Monday, March 22, 2004
It doesn't leave the shelf until proven paid
On Saturday, I find my fridge was almost barren. So, I had to go out to hunt for food at the mall. Because of the rain, I had to make a pitstop to purchase an umbrella at the department store.
I am glad that I heard about how things are purchased at the department store beforehand. So, I was prepared to experience the process.
I am in the department store somewhere in Pudong.
The salesgirl has taken me through a series of umbrellas.
I decided on the one that I want.
The salesgirl escorted me to the cashier with the bill.
I pay the cashier.
Then, we walk back to the umbrella rack to collect the goods.
She asks me whether I needed a bag for my umbrella.
I answered no.
So, I walked out holding my new umbrella in my hand.
Interesting.
On Saturday, I find my fridge was almost barren. So, I had to go out to hunt for food at the mall. Because of the rain, I had to make a pitstop to purchase an umbrella at the department store.
I am glad that I heard about how things are purchased at the department store beforehand. So, I was prepared to experience the process.
I am in the department store somewhere in Pudong.
The salesgirl has taken me through a series of umbrellas.
I decided on the one that I want.
The salesgirl escorted me to the cashier with the bill.
I pay the cashier.
Then, we walk back to the umbrella rack to collect the goods.
She asks me whether I needed a bag for my umbrella.
I answered no.
So, I walked out holding my new umbrella in my hand.
Interesting.
Monday, February 23, 2004
Trend setter or Fashion victim in Shanghai
The streets leading to Xiang Yang market is full of hustlers. They persistently pester you to come to their stall at the market. The harrasment continues every step of the way from Central HuaiHai junction to the market.
“Bao-bao, yao ma? LV, Gucci, Prada…” (bag, want?......)
“Shoubiao, yao ma? Cartier, Rolex….” (watch, want?.....)
A chance to practise your Putonghua.
"Xie Xie....wo pu yao." (Thank you, I don't want.)
I am not into imitation bags…unless they are well made. This is seldom the case, so I steer clear of them.
We did see some interesting Nankeen pieces. Nankeen is the inky indigo-dyed cloth similar to the Batik of Southeast Asia. The technique of cloth printing uses stencils or plain needles and wax to create patterns of ink on cloth. My favourite piece purchased this week is a handbag made from this Nankeen cloth. I love its unique shape and because it is handmade.
"One can be fashionable in Shanghai without feeling out of place."
With spring on the way, I am trying to get rid of my heavy winter coat.
So, I was looking out for a Chinese-style light silk jacket versatile enough to wear to the office.
It's fun to be a little trendy here....something, I can't really do at home.
I found one in the market for RMB160 last week. The jacket is reversible, which means that I could wear it in black or red. It seems reasonable – two for the price of one!
On the way home from the market, we spotted an old lady wearing the same print as the one I bought. See below.
If that is not terrible enough, I come home I realized that the new toiletry bag that I bought the previous week at the market, had the same print as my new jacket.
"Which is worse? Wearing your grandma's coat or a coat that uses the same material as your toiletry bag!"
I am left utterly amused by the entire incident.
I guess one can just as easily become a fashion victim here with all the mass production around!
Photo: Spotted - My chinese silk jacket on someone else
Location: Crossing the road to Super Brand mall, Pudong
The streets leading to Xiang Yang market is full of hustlers. They persistently pester you to come to their stall at the market. The harrasment continues every step of the way from Central HuaiHai junction to the market.
“Bao-bao, yao ma? LV, Gucci, Prada…” (bag, want?......)
“Shoubiao, yao ma? Cartier, Rolex….” (watch, want?.....)
A chance to practise your Putonghua.
"Xie Xie....wo pu yao." (Thank you, I don't want.)
I am not into imitation bags…unless they are well made. This is seldom the case, so I steer clear of them.
We did see some interesting Nankeen pieces. Nankeen is the inky indigo-dyed cloth similar to the Batik of Southeast Asia. The technique of cloth printing uses stencils or plain needles and wax to create patterns of ink on cloth. My favourite piece purchased this week is a handbag made from this Nankeen cloth. I love its unique shape and because it is handmade.
"One can be fashionable in Shanghai without feeling out of place."
With spring on the way, I am trying to get rid of my heavy winter coat.
