Shopping is an art form here in China

My mom has a motto that I religiously followed back in the states, "Buy it first and find a place for it next".  Here in China, I really can't follow that motto.  My new motto is, "buy it if you like it and fits my 800 foot apartment". I am proud to say that I have followed that pretty well with the help of Randy ('do you REALLY need that?') .  Without him, I could do some serious damage.  There are malls at every corner like there are Starbucks at every corner in Seattle. The difference is, each mall has a uniqueness of its own. There are clothing malls, food malls, western malls, Chinese malls, Korean malls and mom and pop malls.  These malls are set with an anchor store like H&M with vendors on each floor with their own clothes line shoes or knock off accessories. It is not for the faint of heart and my Dad would probably suffer SERIOUSLY doing that kind of walking for hours. Besides the malls, there are also convenient stories and markets and factories.  So it is with confidence that I say, China is a place to shop...for anything at a very good price. 

Bartering is encouraged at some places and looked upon as being rude if you don't play the bartering game.  My issue is the price is already low in US standards.  For instance, I got a beautiful vase for 150 RMB.  That is about $21.00.  Back in the states, I would pay double if not more.  If I do barter, I usually go about 10 RMB below the asking price.  They are most happy to play the game with me.  Its a win-win situation. 

The school offers transportation for our shopping needs. Here is our schedule for shopping through the week,
Sunday - Kaifaqu
Tuesday - Kaifaqu (usually our date night - dinner and any shopping we need to do)
Thursday - Kaifaqu (usually we don't go in on Thursdays)
Friday -  Jinshitan (local grocery store about 10 minute drive from the school)
Saturday - Jinshitan outdoor market, Kaifaqu and Dalian (Metro, Sams club and IKEA)

We usually go in on Tuesdays, Saturday and Sunday depending if we planned ahead of time.  You can literally waste a whole weekend of shopping! We have been good at buying only what we need and not what we want (NUTELLA).  Why?  Well besides the obvious for our health but because we have to carry everything with us. We have a pull cart and a backpack that we take with us everywhere because we never know what we might find that we "need". We take the transportation school provides for us plus the light rail to and from the school. We now have a system and feel confident when we do our shopping.

When we go shopping we have our regulars just like we do back at home (Safeway, Lowes, Target) but here we call them, the green door market woman, mushroom gal, apple guy and so on.  Sarah Applegate and I call one vendor our 'whole foods market' gal because she has a display of her fruits and vegetables that puts all the other vendors to shame.

Shopping is an art form here in China.  I just read an article about the comparison between 11.11 (Chinese black friday-they call it 'singles' day) and Black Friday.  Knowing that Chinese population is quite high compared to the United States, the graph shows the difference between the two countries

Well, that about all when it comes to shopping. Until next time.
Liz and Randy

Life is Good

When Randy and I got here last year, a couple of the teachers recommended us to get a maid (an Ayi) and massages.  At first I said, what? I can do my own dishes and such. And massages? That can wait.  So we stuck it out for a couple of weeks then we decided, well, let's try out the Ayi.  That might open up some free time for us. And besides, I've always wanted a maid. 

Wow, what a difference an Ayi makes.  We have Cao Li Ni come in twice a week to clean, do our laundry and iron.  WOWZA. I love Mondays and Wednesdays.  I literally come into the apartment and take in a huge sigh. She does make a difference and we so appreciate it. It does open up time for us to explore, to do school work, pick up a hobby, what else? Let's try the massage thing.

Our first experience with a massage was Owen.  He would come to our apartment and give us a 'dry' massage. That means we have our PJ's on and he massages on top of our clothes with his thumb. I call him the man with the steel thumbs!  At first, he was a bit hard on me.  But he knows enough English to understand to lighten up a bit. He will work on whatever part hurts. Mine is the left shoulder and sometimes my lower back. He has been coming to us every Monday.  (last year we had him come Mondays for Randy and Thursdays for Me) He does both of us, one hour each.  I don't know how he does it but I love my Mondays and it only costs us 100 RMB each (about .  

