Well, I was told tonight I was to be in for a treat. Being 'Spring Festival' I was invited to the
'Master's' house. The Master, was/is a martial arts teacher for many years, of Chinese Wrestling and is famous worldwide, with scores of students and even grand-students (children of past pupils) under his belt.
Taken into the heart of the older districts of Beijing, I was brought to the Master's home. Set in
an old courtyard complex, built around 1950, it is not one of the traditional courtyards but similar to any of those built in the 1930 - 50 both in Israel, England and Europe. Once a community complex, now more so each family to themselves. The appartments are not very
large and it is quite common for the landing to be used as an overflow for cupboard/closet or even a safe (extremely large) space. The furnishings are old fashioned, but the toilet modern, monies not being wasted on new fangled appliances or furniture. Everything is functional and simple.
Even though I know that there are many poor families and people living in China in very harsh
conditions, I did not find this house poor, to the contrary, I found it rich in values; the walls
decorated with Chinese proverbs and wishes, as well as a number of sepia pictures taken 50
or more years ago, set in another era. The master reminded me of the ultra orthodox jewish men, who when there is a Sabbath meal or festival, dress up in a special silk black coat, but when the meal is served, change to a more simple version. This is what the master did, he had been wearing a beautifully tailored royal blue brocade jacket and now changed into a more simple wrap over for the meal.
The meal set around a wooden table, was surrounded by upholstered chairs and a bed serving
as a bench. Small flowered bowls and long chop sticks were placed in front of us and an assort-ment of wine glasses. A bottle of red wine was produced and the red liquid poured freely into
our glasses. The table soon began to be laden with a wide assortment of dishes varying from
fish that was fried in rectangular pieces (much too bony for my taste) and a variety of vegetables
cooked in varying sauces; such as bean sprounts, egg plant, shredded potato and spring onions.
The delicacy of the meal was the large red radishes, that were to be dipped into a sweet stick
sauce and then munched enthusiastically. A large stew/soup was placed in the middle, which
contained large chunks of potato and meat. Each person helps themselves with their own chop sticks and the only serving spoon being for the stew. All eyes of course were on me and my ability to use the two sticks of woods, but after a month now in China, I am becoming a deft hand
at it. (The trick is to just take a look at what everyone else does and then to find your own
comfortable position of holding them).
A number of toasts are given, with everyone chinking their glasses, but they were delighted when I taught them the Hebrew word for 'cheers' which is 'L'Hayim' which means 'Life' and
kept repeating it delighting in its' sound and their ability to pronounce it. Rice was also offered,
whole bowlfuls of it being eaten as a desert to the meal. Only when everyone had enjoyed and
eaten their fill, did the cook, in this case one of the sons, take a bowl and eat his fill.
The meal over, our host put back on his royal blue coat, that he proudly told me had cost 800rmb, showing me the handiwork and frog fastenings that held it together in the front.
It was a delightful experience, full of hospitaliy and generosity - they all reminded me so much
of Israeli hosts or my own mother, constantly filling your plate without even asking, making sure
that you are completely satisfied. Upon leaving I was told that as I was so far away from my
own home, I should feel free to treat their home as my own and come any time. It was
truly a warm, generous and sincere offer. I shall look forward to my return visit.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Guccci in Beijing
Well, today I was taken to my first Mall. This particular Mall is called 'Shin Kong Place' and is
located between the 2nd and 3rd Ring Road. (Beijing is built around it's central square and
Fobrbidden City, around which there are ring roads, growing larger and larger, encasing the
entire city, up to the 5th ring road, where the Olympic Stadium is situated). This Mall is built
between a mixture of Harrods London and a French or Rome chic high street. Many a designer
name that you could think of including Gucci, Prada and many others are to be found here. There exclusive stores elegantly furnished, displaying their wares with utter elegance. The upper floors are more of the same, well known brand names displayed as in any elegant store
in the West.
Not able to do more than window shop, I enjoyed looking at the beautiful displays, for even
if I was able to afford such things, am not one who would enjoy spending my money on such
unecessary luxuries - I prefer the markets and even second hand stores, where a good bargain
can be found, that can be made to look original and having the knowledge and experience of a good hunt and paying a low price.
