So let me preface this with the fact that it is hearsay. Kelly Skyped me yesterday with a story that will have a profound impact on my future WalMart shopping. Although I’m waiting for the personal experience to write a truly scathing review of the experience, I am grateful all the same never to have one.

While shopping at WalMart with Ryan, Kelly got a truly unique WalMart experience. As she was walking towards the dairy section she noticed an arched stream out of the corner of her eye. She turned to find a Grandmother holding her young grandson over the floor to pee. Kelly couldn’t help but verbalize her surprise and pointed the scene out to Ryan. Kelly even drew attention as she exclaimed  ”You’ve got to be kidding me!” The only response from the Grandmother was a friendly smile. Really people, is the Yogurt aisle not even off limits as a public restroom. To Kelly’s complete horror, she walked past 10min later to find that the puddle was still there. You’d think as peeing everywhere is a common occurrence there would be a designated pee cleaner-upper. But WalMart is a large store so perhaps they were engaged elsewhere.

I just appreciated the heads up. I’ll now be taking the long way around to the milk. I’m not naive enough to know this was not an isolated incident I’m sure the entire store has been peed on but really when you know the exact spot its just not the same walking there anymore.

Whoever thinks China was not embraced Capitalism has obviously never been to China.  America may have English, the language of business but China has the born businessman.  I’m no economist and have no profound insights into the Chinese execution of Capitalism but as a consumer my only complaint is that they try too hard.  

The day they learn they can sell a fake as a fake or a knock-off for what it is a knock-off everyone’s shopping experience will be improved. They have yet to clue into the fact that as consumers we aren’t complete idiots. When I do business at a store who’s inventory at legit prices could pay the upkeep on the Queen’s palace for a week I’m not anticipating products approved my Armani himself. To be perfectly honest I would rather know they are knock-offs rather than entertain the thought someone was knocked-off for these items to end up here.  I’ve recently read an article about how China is trying to change the world’s view of China as knock-off central but they still have a long way to go before tourists stop comparing their knock-offs on their return flights. 

Now the quality of fakes here can be quite impressive which is one reason I don’t see the industry going under anytime soon.  Katie should have been a quality control office that girl got a system. Fabric Seams Zippers Stitching Weight Seams again (they always get you on the seams) only after the product has been fully scrutinize are negotiations begun. Now even after such scrutinizing no customer is naive enough not to anticipate some unforeseeable drawbacks. 

With that said at times I find knock-offs my only option. Have you ever tried finding a size 14 pair of jeans in a country where petite 2, is call to join the Biggest Loser, not the easiest. Now for some follow through on the sellers claim of being stores overstock they do offer a wider selection of sizes than the stores.  

The culprit

I was overjoyed when I discovered a denim stall in Jimo that actually carried my size. I was not about to argue on the legitimacy of their claim to be selling real Levi’s. So I did the suggested Katie twice over and let Beth talk me into purchasing the pair. They were a dark wash and I anticipated some dye issues for the first few washes. Unforeseeable drawbacks did not cover dye issues three months later.  

To admit my fault in the outcome of last nights load I took the gamble and paid for it. This was the first time I’d washed the jeans with a load. Luckily it was just socks and underwear. No one will see either to matter much about the new color. 

So China tip for the day: How to know it’s a fake…

1) the price the seller starts at wouldn’t pay for the legit items packaging 

2) they have enough merchandise of exploited brand to fill two or more legit stores

3) the clincher, the brand name is misspelled across the front

The Chinese LOVE promotionals. They take promotionals to a whole new level here. They have this tape that reads    Promo促销Promo促销 of course it is with their favorite colors too, red lettering on yellow. Throughout the store you will see the most random things taped together. My best find so far was a computer mouse pad taped to an Oreo package, score!

Common sights are cups with soda, Tupperware with cookies, or cloth grocery bags with milk. Promotions are common jokes amongst the foreigners. We often wonder if we could get a hold of the role or tape and have a hay-day with it. We doubt anyone would notice our chosen combinations.

Scratch n' Win - On every receipt

I’m convinced one shopping trip I could successful purchase at least half my list while only selecting promotional items. Mind you I would have to steer clear of my brands at times but I’m determined to do it one trip. I’m convinced the Chinese have the promotional thing figured out. For example, I was not planning on purchasing Oreos that day but I needed a mouse pad so I picked them up.

Along with promotional two for one deals the Chinese LOVE Scratch ’n Wins. At the end of EVERY receipt in China is a Scratch ’n Win section. The prize is redeemable at the front counter. I don’t pay much attention to those as one a few kuai don’t seem worth all the trouble it would be for me a foreigner to figure out how to redeem it and two half the time I can’t figure out if I’m a winner or not.

