being part of the life of the big city Tianjin. As I arranged things before going to bed, I played Chinese music (traditional and revolutionary on s<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-rMh_2JNDg1Ddk6LFcuhAEWOvyvK33_Wjx7Z9sX7r3_gp-rfjsurrDgiMF4Jv_KodII16rFuMNWWZBJQcT72CL_SO-Ux8b_dZYw_8BovmqtBjh3JC6mPLAbIc1Oj34lYjwFVgBqcHQWo/s1600-h/IMG_1840.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-rMh_2JNDg1Ddk6LFcuhAEWOvyvK33_Wjx7Z9sX7r3_gp-rfjsurrDgiMF4Jv_KodII16rFuMNWWZBJQcT72CL_SO-Ux8b_dZYw_8BovmqtBjh3JC6mPLAbIc1Oj34lYjwFVgBqcHQWo/s320/IMG_1840.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218038397273351314" border="0" /></a>ome speakers that were for my use in the apartment). As I looked out my window before falling asleep, it was clear that this city had a different vibe than those back home. Though the third largest city in China (10 Million people I believe) there were less lights to be seen than Toronto. Power saving seems to be huge in China as all of the office towers were completely black, which is unheard of back home! There was significantly less light pollution as well and the sky was nice and black as it should be. The sky was not filled by <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">high rises and office towers</span> and things had a unique Chinese flavour to them as I looked out the window. I adore it here, and being a bit more part of the Chinese culture. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">TEDA</span> was business culture but Tianjin is more real life culture. Before you leap on how western my living quarters are, I know and accept that they are not the true Chinese living experience. However, when I leave that apartment, the experience is genuine.<br /><br />Today, I took the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">PPG</span> coach bus with my fellow employees. It was a friendly, relaxed atmosphere and something that I'm sure not many foreigners get the chance to experience. The employees at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">PPG</span> really are like a large family. They take the same bus (like a large family minivan), work together, eat together, play games together (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">PPG</span> runs soccer tournaments between working groups and labs, and also rents out badminton courts on the weekends for employees) and share their all aspects of their lives with each other (Weddings, birthdays and etc). This Chinese family-work environment is a delight to be part of. I think that now I am in a more convenient location, I will be attending more after work experiences with my Chinese <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">colleagues. From all of my experiences so far, it is the Chinese people, especially my colleagues</span> who make me feel at home, and so welcomed to wonderful China. I definitely feel we share a lot in common which helps bridge and break down the language barier brick by brick. We share laughs, experiences and many many good times the Chinese way. These common ties draw me closer to China and are helping me too become one its very own. Day by day, moment by moment and joy after joy I am becoming more Chinese inside.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9014601973200114355.post-1462293508237784372008-07-01T00:30:00.000-07:002008-07-01T06:48:43.839-07:00Stowaways on a Russian Aircraft CarrierWhile Michael was visiting from Shanghai in June, one of the things we decided to check out for kicks was the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Binhai</span></span> Aircraft Carrier Amusement Park. Sounds bizarre? Well, I'm just getting started. We spotted this in a tourist map which Michael bought showing the best attractions for the Tianjin area. Upon further investigation of online materials, we were surprised to see the description clearly stating that simulated battles take place at the ship and visitors can fire missile launchers. We just had to see these missile launches and battles for ourselves didn't we?<br /><br />We boarded a taxi cab in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">TEDA</span></span> and drove for at least half an hour. Leaving the city outskirts, we passed by massive buildings such as the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">TEDA</span></span> soccer stadium and an international meeting center. Soon, the greenery and buildings of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">TEDA</span></span> gave way to barren, dusty empty land which was crawling with countless construction machines. We predicted that soon, these miles of empty space will become filled with new development as <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">TEDA</span></span> grows to become a bustling hub of economic activity. Along the way, we passed what appeared to be a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">ship</span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">breaking</span> yard as well as a huge storage space for shipping containers. There were large shipping crates piled up as tall as mid-sized buildings! There was also a verdant green golf course-community set right in the middle of nowhere! Right before the park, we passed a large school for nautical studies which had a massive anchor set out right in front of it.