Since Owen, we have gotten the massage bug.  We excitedly hear about a massage experience and we want to try it.  Last Sunday, Sarah Applegate, Jennifer Sylvester and I tried out this next one close to home (about 15 minutes) that Jennifer loves.  It is a foot and ginger soak/rub.  It focuses on your feet but there is a massage included. I enjoyed it enough for me to go back.  So Randy and I with Sarah's family are going back today for a foot and ginger soak massage. So looking forward to it.

 Life is good.  We have looked for things that make our life meaningful and rich. These little things, an Ayi and massages, makes our lives rich. Helps us face the cold harshness that life can throw at us here in China. Yes, we could do just fine without these services, these services that we have never had (a maid) or a service we only get once a month back in the states.  Now that we have these in our lives, we are able to focus more on the task in front of us; make a difference to those around us especially our students. And isn't that why we are here? Life IS good.

(Belated Post) Discoveryland here we come!!!

On the last week of school back in June, the school provides an all school-wide field trip to Discovery-land.  This is their attempt to Disneyland.  It is FAR from it.  It reminds me of wild waves without the water park. The students loved it! And we had a great time 'chaperoning'.  We didn't go on any rides instead we enjoyed the food, the architecture and the cheesy shows.

Discovery-land is practically in the backyard of DAIS so it was a short bus ride to the park. What if you didn't go to the school? No worries, you could take a horse drawn carriage or a 'train' to get to the entrance of the park. There are even police cars that look very similar to the mickey mouse police cars at Downtown Disney in California

I have to admit they try really hard to provide food that is good and tasty.  However, just like Disneyland, the price for food was expensive.  We did find one place that sold a great deal. It was like a burrito combo minus the meat. We took care of that.  Went to a vendor outside that was selling bbq lamb on a stick. (next to the squid on a stick that we were told is really good.  Maybe next time) Added it to our 'burrito' and we had a pretty good meal. 
The architecture is quite humorous. The best place and where I had my advisory students to touch base with me, was the Arabian Land complete with camels. Was their shopping?  Of course! One could get a key chain with the mascot or a dress or a squirt gun or...all those things that we love so much at any amusement park.

The entertainment they provided was also fun to watch.  You could watch a 'mad max' type show including cars blowing up, flipping over or men falling off of roofs.  We were fortunate to be able to go 'back stage' and see these cars close up and talk to the stunt men and women.  Most of them were from Australia but there were a couple of them from the United States (California and I can't remember the other state) The other entertainment offered was more towards younger children and it was in the 'toon town' area (that's what it reminds me of).

All in all, it was a great day spending time outside the classroom. I enjoyed watching my students have a good time with their friends in a non school setting.

Happy Mother's Day Mom.

"If you want your life to be a magnificent story, then begin by realizing that you are the author and everyday you have the opportunity to write a new page." Mark Houlahan

 My mother is an amazing woman. She doesn't say much but she doesn't have to.  Her actions speak volumes. She inspires me to write my own chapter.  To live the way I was meant to live. I am, in some ways, like my mother. I love my family and the sense of adventure. We love our tea and we love our freedom.  However there are some things that make me...Liz.  For those that know me you KNOW how emotional I can get. How talkative I can be and how passionate I am on certain issues. Because of these differences, my mom is my rock.  She would tell me, "pull yourself together" or "there is nothing you can do about it." "What's done is done." "Worrying won't get you anywhere". Then she would give me a hug, wipe my tears and push me to be better. To strive to be the person I am meant to be. She is factual, down to earth and for a free-spirited person, I needed that.  I needed someone who can ground me and show me what is possible. I didn't realize how much I appreciated it until I became a mother. Mom, you are my rock of Gibraltar. Thank you for your guidance over the years. Happy Mothers Day.
Elizabeth

"Growing Up, I was a picky eater. I'm finally starting to expand"-Mike Trout

I'm so proud of Randy.  In the beginning of our relationship 28+ years ago, Randy's food preferences were limited to mostly meat and potatoes. My family and I introduced him to various foods that he courageously ate. (minus peas.  He just won't eat them.) some mild and simple like cranberries and cranberry sauce or, something he was surprised he enjoyed, sweet potatoes.

