Chinese Saying
Keep your belongings in front of you. What’s in front belongs to you; what’s behind, belongs to someone else.
~ * ~
Whenever we left or entered the bus, our tour guides reminded us to check our personal belongings. At first I felt we were being treated like children, but soon realized how easy it is to become engrossed while surrounded by the distractions of China.
OLD SHANGHAI BAZAAR
What luck! Once again, we were given time on our own to explore. After the splendor of the financial district (The Bund), some of our group discovered another world a short distance away. These are the real people we had little occasion to see. I thank RJ for sharing these wonderful pictures.
More day to day scenes:
THE RITZIER BAZAAR
While some explored the vibrant open market, others followed Jackie to a more upscale sector where anything from floral teas to pearls, jade, cameras, clothes, emporiums and brand name, best-quality knock-offs were secreted. One adventurous couple in our group was interested in what was on offer. I had no interest in shopping but decided to tag along. Led through masses of humanity, avoiding elbows and bodies, we entered an alley, and a short path to a nondescript door. Jackie must have knocked to gain entry, but I don’t recall. Before he did though, he made sure we were comfortable in finding our way back to the group’s meeting place, and disappeared.
We entered, were sized up, and asked what was needed. This undertaking felt clandestine. The room was small and windowless. Shelves displayed elegant purses, luggage, watches etc. Like a wolf waiting to pounce, the attendant pushed merchandise on the couple. Nothing suited. How about this? Maybe you’d like that… The room grew smaller and smothering. Eyes on the door, my nerves hummed. Escape wasn’t easy. Finally free, we spoke among ourselves. “Might as well buy a real Rolex for the price they want.”
We hadn’t proceeded farther than a few paces when a young woman dashed up from behind, promising another place; a better deal. She wouldn’t take no for an answer. We kept moving. The whole business became uncomfortable, but at last she melted into the crowd.
As everywhere else, knock-offs are illegal in China. If you are caught, off to the police station you go. Your tour group continues as scheduled and you have to find your way back to them on your own dime. Of course, you don’t get to keep your loot either.
Dinner Sunday night
- Tomato soup with egg
- Rice with egg
- Lightly breaded white fish
- Mixed vegetables
- Greens
- Eggplant in sauce
- Beef in sauce
- Sliced curry potatoes
- Scrambled eggs
- Sweet and sour chicken
- Watermelon slices
SHANGHAI QUICK FACTS:
- Home of the (open air) Bird’s Nest, capacity 80,000
- Popular sports: ping pong, table tennis, basketball and soccer
- World Financial Centre, 2nd tallest in the world
- Houses used to cost $1,000 / square foot; now up to $5,000 / square foot
- Kindergarten parents pay about $1,000 per month
- School free grades 1 to 9
- Live-in maid service pays $1,000 per month
- Twice-a-week service pays $10. per hour
~ * ~
Next on October 31, Shanghai, Day 11, Part 4: Silk Factory and More
For more related posts, click on China tab at the top of the page
© 2014 All Right Reserved TAK
October 24, 2014 at 6:30 pm
An adventure of a lifetime. We live is an amazingly diverse world. Travel allows us to explore new possibilities.
LikeLike
October 24, 2014 at 6:36 pm
InDEED! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 25, 2014 at 1:31 am
I am enjoying tagging along…
LikeLike
October 25, 2014 at 9:49 am
So glad you are. Thanks so much. I enjoy your company. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 24, 2014 at 6:39 pm
There’s Canal St, then there’s China! I think I’d find all the knock-offs worthy of anger…the Chinese have so many talents and creative minds…why not put them to good use instead of copying?
LikeLike
October 25, 2014 at 9:25 am
I agree, but the Russians and Italians do massive knock-off as well. 😀 😀
LikeLike
October 25, 2014 at 10:07 am
Point taken!
LikeLike
October 25, 2014 at 10:15 am
😀 😀
We both k.n.o.w. the Chinese copy EVERYthing and I know you were addressing that.
I buy BIG earrings here in the $$ Store(s). They are ALL made in China. Do you think I could find any of those lovely things there? Nope. Nada. Nothing. Only pearls, jade and expensive, tiny, crap.
LikeLike
October 25, 2014 at 10:21 am
That’s interesting, Tess. I must say, the only nice piece of jewelry my ex ever bought me was a gold ring with a lovely jade stone. (I’m not including my diamond engagement ring since, when I tried to sell it after the divorce, I discovered it had a large chip and was worth next to nothing! Like the marriage — except for three great kids.) I still have the jade ring…and the kids!