<br /><br />We passed an equally enormous sign advertising the p<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0hizZgiVHNG4I1LtE-jh9yv2smAr1WZvbhiz0daJ4OVXe9WPbEu-IP5eiTpWnJQ_XuqMJr89adYs5XHv78p1IZ6XFnvhtKNYzSGBzKb-_kjXF9YCjl3ENUfXVm0afnQco7KIxf46gHMw/s1600-h/100_8396.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0hizZgiVHNG4I1LtE-jh9yv2smAr1WZvbhiz0daJ4OVXe9WPbEu-IP5eiTpWnJQ_XuqMJr89adYs5XHv78p1IZ6XFnvhtKNYzSGBzKb-_kjXF9YCjl3ENUfXVm0afnQco7KIxf46gHMw/s320/100_8396.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218035258969721650" border="0" /></a>ark (maybe it could be seen via <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Google</span> Earth) and the driver swerved into a grass and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">tree lined</span> boulevard. This road went on for about a kilometer passing empty buildings and old military hardware along the roadside which was on display. There were MiG fighter jets, various mobile artillery units and some large tanks. Soon, the massive aircraft carrier loomed into sight and signs of other human life was abundant. We were worried that there would be no cabs ferry us back, but to our relief, there was an abundance of cabs in the parking lot that were ready to take customers back to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">TEDA</span>.<br /><br />The aircraft carrier named, Kiev (written on the side of the ship in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Cyrilic</span>) is Russian made and was bought by the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">TEDA</span></span> development group some time ago. Though <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">TED</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHcTSjviIZEyvXwP3k3SiRscSC-Pn2mPAHGjfHg8SJgJ0U8xdU0SN_HBoKCLReT-fXdLuNxmi6sjVzfwAsdcvMVX7DgxJRXVezXW3mZr8Psy0qiQ8u3GBsChyphenhyphenKQ44Xk8RWY3Qqgs1fO34/s1600-h/100_8210.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHcTSjviIZEyvXwP3k3SiRscSC-Pn2mPAHGjfHg8SJgJ0U8xdU0SN_HBoKCLReT-fXdLuNxmi6sjVzfwAsdcvMVX7DgxJRXVezXW3mZr8Psy0qiQ8u3GBsChyphenhyphenKQ44Xk8RWY3Qqgs1fO34/s320/100_8210.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218035500195113330" border="0" /></a><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">A</span> is very close to the sea, I have no idea how this hulk of Russian engineering was brought to this location. The basin that it sat in was far too shallow for sailing the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">juggernaught</span> and it was closed off on all sides. Either this ship was driven here when there was more water or it was airlifted by some miracle of science. Though called an amusement park, there was only the ship there present in the park area. Perhaps more rides and other items of interest will pop up soon as <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">TEDA</span></span> expands. Near the ship, there were amphibious military vehicles one could pay to take a ride in around the ship or some speed boats which would give you a thrill in the shallow basin.<br /><br />Michael and I paid for tickets to the ship then headed into the looming hulk of steel. Inside, things were heavily renovated and very Chinese-tourist friendly. I could tell that this was not an attraction for foreigners (Who goes to China to see a Russian <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Ai</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEnrgSyXmdsGenl0Y99avEVEH2Xivoo9fVZumEB5zVOd0fbX8CiomOAm7CbbhoD-V0KOW-pq3vvZxM-ZLzs4O0mdWBevwyAoI4UOptFPVyUTiiF8mPQBpaLAhiBQC-fvY3zAVc4ABlKjI/s1600-h/100_8213.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEnrgSyXmdsGenl0Y99avEVEH2Xivoo9fVZumEB5zVOd0fbX8CiomOAm7CbbhoD-V0KOW-pq3vvZxM-ZLzs4O0mdWBevwyAoI4UOptFPVyUTiiF8mPQBpaLAhiBQC-fvY3zAVc4ABlKjI/s320/100_8213.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218034853553561746" border="0" /></a><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">rcraft</span> Carrier, really now?) due to the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">absence</span> of English. Michael and I toured the ship, making our way through anchor rooms, ammunition storage rooms, crew living quarters, aircraft storage hangers, on the flight deck, the control deck and we also toured the bow where the heavy missile launchers were. There were huge replica plastic missiles in all of the right locations. The areas open for tourists were well renovated and pleasing to the eye. We could tell that these areas were renovated because we stumbled across a section that had been left in its original state. It was heavily rusted, dark <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">and ominous</span> and was barred off by a gate. We discovered that the gate could be forced open. Michael <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">courageously</span> stepped inside while I looked was on the lookout for guards. He dropped his cellphone in the dark area while browsing, and it almost fell down a deep, dark hatch. We both wondered that if it did fall down the hole (it was only a foot away from doing so) if it would be lost forever. At this point, both <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7jaNoQ2weVpTTqk3ecZLWvpZQRCwE9zOgxEG4mNvBYgJBILQQaVVon1MNwju3_dj5qWuEIg0CRhYYX02OWTRO6wuMzT7rvZw_Nt_mAt0BZOhDuX9MX6cGTAXErStfUnsbPTIjSGU0nh8/s1600-h/100_8352.