Y2 winnings!

The other day at the grocery store with Wendy I was slipping the receipt into my wallet when she stopped me and asked  if I was going to check if I won. I playfully scratched and showed her the characters expecting a defeated look. Oh contrair, she was all smiles when she said you won! Really I did a double take. You won Y2. Well hey money is money no matter the amount right. So with Wendy’s help I redeemed the receipt and walked out of the store with winner’s spirits.

The first time I saw it I was horrified, now I giggle.

 The store carries all your military gear, complete with US patches. Humm does anyone else find that a little odd? The mannequin in the window is dressed in camos with a USA patch, and a skeleton handkerchief around his face.

To be honest I’ve never ventured into the store, no real appeal. And I try to avoid anything to do with military here, that includes the uniform outlets.

For anyone who has stumbled across this post I hereby warn you, you read at your own risk. For sake of journaling I want a complete blog, and let’s be honest this experience was most definitely journal worthy. It was most certainly a life changing event that will impact my future shopping experiences in China.    

Thursday evening we had a girls dinner. It was a last min deal and only Katie, Kelly and I were able to get together but a girls night is a girls night. After a delightful meal of McDonald’s we decided to go window shopping in the underground shopping street. We looked at glasses, stopped for smoothies and generally browsed. As we passed a bra shop Katie mentioned she had seen some large bras in Tailor Alley. She had noticed them the day before and had remembered I was on the lookout for my size.    

As a reminder you read at your own risk.    

I have most assuredly inherited my mother’s full figure. Something I’ve learned to hide with Bali minimizers and restrictive bras. Coming to China I’ve never been more consciences about my bust size. Most girls here can barely fill an A cup WITH padding. Bra shopping has always been discouraging in the States and China only exacerbates those issues.    

So when I look for a bra I need wire, plenty of support and most definitely NO padding. As we passed yet another bra store, Katie suggested we look, you never know maybe they do carry your size. We stepped in and I began to browse. I got the largest bra I could find and bust out laughing when I held it up to myself, this was not going to work. The clerk rushed over assessed the situation and headed for a storage drawer. After rummaging around for a few mins she triumphantly pulled out the largest bra she could find. She looked it over then looked me over and nodded. She then grabbed a second bra before sending me into the dressing room.    

I stepped into the dressing room and closed the curtain. I begin the usual process, when in the middle of putting my arm through the bra the curtain is ripped open. I don’t think I’ve ever put a bra on so quick in my life! Before I knew it there was a FULL hand inside my bra and BOTH of mine where braced at my hips! The look of surprise or horror was all over my face as I relaized the clerk was doing all the adjusting.    

.  

Not exactly my usual white or beige.

To be fair I think my bustyness was just as embarrassing to the poor clerk as I was with having her hands in my bra. I doubt she’s ever had a customer my size. As she would rearrange one side the other would fall out. She was getting frustrated as the largest bra she had was just not holding all the bust I had. She finally left only to return with an extender. When she finally seemed satisfied with the results she threw open the curtain once again and beckoned for the girls to come over. Suspecting me to be dressed again Katie and Kelly sauntered over. Nope that was not the case. All Katie could manage was “Wow, you are busty!” Thanks Katie, I didn’t know that. Most people don’t realize my talent for hiding that fact. Now you know why I’ve been discouraged about finding bras in China.    

After all opinions were weighed in I decided to purchase both bras. I don’t claim to be a bra connoisseur so maybe the following features are standard but not on the bras I usually purchase.  

Netting on the side I just can't figure out what to do with.

Netting at the top, it helps me from falling out the top.

Wired structure on the side.

This pushes everything front and center not exactly the most effective minimizing technique.    

All in all I learned Western Comfort Zones and Boundaries are not shared in the East. 

I have to admit it is slightly strange being the experienced one, I can no longer use the “I’ve only been here a few months!” line. I took Adam around Wal*Mart, cell phone shopping then over to the guitar store. I was pretty impressed with myself and my ability to communicate. I soon realized if I capitalize on showing newbies around and help them communicate my Chinese is going to take off.

To be perfectly honest though, when it comes to shopping all you need to know is ‘that’ (这个) and your numbers (一，二，三，四，五，六，七，八，十).With the occasional ‘that’s too expensive’ (太贵了).

These cards got it all! Simplified and Traditional Characters, stroke order, radical, common combinations and a useful sentence!

Well I’ve done it, I’ve  practiced Mandarin everyday for over a week! Those Tuttle flashcards are my best purchase it. I keep a ring of them in my bag at all times and pull them out on the bus. The passengers sure get a kick out of it and I’m never lacking in pronunciation teachers!

