The China side of life

This sign was even in Hong Kong, on the way to China!

Missing elements of China has been a big factor for me. Luckily I have fab friends who have also lived in China and frequently travelled between Shenzhen and Hong Kong to show me the way.

So last weekend, it was off to Shenzhen to do some Christmas shopping and some clothes fitting for some!

Sam having Ada copy some dresses

Arriving across the border was relatively easy and could be done with no trouble at all, with a visa only costing HK$160, about $30 NZ, we were off.

On the train ride to Shenzhen - what to expect!?

Before even arriving at the border I knew we were heading into some serious Chinese territory. The train was filled with loud tones and very pushy mainlanders. Not to mention that I could understand snippets of conversation. It was like having a hearing aide and turing it on! Conversation came back to me!

While waiting for people to get measured, I got jipped by a Chinese woman offering threading! Argument number 1 of the day! Loved it!

Emerging from customs, weirdly felt like arriving home. Smoggy, smoky air greeted me, phlegm and urine covered ground awaited and pushy salesmen forced things of every kind upon me. Oh, China, how I missed thee!

It makes me laugh when people talk about Shenzhen. From what they said I was expecting to travel in a taxi, trying to find the markets, trudge my way around a crazily packed, un air conditioned space, have a lack of food bar 100 year old eggs and dodgy bottled water, instead......HEAVEN emerged. A 5 floor shopping mall, filled with bargins of every kind, and EVEN a tailor floor and fabric galore awaited! No need to travel anywhere, no need to use Mandarin. I must say I was HIGHLY disappointed. However, it was a relief to know the culture and I cannot imagine how overwhelming or crazy it was for other members of our party!

It even had a great Dim Sum restaurant, where I could even get proper Chinese veggie dishes, oh, sweet corn and lily flower, how I missed you!

Spending only half a day there was a challenge and not even denting half of the place, it will be a must to go back to for presents and DEFINITELY for clothes when I am closer to my target (who am I kidding if I say REACH my target - self confessed clothesaholic here!)

Everyone is eagerly awaiting their clothes delivery for Thursday (I can't wait to see how they turn out-future clothes are planned)

Meanwhile, I am content to receive my Winter clothes, shoes and board games that will finally be delivered from NZ tonight. Receiving these things has really made me look back and realise that I really have not been here that long!

Time flies when you are having fun (or starting a new job and moving countries!)

Arohanui,

Love Amy xo