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7jaNoQ2weVpTTqk3ecZLWvpZQRCwE9zOgxEG4mNvBYgJBILQQaVVon1MNwju3_dj5qWuEIg0CRhYYX02OWTRO6wuMzT7rvZw_Nt_mAt0BZOhDuX9MX6cGTAXErStfUnsbPTIjSGU0nh8/s320/100_8352.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218033719799508354" border="0" /></a>him and I decided that further exploration in the abandoned section would not be a good idea. There were a countless number of military fatigue-clad ship <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">personnel</span> around for helping visitors and making sure that people kept out of trouble. However, unlike many people's experiences, these guards were not intrusive at all. They did not follow us, cast angry glances our way or berate us during our visit. I was terrified that one of these nice individuals would come around the corner any second as Michael groped around in the dark assembling the cellphone after its fall. Some footsteps I heard though were only another park visitor as we were relieved to discover.<br /><br />One could pay to stay on the ship overnight in the officer's quarters. We had the chance to look at one of such genuine rooms. It reminded me a lot of my r<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpYtnhy3yCCnIxAdb0T9hR0joMKrzSqmdz0K5NdeVl7TUZx-qHiVX2AhYdJ__rZLyi_mysJPa9vIHIN4CrsNxII0_KOFeKlscEyPW7IOdfAVpyk8ZxNPyh0XcrvgXv78ISly13zkDhgPA/s1600-h/100_8300.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpYtnhy3yCCnIxAdb0T9hR0joMKrzSqmdz0K5NdeVl7TUZx-qHiVX2AhYdJ__rZLyi_mysJPa9vIHIN4CrsNxII0_KOFeKlscEyPW7IOdfAVpyk8ZxNPyh0XcrvgXv78ISly13zkDhgPA/s320/100_8300.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218034485139522482" border="0" /></a>oom in University residence in first year! It wasn't all that bad, it was well furnished with a single bed, desk and plush chair. It also had a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">TV</span> in it that definitely was not from the cold-war era <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">unlike the rest of the ship's authentic technology</span>. All of the essential wiring had been completely destroyed as we could see what used to be thick stands of wires that were cut and missing large sections. I suppose this was just to ensure that no one in China decides to start sailing the ship around again. While on the flight deck, we had the treat of watching a performance. The performers were certainly not <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Han-</span>Chinese and looked more like Russian-Chinese mixes. Michael informed me that they were <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Uygers</span></span> who were likely brought to the ship especially for performances. They performed a comic military-styl<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7CQzznMQpPHy12cHeB7GhI8NgfGPQFy8oUz7QOjyCYMZeck9TMIZkqMMn-XsH7QnQ1D5iU_VFY8l-dCsDdfgymr1bKOMUAMliOM_nj1wTX2IT2fL0h1VICPYWoyUVnq_64Llc5wLYehU/s1600-h/100_8334.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7CQzznMQpPHy12cHeB7GhI8NgfGPQFy8oUz7QOjyCYMZeck9TMIZkqMMn-XsH7QnQ1D5iU_VFY8l-dCsDdfgymr1bKOMUAMliOM_nj1wTX2IT2fL0h1VICPYWoyUVnq_64Llc5wLYehU/s320/100_8334.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218034065386050578" border="0" /></a>e marching show. All of the performers were female except for two men. One of them was there for comic relief and the other performed spectacular feats with his <strong>ear</strong>. He twirled a heavy bucket full off water using a strange pulley-like device he attached to his ear. He also pulled one of the military planes on deck using this strange device! It was a memorable show and seeing some more mixed-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">chinese</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">ish</span></span> people helped me feel more at home. These people were not ex<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">ploited</span> nor sad in any way, the smiled genuinely during the show and performed in a natural way. I can usually tell when a smile or actions are forced but these people seemed very happy and quite comfortable with their environment.<br /><br />We took plenty of photos with various random things, striking poses just like the local Chinese. This posing at every occasion for a photo is a very foreign concept to me, but I'm slowly but surely getting more comfortable with it. There were no live battles on display yet as school was still in session at the time in China. Apparently, during peak season the park gets<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgicaho7yiC-LWKUf1O9BUoX8HQlk4MCv-980hsNxRWelY6phGl0wZXcHfVT6PGNo5sNRyYYR6ncBaroOJbQKuZqOaSlsgM1nOdkQSZNMWiwO8vYfJ_Xec6-ZBj9YYtQ26dsrfZ37V7VQE/s1600-h/100_8372.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgicaho7yiC-LWKUf1O9BUoX8HQlk4MCv-980hsNxRWelY6phGl0wZXcHfVT6PGNo5sNRyYYR6ncBaroOJbQKuZqOaSlsgM1nOdkQSZNMWiwO8vYfJ_Xec6-ZBj9YYtQ26dsrfZ37V7VQE/s320/100_8372.