But it was to the basement that my attention turned. Here displayed for all to see, was a mini
food hall, I say mini in comparison to such as one to be found in Fortnum & Mason (London),
displaying meats, cheeses and more importantly chocolates!! Being a choco-holic, I could not
resist the tempting treats and stopped at the Belgian Chocolate counter, not asking the price, but
sure that they must compare favorably with the west, I told my colleague that we would taste
4 pieces, 2 each. After choosing the first 2, she warned me, after seeing the price advertised that
it may prove to be a little too expensive! So stopping at too, I asked for them to be weighed and
be told the price. The young woman's face was a picture, as she looked both astounded and
offended at more mere offerings, but nevertheless proceeded to weigh them.
To my horror, the price came to 55 rmb - this in shekels is around 22.50 and in pounds sterling
just under threee pounds!! To my shame and maybe credit, I hastily apologised and refused to take or pay for the two delicious looking chocolate pieces, but quickly shuffled away with my head bent in shame.
My friend, laughing at my anguish, proceeded to take me around the food hall, until finally we
fell upon a French Patisserie, here we found a delicious choux pastry, filled with fresh cream
and strawberries for only 10rmb (5nis - pounds: 1.25) which we bought and thoroughly
enjoyed! (I cant help dreaming about those chocolates though........).
located between the 2nd and 3rd Ring Road. (Beijing is built around it's central square and
Fobrbidden City, around which there are ring roads, growing larger and larger, encasing the
entire city, up to the 5th ring road, where the Olympic Stadium is situated). This Mall is built
between a mixture of Harrods London and a French or Rome chic high street. Many a designer
name that you could think of including Gucci, Prada and many others are to be found here. There exclusive stores elegantly furnished, displaying their wares with utter elegance. The upper floors are more of the same, well known brand names displayed as in any elegant store
in the West.
Not able to do more than window shop, I enjoyed looking at the beautiful displays, for even
if I was able to afford such things, am not one who would enjoy spending my money on such
unecessary luxuries - I prefer the markets and even second hand stores, where a good bargain
can be found, that can be made to look original and having the knowledge and experience of a good hunt and paying a low price.
But it was to the basement that my attention turned. Here displayed for all to see, was a mini
food hall, I say mini in comparison to such as one to be found in Fortnum & Mason (London),
displaying meats, cheeses and more importantly chocolates!! Being a choco-holic, I could not
resist the tempting treats and stopped at the Belgian Chocolate counter, not asking the price, but
sure that they must compare favorably with the west, I told my colleague that we would taste
4 pieces, 2 each. After choosing the first 2, she warned me, after seeing the price advertised that
it may prove to be a little too expensive! So stopping at too, I asked for them to be weighed and
be told the price. The young woman's face was a picture, as she looked both astounded and
offended at more mere offerings, but nevertheless proceeded to weigh them.
To my horror, the price came to 55 rmb - this in shekels is around 22.50 and in pounds sterling
just under threee pounds!! To my shame and maybe credit, I hastily apologised and refused to take or pay for the two delicious looking chocolate pieces, but quickly shuffled away with my head bent in shame.
My friend, laughing at my anguish, proceeded to take me around the food hall, until finally we
fell upon a French Patisserie, here we found a delicious choux pastry, filled with fresh cream
and strawberries for only 10rmb (5nis - pounds: 1.25) which we bought and thoroughly
enjoyed! (I cant help dreaming about those chocolates though........).
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Trials of moving in
As most of us 'appartment junkies' know, moving in has its own trials and tribulations even for the more seasoned of us. I have moved many an appartment, even though after every one I swear that I will not do it again, I always seem to do so. This time in a new country, city, culture... need I say more.
Morning came and the house was as warm as toast due to the central heating system that furnishes all the building, but to my surprise there was no electricity. As the grey light of the China sky sheds very little as by way of light, this proved to be a state of emergency. I vaguely remembered that my landlord had told me that I had to fill up the meter, that now seemed to be more hungry than a stray cat, but for those of us who are accustomed to receiving our bills on the doormat every two months, it came as quite a shock.
Rummaging around amongst my papers, I found a card that looked somewhat like a credit card, with the word electricity written on it in english. Armed with this in hand I remembered being told that the only bank that I could top the card up at was the Agricultural Bank which lucklily, one of their branches was a short walking distance from my house.
Upon entering the Bank I was greeted by a low murmer; people were seated in rows patiently awaiting their turn, talking in hushed voices, and watching the banners above the tellers work station flicker and change as their numbers were called.