LikeLike
October 25, 2014 at 2:58 pm
Did you hear my jaw crack when it hit the floor? Ouch.
LikeLike
October 24, 2014 at 6:41 pm
Am certainly enjoying your travelogues as well as past posts. Good for you enjoying every single moment of Life’s adventure!
Cheers, J 🙂
LikeLike
October 25, 2014 at 9:27 am
Thank you. I wonder if I’m having a better time second time around. Stay tuned. More adventures await. XD
LikeLike
October 24, 2014 at 6:57 pm
Looks like a lot of fun, and delicious. 🙂
LikeLike
October 25, 2014 at 9:32 am
Except for the pig parts and the eels. Bleh! 😦
LikeLike
October 24, 2014 at 7:03 pm
This clandestine stuff would really make me uncomfortable. I know there are people who get a thrill from the “steal” at a great price. I’m not one of them if there is a stink attached 🙂
LikeLike
October 25, 2014 at 9:34 am
The amazing part is the mid-70s couple I tagged along with are world travelers and curious about everything. This was an opportunity for a different shopping experience I believe.
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 24, 2014 at 7:08 pm
It sounds like a lot of shopping was done. Did that bother you? Or was it just the right amount? It’s hard to tell from this distance. I would want SOME stuff, but not a lot. Mostly, I’d be intrigued by the cultural differences.
I am so enjoying your virtual tour!
LikeLike
October 25, 2014 at 9:36 am
I’m not a shopper but I don’t mind window shopping. Who’s has what, how much compared to my neck of the woods. We only had a couple of hours to explore. To see how the other half lives etc.
LikeLike
October 24, 2014 at 7:44 pm
I love that you got to see the real people.
LikeLike
October 25, 2014 at 9:39 am
I know, and no matter how many tourists visit that part of the world, they–westerners–are stared at as if they were from Mars. My take on it anyway. My traveling friend didn’t think so but I did.
LikeLike
October 24, 2014 at 7:48 pm
All that pushing and shoving brings to mind, rather uncomfortably, another meaning of the word, Shanghia……I think you all were very brave to follow these people but…..I’d have stayed out in the open and bought the knockoffs back in Canada….
LikeLike
October 25, 2014 at 9:42 am
The mid-70s couple I tagged along with were simply looking for a different shopping experience. It was more curiosity, but then again I didn’t know them. Just my take, and since I wasn’t interesting in buying ‘stuff’ I didn’t need, I went along for the experience, the adventure. Who knew it would get so pushy.
LikeLike
October 24, 2014 at 7:55 pm
I’m so uncomfortable when vendors try to sell me their wares, especially in touristy areas where they bombard us with sales pitches. I suppose it’s the whole introvert thing. I like to be left alone to browse. When that doesn’t happen, I walk away. They don’t realize if they really want a sale, they’re better off leaving me alone!
LikeLike
October 25, 2014 at 9:44 am
Me too, Carrie. I don’t like crowds (think Christmas at my side of the pond) and in a foreign environment. This had more to do with curiosity, something different. I didn’t NEED anything and I hate shopping just because.
The small room, without windows didn’t help.
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 25, 2014 at 3:11 am
It always amazes me when you see things like meat just on the ground to be sold! It’s quite alien to us who are used to our food being sold in more sanitised environments! Like Carrie, I hate it when vendors try to push you to buy something, just saying no can feel so awkward – I worry about offending them even if they’re being unnecessarily pushy!
LikeLike
October 25, 2014 at 9:50 am
That was our problem, not wanting to offend. Those imploring eyes are hard to take, but no means no, darn it. ❤
LikeLike
October 25, 2014 at 4:35 am
i think that maybe you had too many shopping stops on this tour! I would have had a nervous breakdown!
LikeLike
October 25, 2014 at 9:51 am
Not really. Other member kept begging for opportunities to shop. This was only a two-hour window. Time enough to explore and look around. I’m not one for shopping just because. I shop when I NEED something. No use spending money to waste it.
LikeLike
October 25, 2014 at 5:01 am
I love that Chinese saying, different cultures do open up our eyes.
LikeLike
October 25, 2014 at 9:53 am
Cute, right. This particular guide had a number of them. I think experiencing different cultures makes life more interesting and eye-opening as well. ❤
LikeLike
October 25, 2014 at 5:13 am
Makes me want to visit even more now Tess! Not sure I could buy meat that had been ‘on the floor’!