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218033231074733138" border="0" /></a> 3 -4 thousand visitors <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">dialy</span>. We passed the missile launchers four visitor use, they were inside and certainly not what we expected. They were electronic ones set up in front of a huge video screen. One could pay 10 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">RMB</span> to blow up a digitally generated tank as it rolled across the battlefield on the screen. I half expected to see giant <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">nerf</span>-guns instead of these high-tech contraptions! There were also abundant galleries on the inside which presented information and pictures on Chinese military history, aircraft carrier development through the ages and put various military hardware both ancient and modern on display. Soon enough, after at least 3 hours on ship, it was time to castoff. Michael had to catch his train back to Shanghai and I had some email checking to get to. We boarded up one of the taxis in the parking lot who drove us back at an incredibly fast (and very exciting pace). We saluted the ship goodbye as it <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">disappeared</span> into the distance, our trip to a modern amusement park for new age Chinese was one to remember. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Dasvidania</span> Comrade Kiev</span>!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9014601973200114355.post-25687631534505329242008-06-30T01:35:00.000-07:002008-06-30T19:48:35.753-07:00Workday in my (safety) shoes<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDccUEeuQ_Ek_CDMf3nrsfOlnQHEEQhF51hSwIk0jz7DhAaPB9Ki-vmK4ogH4t150xxXIYBt1ttn4qiEeGxTVWtt-C-VapQqODTiNWsKwBuHgE05GWnpy6VfDc5-2pUWgt154qOhQaiII/s1600-h/TEDA+hotel.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217591455391636706" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDccUEeuQ_Ek_CDMf3nrsfOlnQHEEQhF51hSwIk0jz7DhAaPB9Ki-vmK4ogH4t150xxXIYBt1ttn4qiEeGxTVWtt-C-VapQqODTiNWsKwBuHgE05GWnpy6VfDc5-2pUWgt154qOhQaiII/s320/TEDA+hotel.jpg" border="0" /></a>I noticed that there was a vote for real-life experiences, so I thought I should mention what its like living for me here in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">TEDA</span>. I'll get to all of you culture folk next!<br /><br />At the moment, I live at the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">TEDA</span> International Hotel, a picture of this is to the left.<br /><br />I wake up at 6:50 am, get dressed and head downstairs to the lobby. I eat breakfast at a place called the "California Grill" which offers a western continental breakfast or a Chinese style breakfast selection. I find the food to be both enjoyable and filling there. The walls are decorated with commemorative plaques of random movies. You can find romance posters (Titanic) random ones (Terminator) new ones (Spider man 3??) and bizare ones (Harry Potter???) the posters follow no theme except for the fact that they are all western films. I then pocket an apple or pear and make my way out on my walk to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">PPG</span> plant. For the first few days here, I took a cab until I got my bearings strait. After I tried walking to the plant one weekend, I've been walking ever since.<br /><br />My walk begins by jaywalking across a busy street, cutting a parking lot in front of the Friendship Mall (sells foreign goods), <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Tesco's</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">KFC</span> and then walking for 40 minutes strait North to the plant. Along the way I pass many industrial facilities, some of which I am not able to guess the purpose of! I pass a pharmaceuticals factory, traffic police station a car repair shop, a Tianjin car factory, KRAFT foods, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">dormitory</span> for the workers of the factory, a food plant which smells delicious, another car garages, the agricultural bank and finally a coal power plant before I reach the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">PPG</span> doorstep. The entire 40 minute walk is on a street that is lined on both sides by trees. I have never seen so much urban greenery before and its great! It shades me from the morning sun and keeps my walk cool at all times.<br /><br />I then start work at the plant where I job-shadow my various <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">colleagues</span> and work on my own environmental strategies on how to make <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">PPG's</span> operations greener (they were already quite green before I even got here!). I don my safety shoes issued by the plant (steel toed - non-stick, and tough shoes for entering the factories) so that I am ready for whenever a plant tour invitation pops up. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">PPG</span> is great in that it provides a shuttle bus service for all employees living in Tianjin. This is because the majority of the plant's workforce lives in Tianjin like many of the factories around here. A free lunch for all employees is also provided. It is served in compartmentalized metals trays and features different selections every day. What I really appreciate is the ample white rice and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">absence</span> of western food. I swear that I can barely survive without rice! I resume work in the afternoon and by 4:30 its time to go.