Back on the Path

First post in a while, finally feel settled enough to comment on life in China.

Shenyang is an amazing little city, and although it's considered a second-tier city in China standards, it's massive in its scope and size. I've explored only parts of the city so far, but I do feel that I have a better understanding of its ins and outs. After two years, I hope to be a master!

Today was my third time to the Wu'Ai Market 无爱市场, a very successful shopping trip. Wu'Ai works like any wholesale market in China, where goods are cheap and must be bargained for. I went with a few items in mind (I had actually made a list to keep myself on track) and got most of them. The two biggest purchases were sturdy brown boots and a warm mid-length coat. The boots were my first purchase of the day, when my bargaining skills were not up to par. I'm sure I could have gotten them for cheaper, but I'm pretty satisfied with a pair of leather riding boots, lined with fur, for about 168元 (~26US$). The coat was my last purchase, and by that time, I had perfected my pout and my confidence in expressing my opinion (tai gui le!). The coat is tan wool, and it has a beautiful fur trim around the neck. The size cracked me up (the ladies fit me in an XXXL) but at least I got it at a huge discount for 190元 (~30US$). Pictures soon to come.

I met the BFF & the husband at Zhong Jie 中街, another shopping avenue east of the market for some hearty dumplings at Laobian Jiaozi Guan 老边饺子馆. Unfortunately, my Chinese speaking skills were not up to par, and we started off pretty rough with ordering some gelatinous items (which we later learned was "frozen skin" -- yum!). But in the end, the BFF successfully ordered us three kinds of jiaozi: beef, pork with celery?, pork with parsley. Scrumptious! I do think dumplings will be the end of me, or at least the end of my figure!

Will try to keep updating daily. Here's for my new year's resolution!