Last night we walked to a restaurant that J&L like (apparently they took J's mom and dad and sister there as well - so the whole family has been there now). On the way there we realized our hotel was only about a block away from the hotel we stayed at the last time we were here. That was good since I now know where to get groceries and how to walk to the Silk market. The restaurant is called Xiheyaju Restaurant. The sesame beef dish was great (as was the whole meal) but to the chagrin of J and I they only served Budweiser - no Chinese beer (no one said international travel was for the faint of heart). It was a long walk to the restaurant and a late meal for B but he was a real trooper.
Today we went to the Dirt Market (with J&L and our guide) and bought some artwork (you will have to visit us to see it). Thanks to Uncle J's bartering skills we got the price down quite a bit. We also considered buying some elaborate hand-carved, floor to ceiling cabinets there but when we found out that they cost about $20,000 Canadian, we decided that money would be better used buying two Hyundai Accents (we told Uncle J not to bother bartering for that). This market had a lot of neat stuff - paintings, statues, books, old swords, Chairman Mao books etc. It is the kind of place you could visit often.
After having some lunch at Grandma's Kitchen (Western-style food), B and I stopped for a shot in front of the Merry-Go-Round. This photo is for A who loves Merry-Go-Rounds and who is still talking about going to the fair as soon as the snow melts.
After that we headed for the Ya Show Market to shop for some clothes. There weren't many great deals to be had, it seems prices have gone up since we were here last. We did get B a pair of shoes but that was it. By then B, K and I had had enough shopping. In typical male response to shopping, B's defense mechanisms kicked in (see below).
Tomorrow we go to the Canadian Embassy to apply for Canadian Citizenship. B took a good passport photo, I wish we had an electronic copy to share.
4 comments:
Hi guys - sounds like everyone is doing great. It's lots of fun following your adventure!
I know it seems like another time in another world, but the folks you travelled with from Ottawa the last time are trying to get together for Chinese new year. We imagine that you have more important things on your mind, but wanted to keep you in the loop anyhow. We're provisionally planning for next weekend (24th wknd) but the following weekend may be an option too. When are you guys back? Obviously we don't expect any kind of commitment from you guys as to attendance, but it would be great to see you all too.
Take care!
-Kohji
Hey there!
Have you made your way to the Children's department store yet? You can bargain there too. I like that it`s one stop shopping for kids shoes. Don't forget to get B's chop and name scroll.
Kohji,,,,K, C , E, A and B are booked for a Feb 1st Lunar New Year Party (if jetlag, general fatigue, adjustments, etc. are under control) :o)
MJ
Hi Kohji,
Thanks for keeping us in the loop. As MJ mentioned we have another party on Feb 1st, but that's the only thing we have lined up for when we're back. Chinese New Year with our Ottawa travel group sounds like fun. We may not stay too long, but would love to pop in for a bit anyhow. We're back in town on Friday, January 23rd.
Yes, there's nothing quite so manly as a little hop, squeal and tango with a panda.... However, I admire your efforts at male solidarity - not surprising, given the female dominated environment you've been living in. I can envision you and B spread out on the sofa with chips and beer/crackers and juice box watching teams other than the Senators in the play offs (sorry....) We really do appreciate all the updates. See you all soon -
CB
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