Quick post but I need to share.  I have talked about the pottery place here in the ‘Kou before, but today we found the secret room!  I found a ton of name brand stuff, like Rachel Ray.  I ended up buying several items for 147RMB… roughly $23US.  The Rachel Ray piece with the lid retails for about $50.00 (I looked it up).  I am attaching some photos so you can see for yourself.  This is one of those times that I wish I had a portal so I could bring all of my family and friends to get these amazing…

Just booked my ticket for Vietnam for about one week over the Christmas holiday with my Asia BFF Jen and her family.  Super, super excited!

Although situations can be good, bad, or ugly, there is something to the old saying that life is what you make it. On Friday, there was a party for one of the girls that I blogged about as not being particularly nice to me and a big part of me didn’t want to go… but there was another part of me that did want to go.  It sounded like fun.  And she is also the type of person who brings the party, which is well, fun. And when I say there isn’t a lot to do here; I am not…

I am enchanted with Istanbul. Coming from a place that literally tears down or throws out any thing in the name of progress, to a city that revels in it’s rich history, I am memorized.  From a grey enclave to a landscape littered with the divine, I am sold. Okay, the traffic is a nightmare in Istanbul; I can’t lie.  It makes going up the 5 in Los Angeles a bit of a cakewalk really.  And I know for a fact that the Grand Bizarre slick Willy did not ‘make me the best price possible,’ but I really love what…

I have been working like CRAZY lately… if it isn’t report cards it’s some sort of parent meeting or team brainstorming session about writing next trimester.  I know, wah, wah, wah… But my point is, I haven’t even had a minute to think about Istanbul and I leave this Saturday.  Me, Miss Make a List and Check it Twice traveler doesn’t even know what she will wear on the plane (which is something more people should consider, college hoodies or sweats with ‘Juicy’ on the rear don’t count as travel wear – I don’t care how many hours you are…

Living in China is great because you can get pretty much anything delivered.  But like most things, there is a trick to it.  Take for instance the delivery of my beautiful armoire. The warehouse where I bought my new love doesn’t deliver – they contract that part out.  About an hour after paying, the owner calls up the delivery guy and they tell us it will be delivered tomorrow (Sunday).  It’s a perfect excuse for me to stay home and just veg. Great, right?  Well, hold on.  On Sunday, the call never comes; the truck never gets to my place…

Shopping or I should say, bargaining in China takes practice.  The last time I went to Zhuhai, I wasn’t sure what a good price for something was. I mean, as soon as I walk into a store, being a Westerner, the prices go up by half (or at least it feels like that sometimes).  It helps to have a good background on what things should cost, what you are willing to pay, and what you are willing to walk away from. Plus, you always hear the stories of people saying, I only paid 50RMB for some marvelous cabinet… like I…

My parents know how to throw a party. Anyone who is invited to my parent’s for any type of fiesta, understands that they are in for a treat. Their house is very warm and welcoming and the food… well the food is always fantastic and even a bit unexpected at times. Plus, any type of dessert is ridiculously heavenly. So like any offspring of an artist, I have learned from the greats. If you read this blog on a consistent basis, you may have noticed that I complain a bit about the social scene around here – so yes, Baby…

So I started up my Chinese lessons again. I feel that if I don’t do this, I am really wasting a good opportunity. Plus, I feel much more a part of China when I can speak the language. I was feeling all good about myself after my first session back, so I head down to Old Shekou to pick up some things… I go to the frame shop and in English the lady tells me, “Two day.” And with all the confidence in the world I say back to her, ‘Xing qi wu ma?’ which essentially means Friday, yes? and…

I stayed over in Hong Kong last night. My friend had a conference so it was a free hotel room for Claire!  I hadn’t been back to the Konger since before summer break but I have to tell you, it’s like riding a bike.  I had no problems finding my way around the city and even pushed my way out of crowded metro cars several times.  I was all over it.  I even found some 120 film to go with my vintage camera – yeah me! Walking around the alleyways of Central is a great way to see Hong Kong… away…