February
5, 2013 - Tuesday
Breakfast was pan-toasted toast; R had purchased peanut butter and jelly for
us. It was good. Finished off with some boiled fermented
rice.
After
clean-up, we all headed out to a market nearby that reminded me of the Roger’s Sale! It
was a huge market with venders selling clothing, vegetables, fruit, meat, dofu,
and prepared foods. It was a massive area,
partly under roof and partly out in the open.
It was very crowded. Shopping
this week in China is like shopping on the night before Thanksgiving Day in
America. People are supplying up because
most stores will be closed for a week to allow workers to travel and celebrate
the Spring Festival!
We
came home and had a wonderful lunch:
rice, a pork and pepper dish, broccoli, and a
zucchini-ginger-onion-garlic dish! It
was all wonderful.
After
a brief rest, Jessica and R took Deb shopping and I tagged along. I’m so glad I did! It was fun.
We walked about a mile away to a large, large store. Along the way, we stopped in a number of
small clothing stores. At one point, we
entered a doorway that opened to a huge department store of many private
vendors. Deb stopped repeatedly to look
at new coats. I would find a place to
stand as out-of-the-way as I could.
Invariably, I would become a focus of attention as people would stop and
stare at me. Some would wave and say,
“Hallo!” A few younger people tried out
their English on me; several asked if
they could take their picture with me;
once this starts, it’s hard to get it stopped! Hahaha
Deb
also stopped and bought an apron and some gifts for friends at home. Then we walked on and crossed a huge public
area that was already being decorated for the Chinese New Year! On the far side we descended some long steps
and entered another massive shopping area that was under the public area! After finding a locker to stash our backpack
and bags, we entered a huge store that would compare to a WalMart. It was jammed with people! We picked up food and supplies – including
Oreos and Coke – and then headed for checkout.
On the way, I found a 20 ounce bag of Lays potato chips! That’s the largest bag I’ve seen in China –
so, of course, I bought it! J I miss my popcorn on this trip, so it’ll give
me a salty option!
While
we were out both times today, I was reminded just how many motorcycles there
are over here! It’s mind-boggling! Everywhere you look, you see them! I’ve seen families of four on them many
times. I frequently see three people
riding one. Girls are adept at riding
them side-saddle! You rarely see
helmets!
(Left pic) This
line goes on forever in both directions!
(Right pic) A different spot where
they go on forever!
We
got home and Randy, Hannah, and I watched the movie Babe. Then supper was served: a large, vegetable wrap that had been steamed
before serving. It included onions,
Chinese chives, dofu, cucumbers and other assorted goodies. I broke out some Oreos for dessert! J
Hannah
headed off to bed. Deb is reading. I’m journaling. We
played some cards. Then, at 8:00 PM, R
announced that the building would have hot water for two hours. We didn’t realize it before, but there is an
open shower in the bathroom, so we all took quick showers! Then I watched two Monk episodes with Randy
and Jessica. Heading to bed now – 11:00
PM.
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