Since I love food and love to cook I love the challenge to find out what he likes and what he doesn't. the point here is that he trusts me.  He trusts me to introduce him to food that I believe he would like. What surprises me is the positive attitude he has from the beginning and especially recently here in China.

Chinese food is tricky. I even struggle with it because each region, just like the USA, has their own flavors and their own way of cooking and serving. There are eight regional cooking cuisines of China.  We are in the Northern region called Shandong Cuisine (aka Lu Cuisine).  It is known for its seafood dishes, dumplings and breads. The most popular ingredients are Maize, Peanuts, Grains and Vinegar. "There are two styles within the Shandong Cuisine: Jiadong-style (seafood dishes with light flavor) and Jinan-style (characterized by the use of soup in its dishes)." (www.chinesepod.com) To be honest, I haven't really experienced cooking these dishes as of yet.  However, that doesn't mean we don't experience it elsewhere.

We have gone to various Chinese restaurants as well as Korean and they have been all good (minus the duck head incident.  I'll explain later). Randy has been willing to go out of his comfort zone and try something new.  Just a month ago, he tried "1000 year old egg". I did not. He explained it as a hard boiled vinegar pickled tasty egg. He wasn't fond of it and probably not have it ever again but he TRIED it (and I didn't). Our favorites? I love the cucumber salad with peanuts, garlic, oils and onions.  We both love the sandwiches at this street vendor in Kaifaqu and the hotpot from Korean restaurants. Oh and an Indian restaurant that serves Naan bread and CHAI!  Do I cook at home?  Yes, but foods that we are familiar with, such as italian food, Grilled meats, scones for breakfast and granola.

Luckily we can get most items we love from import stores like popcorn, chips and such. I have picked up baking that I haven't done for quite some time.  I just finished a batch of granola and two batches of cranberry orange scones that we love to eat on most mornings.  Eggs are abundant since that is a main staple all through China (in fact, they are #2 country in consuming eggs at 18.5 kg. right behind Japan at 18.8 kg. per capita.  The US is #11 at 13.9 kg. per capita) so we eat scrambled eggs with a variety of vegetables mixed in.

Randy is such a trouper.  He is experiencing food that is around us knowing he has a fall back plan, me. He knows that WE can venture out and expand our food preferences. If it doesn't work out, I have a scone ready for him.

I love my country; I love my children

Loving my country is similar to loving my children. It is unconditional and I will not give up.  That is the optimism in me.  There are times I don't like my sons.  They irritate me, frustrate me and sometimes confuse me at times. Did I ever feel like giving up? There never was a time.  Let me say that again - there NEVER was a time.  Why?  Its not an option. Giving up on my sons was not an option and giving up on my country is not an option either. Yes, I am frustrated, irritated, scared and confused at times.  But I believe in America.  I believe in the good of the American people just like I believe in Josh and Kyle. I believe our sons are good and just. I am proud to be called their Mom. And I am proud to be called an American.

 So what does one do when you don't like what's going on in our country?  Well, what did I do with my son's when they misbehaved or their behavior was not appropriate? I put them in time out. I role modeled the behavior that was respectfully appropriate. I took away privileges (toys, cell phones, car) or enforced restrictions (computer use, out with friends). All those consequences, all the work that goes into being an effective parent, you hope and pray they grow up to be engaging and productive citizens in our society.  Yes, I know what you are saying; surely, Liz, you're not suggesting we put President Trump into time out or take away privileges? No, but we should expect accountability, law abiding and a respectful President.  This goes for our senators and representatives as well.