A touch screen was located to the right of the entrance and with the use of sign language, mimicry and facial expressions, one of the buttons was pressed and a ticket with a number placed in my hand. (For all would be travellers, a short crash course in theatre is highly recommended, to enable you to lose all inhibitions and make a complete fool of yourself whilst trying to get the other party to understand what you need!!) Taking a seat, I now hoped that I would be able to understand when
my number was being called.
Unfortunately at this particular location, there is no loud speaker in english, all instructions are transfered in Chinese, but due to the changing numbers above the counters, I was able to determine when it was my turn.
Transaction completed, I returned home fully expecting to find my house restored to light. Upon discovering this was not so, I turned over the card and found an emergency number, not stopping to think if I would be able to communicate or not, I rang. To my luck there was an english answerphone that told me to replace the receiver and they would return my call. Not even being able to count to ten, as good as their word they did.
Following the careful instructions of the young lady patiently explaining what to do, I armed with chair over my arm, climed the flight of stairs outside my appartment and found my own personal meter.
You have to understand that there are some things in life I just dont do - such as running after buses or climbing chairs! But there seemed to be no choice for it, but to do so. Holding tightly onto the
window (irrelevant that I could have fallen out of it) I climbed up and inserted the card in the correct slot. Entering my appartment, still with the young lady on the line, I fully expected to find electricity, but no, I was recquired to do the whole procedure all over again, this time remembering to switch back to the upright positiion the emergency switch and low and behold as they say 'there was light!'.
I guarantee that from now on, I shall be topping up the offending box, monthly!
Monday, February 4, 2008
The move cont.....s
Upon arriving back at the appartment, I happily sauntered off the lift at floor no.3 and turned left. This is when disaster struck. For the life of me I could not remember where my appartment was. I climbed stairwell after stairwell looking for my door, they all looked alike and I was not about to leave my bags of shopping in this unknown rabbits' warren, so pulled and shoved it in front of and behind me, as I searched in vain for my home. In tears, after 20 minutes, I resolved myself to being unable to find it and phoned the ''agent'' in shame. After careful instructions, I turned right instead of left at the lift, down the corridor to the furthest staircase, up one and a half floors - and home!
After spending a restless night, the bed, a double, being as hard as rock, I decided to delve back
into the magazines and see where I had gone wrong. Advertised there under Supermarket/superstore was the French chain store ''Carrefour" - after having gone to the local
internet connection office, that was really close by, my knight put me into a taxi to the ''super''.
This kind of market I have not seen, even in London. As you enter, all entrances to stores in China are covered with heavy plastic sheeting or vinyl (maybe to keep out the cold) and one has to push it aside to enter. On entering there is a moving ramp, like an escalator that takes you to the next floor, in some supermarkets there are even three floors. You take your trolley or basket with you on the way and there need be no fear, for the electronic walkway locks the trolley and stops it from rolling backwards, unfortunately it does not offer the same service for you, but there is a handrail to hold on to for support. At the top, a gentleman that seems to be dressed as a security guard, helps your trolley (not you) off the escalator and guides you into the store.
Here it is very much like a large Tesco, where they sell everything from underwear to a pencil.
Walking through the aisles slowly, I began to fill my trolley. If you are a careful and not too fussy a shopper, you are able to find here everything for the cheapest of prices, cheaper than the
other two places I had visited yesterday. A chair for 20rmb (10nis) just over $2 or just over one pound (sterling), a kettle for 16nis (2 pounds or $4) etc..... At this price it is possible to leave it all behind to make it easier or more comfortable for the next tenant.
Chop sticks or course, but also a normal cutlery set other odds and ends and down to the supermarket to stock up on food. For those of you who are worried that you are not used to the Chinese cuisine, I promise you that there is food of all kinds to be found. Firstly cakes and candies, the chinese have a very sweet tooth, sugar still comes in lumps here, something that took me back to tea at my grandparents house. Cereals, tinned foods, meats, fish all that
you could wish for. I myself do not eat sea food and found the display not so terrible and quite
easy to avert ones eyes. Yoghurt is sweet, even when plain and white cheese impossible to find
unless imported.
Vegetables are plentiful, but the cheapest and nicest are the courgettes, broccoli and celery!
Now with trolley overflowing it was time to make my way home, with my goodies and home comforts. Unbelievable how cheap I was able to shop and just to give an example - decorative
cushions 10rmb (5nis, one pound 20p, $2.5) a large box of corn flakes, an unknown brand to me at 12nis (24rmb, $3, one pound fifty pence) - if you know how to shop and live as a native, things are inexpensive; that is the secret, to live as a native.