LikeLike
October 25, 2014 at 9:55 am
*Shudder*
I know. No gloves. Dirt kicked up by passers-by. No refrigeration. I’m not into any kind of ‘street’ food. 😀 Still this was an eye-opening experience for me. ❤
LikeLike
October 25, 2014 at 6:06 am
Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
Day 10 of our journey through China with How the Cookie Crumbles – or how the plates of Chinese food served for dinner are cleared… I have enjoyed this vicarious trip through this still quite unknown land and look forward to each week’s instalment.
LikeLike
October 25, 2014 at 6:07 am
Are those eels in the fourth pic????
LikeLike
October 25, 2014 at 9:56 am
Yup eels. Yuck. Gave me the creeps too.
LikeLike
October 25, 2014 at 7:42 am
I want to go! 😀
LikeLike
October 25, 2014 at 9:57 am
We certainly got a big bang for our buck. Saw so much. Walked so much. ATE so much but the walking took care of it. Quite the experience for me. Go, if you can while the prices stay affordable.
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 25, 2014 at 10:11 am
Thank you!
LikeLike
October 25, 2014 at 10:16 am
You are WELcome. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 25, 2014 at 7:42 am
The hygiene has little to be desired. Meat unrefrigerated, live animals, waiting to be slaughtered, tourists waiting to be set upon. I don’t mind the bargaining to a certain extent, but when they start to smother, that’s when it gets annoying. Looking at the menu, they certainly like their eggs! x
LikeLike
October 25, 2014 at 9:58 am
I know, right? I have another saying but I’m saving it for another post. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 25, 2014 at 8:02 am
It’s amazing the diversity just within “blocks”. Not to mention the diversity of their meals???? Though it only seems diverse compared to what ‘our’ meals would be I suppose.
I’m going to be very sad when this trip ends. You will have to go on another one!
LikeLike
October 25, 2014 at 10:00 am
😀 😀 😀
This is only day 10, I have 14 more to go. The first ten days have taken five months. Gives me lots of time to plan another trip, but where? I have no idea and with so much unrest on this planet, I shake my head but am itching for another adventure already.
LikeLike
October 25, 2014 at 4:51 pm
I am so itching to go on a long road trip. No flying required. There is just SO much to see in our own countries. I’m up for it.
And I’m glad we aren’t going to see the end of this trip any time soon!
LikeLike
October 25, 2014 at 8:56 am
I love how you describe the claustrophobia of the shop and your rising panic at the pressure you were feeling to buy something. I felt like that in the Caribbean, everywhere we went we were confronted with people trying to sell their wares and they are darn good at not letting you get away. Love the pics, how kind of your friend to share them here. What an amazing contrast with the old and the new. Another wonderful post Tess, and I STILL can’t get over how much you did 🙂
LikeLike
October 25, 2014 at 10:07 am
I didn’t think or sort out what we saw in a day when we were there. It isn’t until now, blogging about the trip that I am amazed. I think from the day we arrived, I moved in a fog, putting one foot in front of the other. Exhausted every night.We DID get a few early nights and actually had a little reading time before bed. XD
LikeLike
October 26, 2014 at 1:34 pm
I can well imagine but it’s good to know that you managed some reading time…followed by a good night’s exhausted sleep 😀 ❤
LikeLike
October 26, 2014 at 6:40 pm
Sleep was deep and of the dead. 😮
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 27, 2014 at 11:13 am
😛 😮
LikeLike
October 27, 2014 at 5:51 pm
⭐ ⭐
LikeLike
October 25, 2014 at 9:19 am
Another great day in your adventure 🙂
LikeLike
October 25, 2014 at 10:09 am
I marvel at how much we did each day. While on the tour, I moved in a fog most of the time. Overwhelmed. Tired. Did I say overwhelmed yet? 😀 😀
LikeLike
October 25, 2014 at 11:01 am
Wow Tess — another amazing travel log. I have to admit those first few photos would have been way outside my comfort zone — you are a true adventurer! (Appreciating the safety of my sofa!) But your gift is making me feel like i was actually there and you do that so very well. It truly is an extraordinary country, and i sincerely appreciate getting to visit it virtually through your posts. Huge hugs! ❤
LikeLike
October 25, 2014 at 3:03 pm
Huge hugs back, Teagan. I’m tickled pink you’re along for the ride.I’m in good company. Lucky me.
Food on the sidewalk, without refrigeration. is not tantalizing. Those wriggling eels don’t help either. ❤ ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 25, 2014 at 11:12 am
Don’t you love the architecture? I do, it is fascinating and fabulous. The warning, this could be given anywhere and everywhere. The dinner looked and sounded fabulous. I so love following your adventure!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 25, 2014 at 3:06 pm
I’m tickled you’re enjoying this tour, Val. Your saying so means a lot to me as you’ve traveled a lot yourself and are not new to the ‘game’ like me. ❤ ❤ Thanks so much.