I have said to Josh and Kyle many times, "you are meant for greatness!" "stop saying and DO!" My fellow Americans I am saying to all of you, YOU ARE MEANT FOR GREATNESS and STOP SAYING and DO SOMETHING! Participate, advocate, donate, volunteer!!! Our government needs us more than ever.  They need to hear our voices loud and clear. The women's march was a great start.  I truly wish I was in the states and able to participate in the march. I loved waking up Sunday morning (China time) and scrolling through the many posts on Facebook of the many people marching for 'women's rights- human rights'.  My brothers with their wives and daughters each participating in their own cities, Moscow, ID., Bellingham, WA., Seattle, WA.. Various countries participated in the march as well such as Poland, United Kingdom, Netherlands and Hong Kong. That was uplifting to hear-WOW! 

 Whether you like Trump or not, that is not the issue here.  The issue is WE the people need to rise up and speak our minds.  Contact your senators. Volunteer wherever you can. Let your voice be known. If you feel like giving up, Don't! I will never give up on America.  I love my country and I believe greatness will come of this.  As sure as I am of my sons, I am sure for the United States of America.

There's an App for That!

"Don't confuse me!  Just one and I will use it" Mom said as I was helping her set up a couple of apps that would keep us connected before we left.  It's no wonder she was confused.  There are a LOT of apps to choose from. these apps we chose, help us keep in contact with friends and family back home.  But then there are other apps that keep us entertained, help us connect with Chinese businesses and apps that are needed for our health.  Yes, there are apps for everything. Let me explain...

For the family and friends back home, we started with the standard, Skype. However, we were struggling with it so we went to Tango, then added WhatsApp and then it snowballed from there. Talkatone, hangout, Viber and that is just to keep in contact with family and friends! Our go to is WhatsApp which was recommended by my brother Mark. Wow, pretty slick and fun to use.  sometimes WhatsApp doesn't go through (we have spotty WiFi at the school) so then we go to Talkatone or Tango.  If those don't work, we resort to Facebook messenger. All this just to keep in contact with everyone we hold dear to our hearts.  But what about in China?  How do you communicate?  Well...there's an app for that.

Here in China WeChat is used heavily. WeChat is so useful among all those that we get in contact with.  If we find a business we like, we scan their QR code and there you have it. A contact. So when we want to get a haircut, we send a wechat message to John to set up an appointment.  He responds with Ok and we are in.  Same goes for our groceries, our rides for errands, and it goes on. I even set up wechat groups among my students to remind them of upcoming assignments, etc. So basically WeChat provides text messaging, sharing of photographs and videos, and location sharing and so much more.  You can even pay bills and buy your latte at Starbucks (they just launched it a couple of days ago) using WeChat!  Can friends and family using WeChat in the states?  Yes!  our son, Josh has been using WeChat periodically.

How about language you say?  I primarily use itranslate but if that doesn't work google translate or pleco or WayGo. All of these apps have helped us tremendously with grocery clerks, airport security and taxi drivers. one time, at the scooter shop, Randy and the mechanic was communicating through WeChat and they were right next to each other.

For our health we both have an air quality app to check the smog level.  so far, we are doing well and have our masks ready to use.  Luckily we are not as sensitive to it like our other colleagues.  We are far enough away from Dalian that the air quality is good relatively speaking.  Anything below 100 AQI is good.

None of this would work without a VPN.  Chinese government has banned a lot of WiFi services that we take for granted.  To get around those, a VPN is needed.  We have two on our computers and I have on my phone.  If one doesn't work, then we go to our second one (or third, or fourth). Viper, Express, and my latest add on, Atom (suggested by one of my students) are the ones we use the most.  Without them NOTHING would work. I am truly appreciative of these VPNs.

so there you have it.  An app for everything.  It is part of my life and I get excited when a new one is introduced to me (travel? - CTrip) .  My phone is FILLED with apps.  do you want an app? I got you covered.