<br /><br />Occasionally, I carpool with a colleague back to my hotel but most often I prefer to walk. I pass all sorts of interesting places and people. For example, there are mobile bicycle repair shops set up by people who pedal around on large three wheeled bikes. These three wheelers with a huge box on the back are a mobile garages for bicycles with problems. They can patch popped tires in minutes and also sell you a decent selection of bicycle wares. Their services are popular as I see at least 5x more cyclists than cars on my way to work. There are HUGE cycle lanes here which makes China seem far more advanced in cycling culture than Canada. I've had my fair share of cycling in Canada, weaving in and out of cars and risking one's life daily. These lane-wide cycle areas are a far safer way for the cyclists to travel. They are also separated from the cars by a divider of trees. When I'm back in the friendship mall area, I duck into a side alley for dinner. I found a Chinese restaurant which has a printed English menu which you have to ask for. Its great as there is not a single <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">laowai</span> in sight, the food is authentic and not to mention very well-priced! I used to eat dinners for 30 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">RMB</span> a day ($4) but this place helped me get it down to 10<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">RMB</span> or Less. My record was a 3 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">RMB</span> dinner, let's see if I can beat that someday!<br /><br />I then head back to my hotel room where I have a flexible schedule. Some days I go the gym and do some exercise while watching Chinese television. I also watch Chinese cartoons with Chinese subtitles to help my reading speed. Of course, I blog and check emails as well. I've been trying to teach myself Chinese as well via web-links and a book I brought from Canada. The progress is slow but its getting there! Today I'll be leaving this place behind though as I am moving to a new place in Tianjin city. Soon, I too will be taking that big blue PPG shuttle bus.<br /><br />Photo source:<br /><a href="http://www.holidaycity.com/teda-international-tianjin/index.htm">http://www.holidaycity.com/teda-international-tianjin/index.htm</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9014601973200114355.post-66577642812586917742008-06-29T06:28:00.000-07:002008-06-29T20:56:15.469-07:00Name Change!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj32zQ6gRjz-fzuf_f0wx54JsXp1VbnLQKiOgvuWBZkp19LH6jVJ_X2Ia9wgFu_nTcQ3RUxRjoYur5eAFA13HhabOtrCpEOo8xn5evV_WDaHnDFAVwyq_Y6jSdoxXcgu2T2rQsGr-sXqhc/s1600-h/dragon.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217295907445345922" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; CURSOR: pointer" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj32zQ6gRjz-fzuf_f0wx54JsXp1VbnLQKiOgvuWBZkp19LH6jVJ_X2Ia9wgFu_nTcQ3RUxRjoYur5eAFA13HhabOtrCpEOo8xn5evV_WDaHnDFAVwyq_Y6jSdoxXcgu2T2rQsGr-sXqhc/s320/dragon.jpg" border="0" /></a>My colleague just informed me that, apparently, green dragons have very very scary connotations in China. I trust her judgement, she's lived here her whole life! Hopefully the new name flies with all of you readers. For anyone coming on board late, the name of this blog went from "Green Dragon in Red China" to "Golden Dragon - Red China - Green Life". Sadly, the url is set in stone, but I guess that is something we will all have to live with (don't be scared).<br /><br />My mom gave me the name Golden Dragon as apparently, I was born in the year of the golden dragon (1988). Much to my amusement, golden dragon is also a coach bus manufacturer. Some of my colleagues thought that I gave myself the name golden dragon because I liked the coach buses! From what I've heard, a mayor of Beijing also has the same name as me. I hope this name sticks, is culturally sensitive and doesn't ruffle any feathers (or scales) the wrong way.<br /><br />**UPDATE** Sooo something was lost in translation. Apparently green dragons are not evil, they are just less common than black, silver and golden dragons. Thus, I am happy to announce that it is now safe to return to the old name - Green Dragon in Red China lives again! <br /><br />Photo source:<br />http://www.core77.com/blog/images/chinese-dragon-red.jpgUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9014601973200114355.post-80214331567492747312008-06-28T19:19:00.000-07:002008-06-28T19:43:00.822-07:00PPG and Me - My work in China<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUwr2clMD21VPeb5OkAAmQ8s0q7Co8TCOHkU8s0N30Rwznh2YHsCrcMzctgr8eUsbk-9tp9tuaReEfPb0_HCvYCBnJcSANpPBdqU4rTqSpAEvS28Imoa2SV13YJue79saXSQUT245djOo/s1600-h/PPG+an+Me.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUwr2clMD21VPeb5OkAAmQ8s0q7Co8TCOHkU8s0N30Rwznh2YHsCrcMzctgr8eUsbk-9tp9tuaReEfPb0_HCvYCBnJcSANpPBdqU4rTqSpAEvS28Imoa2SV13YJue79saXSQUT245djOo/s320/PPG+an+Me.