LikeLike
October 25, 2014 at 11:16 am
Tess those ope market photos from your friend are something. All those chicken parts on a cloth on the ground. Yikes. You have a good way of explaining the crush of people wanting to sell things while traveling. One just has to often keep walking and not be overwhelmed by the experience. Not always easy.
LikeLike
October 25, 2014 at 3:09 pm
It’s those imploring eyes that did it to me. I felt guilty not helping them to make their living. I was strong, however, because I cannot spend money for something I don’t need. At this stage of my life I’m trying to purge not surge… 😦
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 25, 2014 at 12:17 pm
The menu sounds good this time, although not if it had been bought from the ground in the market!
LikeLike
October 25, 2014 at 3:19 pm
No way from the sidewalk but who know which one or what day? Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
LikeLike
October 25, 2014 at 3:33 pm
Great tour, thanks for taking us with you. I remember having that sales experience in Morocco – being dropped off by a guide in a carpet shop and badgered into buying something (I resisted but my friends didn’t) – I remember that feeling of being hemmed in and under pressure 🙂
LikeLike
October 25, 2014 at 4:03 pm
I don’t like pressure when shopping either although I understand that couple’s interest in seeing something different…And still more adventures to come! You indeed kept busy!
LikeLike
October 25, 2014 at 7:10 pm
Wooooooooo Just wooooooooooo ❤
LikeLike
October 25, 2014 at 8:05 pm
I think I may have lost my appetite for the entire week.
LikeLike
October 26, 2014 at 2:20 am
What an extraordinary adventure this must have been, Tess! How did it come about? Had you always planned to visit China, thus making it a dream come true? Did you go with a large group of friends?
LikeLike
October 26, 2014 at 6:30 pm
I hadn’t traveled in almost 20 years. Had no yen. A friend of mine complained over coffee that her regular travel girlfriend hadn’t been up for traveling and she, the friend, was getting antsy. “Where do you want to go?” I asked.
“Australia.”
I heard a little voice say, “I’ll go with you.” W.h.a.t.?
When we checked flights, the China trip was advertised in the paper and at 1/3 the price of Australia, we checked it out. It ended up being a valuable trip dollar-wise. I’m amazed I went and am not sorry for taking the plunge. 😀
LikeLike
October 26, 2014 at 6:05 am
It never ceases to amazing me how some countries can have such a division between the rich and the poor. With this said however, it’s getting to be more and more like that all over the world.
LikeLike
October 26, 2014 at 6:31 pm
Yes, it is becoming more-so. Sad to say as countries have more to offer but only to those with $$ or whatever currency.
LikeLike
October 26, 2014 at 6:50 pm
I’m enjoying your trip almost as much as you are. Keep up the posts; they are amazingly educational for those of us unable to travel.
LikeLike
October 27, 2014 at 5:36 pm
I thought I was finished traveling and hadn’t in almost 20 years and then, BOOM!
Now I have the travel bug.
LikeLike
October 28, 2014 at 6:07 am
Ooh! That could be expensive, ha ha. ❤
LikeLike
October 28, 2014 at 9:59 am
😀 😀 That’s why I’m saving my milk money.
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 26, 2014 at 8:28 pm
I am enjoying your trip article,real street photos and what a wonderful adventure ! Have a great trip! 🙂
LikeLike
October 27, 2014 at 5:40 pm
Thank you. I enjoy this trip second time around while blogging about it and sharing. You are welcome to come along. 😛
LikeLike
October 26, 2014 at 11:55 pm
1000 a square foot? Even 5000? Wow they must have culture shock when they buy here! 🙂
LikeLike
October 27, 2014 at 5:42 pm
It’s been a fast rise. One of our guides expects there will be a correction because soon no-one will be able to afford to buy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 27, 2014 at 6:00 pm
Almost like here in Toronto! 🙂
LikeLike
October 27, 2014 at 6:02 pm
Where I live is bad too. Even Vancouver prices have dropped I hear because they’ve become so unaffordable.
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 28, 2014 at 8:20 pm
Nowhere to run! 🙂
LikeLike
October 29, 2014 at 3:14 pm
Nowhere!
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 27, 2014 at 6:41 am
I hate the whole bazaar experience. It’s something I never got used to during our time in Turkey. And It was totally counter-productive as I would never buy anything from someone who hassled me no matter how much of a bargain it appeared to be (not that it was was most of the time, anyway). I’d rather pick up something with a meaningful guarantee!