So, I was looking out for a Chinese-style light silk jacket versatile enough to wear to the office.
It's fun to be a little trendy here....something, I can't really do at home.
I found one in the market for RMB160 last week. The jacket is reversible, which means that I could wear it in black or red. It seems reasonable – two for the price of one!
On the way home from the market, we spotted an old lady wearing the same print as the one I bought. See below.
If that is not terrible enough, I come home I realized that the new toiletry bag that I bought the previous week at the market, had the same print as my new jacket.
"Which is worse? Wearing your grandma's coat or a coat that uses the same material as your toiletry bag!"
I am left utterly amused by the entire incident.
I guess one can just as easily become a fashion victim here with all the mass production around!
Photo: Spotted - My chinese silk jacket on someone else
Location: Crossing the road to Super Brand mall, Pudong
Monday, February 16, 2004
Practical Chinese in 3 steps
Photo: Bargaining in Putonghua (Chinese)
Location: Xiangyang Market at Shanxi Road, Shanghai
The shopping bug has yet to bite me.
In the first weekend, we went to check out the famous Yu Yuan market. They practically sell every Chinese souvenier under the sun. What I ended up with was a Shanghai Starbucks mug to add to my collection.
This weekend, we decided to assimilate more with the local Chinese. I think we can sort-of blend into the crowd physically. All is well until we open our mouth!
Step 1: Take the Metro
It’s pretty simple, as long as you muster a little Chinese at the ticket counter. It’s “Renmin Gongyuan” (People’s Park) and onwards to “Shanxi Lu” (Shanxi Road) to ”Xiangyang” fake fashion goods capital of the world.
“San ge piao qu Remin Gongyuan, duoshao qian?” (3 tickets to People's Park, how much money?)
Getting around the station and trains was pretty easy as there were English signboards. We did pretty well at the station except when I tried to pay the ticket counter 5 RMB cents instead of a RMB5.00. Don’t blame me…they have 5 cent paper notes!
So, we squeeze along with a few hundred other regular folks into the trains. Despite being a modern city, people still jump queues when buying tickets and getting on the train. Such a turn-off to me!
Step 2: Speak Putonghua
We had more practical Chinese usage while bargaining at the market. It was great fun. After a while, you get a feel on how things work and the pattern of conversation. Like this….
You ask: “Zhege, doushao qian?” (This one, how much?)
She tells you: “Si bai bashi” (RMB480)
You say: “Wah, tai gui le!” (Wow, too expensive already!)
She say: “Hen pianyi le. Blah, blah, blah....” (Very cheap already)
You say: “Gei wor pianyi le” (Give me cheaper)
She asks: “Ne shuo dou shao?” (You say how much?)
You then state you price. For me, I offer what I think it should be worth.
It’s likely that she will fuss about saying that’s impossibly cheap.
You need to be firm. If she doesn’t accept, then you start to walk away.
Chances are if the price you give is reasonable, she will call you back to the stall.
Maybe, a little more negotiation takes place. Perhaps, the price may goes up by RMB5.
Both parties are happy.
A deal is made.
In this case, my friend managed to reduce the price of her mum’s silk top from RMB480 to RMB150!
Perhaps, we made a good deal...perhaps, not.
But, at least we walked away thinking we got a good bargain.
And, when all verbal communication fails, negotiations can still go on with a calculator and sign language.
Step 3: Eat Chinese
We failed miserably here.
Last week, we seeked refuge in Starbucks at Yu Yuan Market for pee stop and a quick bite. Unfortunately, it turns out that place did not have toilets.
This week, we planned to have some local Shanghainese food. But, we could not find the recommended restaurant. Perhaps, it had closed down. So, we ended up at a Japanese restaurant.
Better luck next week.
P.S. A glimpse of me in the mirror, in the photo.
Photo: Bargaining in Putonghua (Chinese)
Location: Xiangyang Market at Shanxi Road, Shanghai
The shopping bug has yet to bite me.
In the first weekend, we went to check out the famous Yu Yuan market. They practically sell every Chinese souvenier under the sun. What I ended up with was a Shanghai Starbucks mug to add to my collection.
This weekend, we decided to assimilate more with the local Chinese. I think we can sort-of blend into the crowd physically. All is well until we open our mouth!