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217122468238835762" border="0" /></a>Yes, actually, I am doing work here other than blogging. As you might have gotten a gist of, I work with the Environmental Health and Safety team with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">PPG</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">PPG</span> is an American multinational firm, but the plant itself is run by Chinese nationals. That's me on the left in front of the PPG facilities. <br /><br />My experiences working here have been very uplifting and revealing as to how socially responsible industry in China can be. Working with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">EHS</span>, I've been seeing firsthand the rigorous training procedures all employees must go through before being allowed to start work. I also had the chance to attend a training seminar for EHS managers. There were PPG EHS employees from all over China and we were taught by a fine fellow from America. It turns out as well that the young lady who was invited to translate was a Queen's Graduate (Wohooo Queen's Pride)! When work begins, there is a strict adherence to wearing the proper personal protective equipment. This means safety goggles, hard hats, lab coats and gas masks and chemical suits when needed. The generalization that China has low environmental and safety standards is quite an unfair stamp from what I've seen so far. Both American and other international firms are working hard to ensure that the same safety standards they use back home are followed here in China too. At the plant I work at, the international EHS procedures are followed to the letter. <br /><br />In terms of the work I do, I'm trying my best to gain experience of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">PPG</span> life and assist the EHS crew whenever possible. I help the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">EHS</span> team by translating <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Chinglish</span> to English and also work on reviewing some of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">EHS</span> policies in place here. Often, I get the chance to tour the facilities here with my colleagues for spot safety checks or to assist government inspectors. You read that right - government inspectors. Environmental protection in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">TEDA</span> is not lax from what I've seen. A government inspector comes quite often to check air and water emissions to make sure this factory and many others adhere to government regulations. This is why I've been saying, the environmental situation in China is brighter than it seems from the outside! I also get the chance to travel to banks, police stations, government bureaus and insurance offices as I shadow my colleagues from different departments working to file work visas, sort out bank anccounts and perform the other essential tasks that keeps a company running.<br /><br />In terms of the work culture itself, this is what I've learned so far from my experiences. The Chinese people are very hard and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">diligent</span> workers. It is not uncommon for people to work seven days a week in fact. My work day starts at 8 am and ends at 4:30 but many people arrive early for work and also work well into the night in overtime. My colleagues are <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">committed</span> to their efforts and the company, which makes for a very strong, inspiring and successful workplace. They have their cellphones on nearly 24/7 and are always prepared to take work related calls or to return to the factory for some quality overtime. There is a distinct family culture here at the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">PPG</span> facility. Celebrations are held quite often to note recent successes and there is a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">PPG</span> "Family" publication for China. As a foreigner, this really helps me to feel part of something much greater. Despite a minor <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">language</span> barrier at work, most of my colleagues can speak excellent English. They are always eager to talk to me and I do my best to help them transform that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Chinglish</span> to English! Sometimes though, its hard to correct them as some of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Chinglish</span> sayings are either incredibly funny, unique or both and I think its a shame to lose that! My colleagues have been incredibly kind to me, I have a collection of gifts from them and countless memories of weekends and weeknights they took me to a restaurant, to a wedding or for a new cultural experience of China. <br /><br />In short - the work at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">PPG</span> is great and I adore it. Recently, some of those awesome Chinese exercise machines were installed at the plant for use by employees. This was an initiative proposed by EHS to help improve employee health. A lot of work went into finding the perfect machines to remedy hip, shoulder and neck ailments which appear to be prevalent in China from what I've been told. The cement is still drying for these incredible contraptions, but as soon as its all dry, you can be sure I'll be working out alongside my colleagues on-site!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3