I love the fact that the cards build on each other and my character recognition is getting much better.

45 down 931 cards to go!

Nothing Screams Practical like TP and Laundry Detergent!

I’m becoming more and more like my mother everyday, which is a very good thing! One such thing is the belief that practicality really wins the heart!

Like all recognizable holidays in China the faculty is presented with a gift.  For Women’s Day each female member of the faculty received 2 bundles of Toilet Paper and 1 bag of Laundry Detergent. With two females in our apartment it looks like we are set for the semester!

One must really admire the Chinese sense of practicality, last semester I received such gifts as boxes of pears, milk and dates. And to be honest I was going to run to the store today to stock up on Toilet Paper as we were running low.

Another trait I learn from my mother, one can never have enough Toilet Paper in storage, that and femine products, which again knowing I was coming to a country with limitations, I’ve got that base WELL covered.

Okay so the new rule, once you run out of the ability to hold your own purchases the shopping trip is over.

Embarrassingly enough yup that's all mine! Thanks Thomas.

There is this really cool street on the outskirts of town, Yangjiabu or for those of us who still can’t grasp Chinese names, Kite Street. There are tons of family kite shops and print workshops. Some of the kites are even painted by hand which are beautiful to look at.

At the end there is the Yangjiabu Folk Grand Viewing Garden (direct translation I suppose). Supposedly some of the structures date back to the Ming Dynasty. The Print Shop and the Kite workshop was a treat to go through.

I’m still discovering Weifang and I love it! This town has character once you seek it out. I’m excited to really delve in this next year and make the most of my familiar surroundings.

My schedule has final began to open up! As I no longer have Monday classes I decided to take advantage and stay in Qingdao for an extended weekend. Bonnie works weekends and has never been able to join us in Qingdao for fun or shopping. So when my Monday’s opened up I promptly invited her along. I wanted to get all my gift shopping done and invited her to join me at JiMo!

How can it be so cold when it is this sunny? Will someone please explain this to me!

I met Bonnie at the train station at 9 and the day began!  We stopped by the beach for a quick walk.

Bonnie got some pictures of locals taking a morning dip. It must have been at least 8* outside, luckily the wind was dead that day. But all the same there they were in speedos and bathing suits plunging into the water and doing laps. I will never understand the Chinese and their health. It just seems so contradictory if you ask me. Freezing water = Good health, nope just don’t see it.

Off to JiMo it was. Ms Jane met us there to help with the pearl shopping. I’m learning quite a lot from the Pearl Expert Ms Jane. There are two stalls we go to, Nina who does only top quality original pieces and then the less expensive woman on the corner for earrings and play pearls.

Here are my spoils, this is just the beginning. Even after all my purchases I don’t come close to the other gals. We joke that Ms. Jane single handily keeps the JiMo pearl Market open, but it is probably true!

a Nina original my big splurge to remember Qingdao.

I should never have tried this one on. Once I did I was a goner. I fell in love and well I’ve learned my lesson.

This is my Qingdao piece and it is an original, my first original piece of Jewelry, I’d better be careful I’m getting too use to tailors and personal jewelers, haha.

Choker pearls!

Also from Nina a set of Choker pearls.

The pearls here are all freshwater pearls and with Jane selecting top quality specimens.

Rope pearls!

From the corner counter I got a 50 inch strand. Oh so much fun. I just love the sound of pearls.

Side note: to test if a pearl is real you rub it against your teeth, if it is gritty in texture it is real.

Dinosaur Egg pearls

The irregular pearls are just as intriguing to me. I’ve dubbed these Dinosaur Egg pearls, they are not quite Baroque.

I love the metallic blues and lavenders.

These of course are just the splurges for me, I don’t want to spoil gifts for others. I differently supported the Pearl Market, probably paid for the days electricity.

On to scrolls. I have fallen in love with Chinese Scrolls. It took some hunting but we did it. A shop in the bottom basement in the back. I saw the seasons set and just fell in love. The Chinese love the Seasons Series and I love the monochromatic landscape.

Winter

Spring

Summer

Autumn

Mounted on Silk

Who exactly is this directed at if it is translated into English?

My purchases:

Hair Clip, I purchased hoping to use for a shrug I brought with me.

Versace perfume

Hermes-Paris Tote

JiMo is a small goods market on Steriods there are four levels two above ground and two basement levels. If Victoria was serious it was a bomb shelter but I think she was just using that as an expression.

In front of JiMo - Jade dealers

Entrance to shoppers Disneyland

Spectacular Jade Sculpture - Can someone please explain how you get this piece home once you buy it.