Step 1: Take the Metro
It’s pretty simple, as long as you muster a little Chinese at the ticket counter. It’s “Renmin Gongyuan” (People’s Park) and onwards to “Shanxi Lu” (Shanxi Road) to ”Xiangyang” fake fashion goods capital of the world.
“San ge piao qu Remin Gongyuan, duoshao qian?” (3 tickets to People's Park, how much money?)
Getting around the station and trains was pretty easy as there were English signboards. We did pretty well at the station except when I tried to pay the ticket counter 5 RMB cents instead of a RMB5.00. Don’t blame me…they have 5 cent paper notes!
So, we squeeze along with a few hundred other regular folks into the trains. Despite being a modern city, people still jump queues when buying tickets and getting on the train. Such a turn-off to me!
Step 2: Speak Putonghua
We had more practical Chinese usage while bargaining at the market. It was great fun. After a while, you get a feel on how things work and the pattern of conversation. Like this….
You ask: “Zhege, doushao qian?” (This one, how much?)
She tells you: “Si bai bashi” (RMB480)
You say: “Wah, tai gui le!” (Wow, too expensive already!)
She say: “Hen pianyi le. Blah, blah, blah....” (Very cheap already)
You say: “Gei wor pianyi le” (Give me cheaper)
She asks: “Ne shuo dou shao?” (You say how much?)
You then state you price. For me, I offer what I think it should be worth.
It’s likely that she will fuss about saying that’s impossibly cheap.
You need to be firm. If she doesn’t accept, then you start to walk away.
Chances are if the price you give is reasonable, she will call you back to the stall.
Maybe, a little more negotiation takes place. Perhaps, the price may goes up by RMB5.
Both parties are happy.
A deal is made.
In this case, my friend managed to reduce the price of her mum’s silk top from RMB480 to RMB150!
Perhaps, we made a good deal...perhaps, not.
But, at least we walked away thinking we got a good bargain.
And, when all verbal communication fails, negotiations can still go on with a calculator and sign language.
Step 3: Eat Chinese
We failed miserably here.
Last week, we seeked refuge in Starbucks at Yu Yuan Market for pee stop and a quick bite. Unfortunately, it turns out that place did not have toilets.
This week, we planned to have some local Shanghainese food. But, we could not find the recommended restaurant. Perhaps, it had closed down. So, we ended up at a Japanese restaurant.
Better luck next week.
P.S. A glimpse of me in the mirror, in the photo.
Monday, February 09, 2004
Chinese Way of Life
Photo: Reading today's news from the public notice board
Location: Nanjing Road, Shanghai
Photo: Reading today's news from the public notice board
Location: Nanjing Road, Shanghai
Tuesday, January 13, 2004
The Waiting Game
Every now and then, I need to take some time out to relate to you some of the perils of air travel.
Be warned about Manila airport...you need to bring along a book and your patient face to the airport. Your ordeal will start in the taxi to the airport. Traffic jams on the road and going through queue after queue.
Queue 1 Security check on all vehicles entering the airport external premises.
Queue 2 Check only passengers with valid tickets for the day enters the airport terminal.
Queue 3 Scan check-in and hand luggages
Queue 5 Manual body check
Queue 6 Check-in queue
Queue 7 Airport tax payment queue
Queue 8 Immigration queue
Queue 9 At the shop cashier/ rest room...
Queue 10 General gate entry check on passports and boarding pass
Queue 11 Hand luggage scan (general gate entry point)
Queue 12 Manual body check (general gate entry point)
Queue 13 Hand luggage manual search at actual departure gate
Queue 14 Queue to board plane
"Don't worry, be patient!"
Photo: Trying to enter Manila Airport's Departure Hall
Every now and then, I need to take some time out to relate to you some of the perils of air travel.
Be warned about Manila airport...you need to bring along a book and your patient face to the airport. Your ordeal will start in the taxi to the airport. Traffic jams on the road and going through queue after queue.
Queue 1 Security check on all vehicles entering the airport external premises.
Queue 2 Check only passengers with valid tickets for the day enters the airport terminal.
Queue 3 Scan check-in and hand luggages
Queue 5 Manual body check
Queue 6 Check-in queue
Queue 7 Airport tax payment queue
Queue 8 Immigration queue
Queue 9 At the shop cashier/ rest room...