LikeLike
October 27, 2014 at 5:46 pm
I’m with you on that. Mm mm.
LikeLike
October 27, 2014 at 2:06 pm
Shanghai is an overwhelming city. So much and so different. You’ve made a great travelogue. I’m just back from Italy so haven’t been blogging or in the world at all, but I’ll try to catch up with your trip.
LikeLike
October 27, 2014 at 5:54 pm
Will you give us a peak at your adventure as well? I know I’d love a boo. Always wanted to go to Italy but can’t be trusted around lovely red wine. 😀
LikeLike
October 27, 2014 at 2:59 pm
I’d be in big trouble if I lived in China. I ‘leave behind’ things all the time – by mistake – and then have to rush back to reclaim.
On the other hand, I’m a very good ping pong player. 🙂 Great post – thank you!
LikeLike
October 27, 2014 at 5:56 pm
Thanks so much. I’m glad you enjoy coming along. I pleased to see anyone enjoy my bird-eye view of my trip. 🙂
LikeLike
October 27, 2014 at 7:35 pm
I enjoyed reading this piece of your travel here, always well written and with a good dose of humor. China seems to be an entirely different dimension from the west. If I went there I’d like to visit the beads factories… the real jade and the fake jade and so on. I bet the colours are wonderful. 🙂
LikeLike
October 28, 2014 at 9:38 am
I was shocked how many color jade actually is. Where had come up with the notion it is only green? I know you like your green and blues and most likely you know what colors can be found.The intricate carvings is what really floored me. 🙂
LikeLike
October 27, 2014 at 11:18 pm
Wonderful photos! I just loved all of them!
I too would be very uncomfortable with the pressure to buy. I’m sure the tourists are a great business there though.
I’m still wowed by these photos! Wow!
LikeLike
October 28, 2014 at 9:51 am
Thanks about the photos. Our travel mate, RJ, had taken lots better pictures than me. I’m an amateur.
The experience here was quite different from Mexico where you can also negotiate, which I’m not good at. Thank goodness I didn’t need to buy anything. 🙂
LikeLike
October 28, 2014 at 5:16 am
So nice to hear more about your trip Tess. I know the feeling when the hawkers wont take no for an answer, it does become uncomfortable.
LikeLike
October 28, 2014 at 9:57 am
When steam begins to come out your eyes, salespeople everywhere should be trained to back OFF! 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 28, 2014 at 10:35 am
I read that the tradition of knockoffs in China is tied to the long history of preserving traditional script (as in writing), where acolytes copied from masters.
Your experience in the high-pressure shop sounds spooky.
LikeLike
October 28, 2014 at 6:22 pm
Especially in a strange place and a windowless room.
LikeLike
October 31, 2014 at 3:51 am
I don’t think I’d be adventurous enough to even check out the knock-out merchandise. The penalties sound far too threatening.
LikeLike
October 31, 2014 at 6:42 pm
As one of the men in our group mentioned afterwards, this ‘supplier’ must have greased some palms or our guide wouldn’t have taken the chance either. ❤ 🙂
LikeLike
November 1, 2014 at 3:42 pm
You are most likely correct on this one. You still win the bravery award
LikeLike
November 2, 2014 at 10:33 am
😀 😀 Ignorance is bliss? Maybe?
LikeLiked by 1 person
November 8, 2014 at 6:46 pm
I love the photo of the fountain with the frogs. how unique! and of course the food. except you can’t tell what was in the empty dishes, heh. yum, yum!!
LikeLike
November 9, 2014 at 1:49 pm
I know. It’s hard to take a photo when everyone is grabbing dishes and loading up. I didn’t have the courage to ask them to wait.
LikeLike
November 9, 2014 at 2:56 pm
LOL!
LikeLike
November 9, 2014 at 5:40 pm
😀 😀 😀
LikeLike
November 13, 2014 at 4:18 pm
Following you is only way I’ll ever get to see China.
LikeLike
November 13, 2014 at 5:25 pm
Come along then. No need to hold back. You’re most welcome, Carl. Glad to have you along. 😉
LikeLike
December 16, 2014 at 4:52 am
If the Chinese authorities really wanted to stop the knock-offs, they’d just have to make checks at the airport when you leave – once that was known…
It’s hard not to feel sorry for the people trapped in the industry though.
LikeLike
December 16, 2014 at 8:25 am
My feeling is, everyone is trying to make a living. They’re trying to survive, not get rich. I suppose no-one minds if that should happen.
LikeLike