Written by Mom:
What is your first impression of Shenyang?
Wow...when you leave the airport in Shenyang, it feels slightly like a war zone. Dusty, concrete, almost like, well, a war zone or deserted apocalypse movies you've seen. Then, as you approach the city, you see the overwhelming amount of new construction. Huge skyscrapers, like the Miami real estate boom. Only it's not Miami. Ca told us about the Chinese love for festive, gaudy lighting...you have to see it to believe it! Twinkling lights, almost like Christmas overload, are EVERYWHERE. And it stays that way all year long. Vibrant blues and pinks, crazy neon colors everywhere. In the trees, on the buildings, wow. It's a really large city, but you can not tell that by looking out the window. I suppose it's the air that limits your view to the distance, kind of foggy all the time.
We noticed right away that we really were the oddity and that's an interesting feeling. People do stare at you, but in a friendly way. We had more than a few occasions when complete strangers would come over and start chatting! No care on their part that we were staring at them like deer in the headlights. I was mistaken for a Russian, but I suppose there are a lot of Russians here. Having a Shenyangese man speaking Russian to you in the North Market is kind of fun! It was good to have the knowledge to be able to answer back.
The market is something to see! Amazing fish and aquarium supplies, then upstairs to the jewelry. Man, if Beijing is better, you better pull out your wallet!!! Amazing amber, jade of all colors, white, red, and of course, green. Pink Opals. Love, love, love. Pottery, beautiful scrolls on and on and on. We're holding up on the shopping because a little bird told us there is MORE in Beijing. I am loving it.
What has been your favorite dish so far?
That is hard to say...the dumpling place was amayyyzzing. Everything there was to die for. Probably best was this combo of eggplant wrapped around a small slice of beef and then dipped in batter and fried lightly like tempura! (oh yeah, with the little shrimps in it too!) AND the broccoli / carrot stir fry. Now I see what the Chinese restaurants at home are trying to represent! and it is darn good. Best of all, we ate like kings and spent a total of +/- $20 for everybody. Crazy!
How does it feel to be an American in Shenyang?
I felt different, and we clearly were seen that way. That's a new feeling for me! People were so friendly, and curious to talk to us, or try their English. The faces were always smiling, even if not a word was understood. For certain you realize that the high end life pictured in Shanghai or Beijing is not exactly the norm in Shenyang. We are so fortunate to live as we do. I think we really take our material life for granted. The things we consider "normal" are considered luxuries in a lot of the world. Hanging out with the FS people too makes one aware of the great people, great smarts, and great ambition these folks have. They really are the best and represent the US in such a wonderful way. I'm proud of my country and always feel it more when I'm out of it.
Full day #1 and we are really pleased to see where Ca lives and works. It is truly what she said - "the real China." Wouldn't miss a minute.
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