Queue 10 General gate entry check on passports and boarding pass
Queue 11 Hand luggage scan (general gate entry point)
Queue 12 Manual body check (general gate entry point)
Queue 13 Hand luggage manual search at actual departure gate
Queue 14 Queue to board plane
"Don't worry, be patient!"
Photo: Trying to enter Manila Airport's Departure Hall
Wednesday, December 31, 2003
"Roast" beef and suckling pig
We were in luck!
A funeral to attend in Bali.
In fact, there were four funerals at the same tine.
The possession starts from the main junction in Ubud (next to the Ubud Palace).
The tall structures are carried for 2 kms to the temple (Pura Dalem Puri).
Balinese are predominately Hindus. The sapi (cow) is a sacred animal.
The dead is sent off in large cow figurines. (Black cow for men and white for women)
The dead body is placed in the figure and burnt. Balinese believe in man originates from three elements - earth, fire and water. In death, man is symbolically returned in the similar manner.
Back to the earth...
Immediately after the death, the body is first buried.
Then, the body is excavated from the grave.
Back to fire...
A cremation ceremony takes place. The body is burnt to ashes.
Back to water...
After the cremation, the bones and ashes are retrieve. The remains are floated into the sea.
The cremation expenses are enormous; besides the priest's fees, the great amounts of holy water used and the costly tower coffins offerings like suckling pig. There is the food and entertaiment provide for days for the hundreds of guest and assistants that help in the ceremonies. Total costs can run into the millions of rupiah (the highest...about USD25,000 for royalties).
It is not uncommon that the actual cremation can take place months or years after the actual death of the person.
Cremation ceremonies is an occasion for gaiety and not for mourning, since it represents the liberation of their souls so that they can attain the higher worlds.
Photo: Fiery sent-off to the higher worlds
We were in luck!
A funeral to attend in Bali.
In fact, there were four funerals at the same tine.
The possession starts from the main junction in Ubud (next to the Ubud Palace).
The tall structures are carried for 2 kms to the temple (Pura Dalem Puri).
Balinese are predominately Hindus. The sapi (cow) is a sacred animal.
The dead is sent off in large cow figurines. (Black cow for men and white for women)
The dead body is placed in the figure and burnt. Balinese believe in man originates from three elements - earth, fire and water. In death, man is symbolically returned in the similar manner.
Back to the earth...
Immediately after the death, the body is first buried.
Then, the body is excavated from the grave.
Back to fire...
A cremation ceremony takes place. The body is burnt to ashes.
Back to water...
After the cremation, the bones and ashes are retrieve. The remains are floated into the sea.
The cremation expenses are enormous; besides the priest's fees, the great amounts of holy water used and the costly tower coffins offerings like suckling pig. There is the food and entertaiment provide for days for the hundreds of guest and assistants that help in the ceremonies. Total costs can run into the millions of rupiah (the highest...about USD25,000 for royalties).
It is not uncommon that the actual cremation can take place months or years after the actual death of the person.
Cremation ceremonies is an occasion for gaiety and not for mourning, since it represents the liberation of their souls so that they can attain the higher worlds.
Photo: Fiery sent-off to the higher worlds
Thursday, December 18, 2003
The search is over!
My first taste of the carrot cake was the best bite ever.
I never found one that tastes quite like that since.
Until now....
I spend a long time in the dessert section of Marks & Spencers every other day.
It is absolutely therapeutic for me!
Carrot cake or chocolate fudge cake?
Photo: Carrot cake
Definitely the carrot cake.
The carrot cake is moist and not too sweet.
The cream cheese topping is heavenly.
I wished it came with double the thickness of topping!
The chocolate cake is a tad dry. (You can return the cake to M&S, if you are not happy with the quality. How nice!)
My first taste of the carrot cake was the best bite ever.
I never found one that tastes quite like that since.
Until now....
I spend a long time in the dessert section of Marks & Spencers every other day.
It is absolutely therapeutic for me!
Carrot cake or chocolate fudge cake?
Photo: Carrot cake
Definitely the carrot cake.
The carrot cake is moist and not too sweet.
The cream cheese topping is heavenly.
I wished it came with double the thickness of topping!
The chocolate cake is a tad dry. (You can return the cake to M&S, if you are not happy with the quality. How nice!)