Well almost, tonight I paid the taxi an extra fare to help me up the stairs to home!! Í will be a ''Beijinger" tomorrow.
After spending a restless night, the bed, a double, being as hard as rock, I decided to delve back
into the magazines and see where I had gone wrong. Advertised there under Supermarket/superstore was the French chain store ''Carrefour" - after having gone to the local
internet connection office, that was really close by, my knight put me into a taxi to the ''super''.
This kind of market I have not seen, even in London. As you enter, all entrances to stores in China are covered with heavy plastic sheeting or vinyl (maybe to keep out the cold) and one has to push it aside to enter. On entering there is a moving ramp, like an escalator that takes you to the next floor, in some supermarkets there are even three floors. You take your trolley or basket with you on the way and there need be no fear, for the electronic walkway locks the trolley and stops it from rolling backwards, unfortunately it does not offer the same service for you, but there is a handrail to hold on to for support. At the top, a gentleman that seems to be dressed as a security guard, helps your trolley (not you) off the escalator and guides you into the store.
Here it is very much like a large Tesco, where they sell everything from underwear to a pencil.
Walking through the aisles slowly, I began to fill my trolley. If you are a careful and not too fussy a shopper, you are able to find here everything for the cheapest of prices, cheaper than the
other two places I had visited yesterday. A chair for 20rmb (10nis) just over $2 or just over one pound (sterling), a kettle for 16nis (2 pounds or $4) etc..... At this price it is possible to leave it all behind to make it easier or more comfortable for the next tenant.
Chop sticks or course, but also a normal cutlery set other odds and ends and down to the supermarket to stock up on food. For those of you who are worried that you are not used to the Chinese cuisine, I promise you that there is food of all kinds to be found. Firstly cakes and candies, the chinese have a very sweet tooth, sugar still comes in lumps here, something that took me back to tea at my grandparents house. Cereals, tinned foods, meats, fish all that
you could wish for. I myself do not eat sea food and found the display not so terrible and quite
easy to avert ones eyes. Yoghurt is sweet, even when plain and white cheese impossible to find
unless imported.
Vegetables are plentiful, but the cheapest and nicest are the courgettes, broccoli and celery!
Now with trolley overflowing it was time to make my way home, with my goodies and home comforts. Unbelievable how cheap I was able to shop and just to give an example - decorative
cushions 10rmb (5nis, one pound 20p, $2.5) a large box of corn flakes, an unknown brand to me at 12nis (24rmb, $3, one pound fifty pence) - if you know how to shop and live as a native, things are inexpensive; that is the secret, to live as a native.
Well almost, tonight I paid the taxi an extra fare to help me up the stairs to home!! Í will be a ''Beijinger" tomorrow.
Moving in day
Well, today was the big day. Time to move out of the nice business hotel that I had been treated to by a friend and for the new life to begin. This as you can imagine was tinged with a litte nervousness of the unknown, a lack of any Chinese vocabulary and a large stint of optomism.
Taking down my 45kg luggage was not a problem for the hotel porter, but you should of seen the
face of the taxi driver when he realised he was expected to lift it into the baggage. As far as he was concerned, by luggage could have dropped on the roadside, because under no circumstances
was he willing to strain himself by turning it around that it would fit comfortably in sideways. So with the suitcase ''butt'' sticking out and the bonnet flopping, large extra handluggage taking up
most of the back seat, we set off on our way without a backward glance. Of course a lingering look at western civilisation would have been expected, but with a big bag bouncing in the back blocking my view, a little uncomfortable.
Upon arrival at my new home, I was greeted by my volunteer ''agent''. Agents are a normal side of renting if you are a foreigner in China, but I was lucky when mine turned out to be a family friend of the owners and no extra cost charged. This knight in shining armor that lives close by, had opted to help me with my offending suitcase. For sure he had not bargained for the sheer size and weight of it, as well as the flights of stairs it had to be lugged over. But, a charmer he proved to be, even when mopping his brow and expressing a sigh of relief that we had made it, he didnt cease to smile.
Now in, I could inspect my quarters. A simple factor that I had not taken into consideration when bringing with me a blanket, towels, sheets, cuddly toys (scooby, hippo and blue elephant all presents and memories of the past) that of course could not be left behind, plus a small travelling kettle - I had overlooked the fact that I had now nothing to eat with or on!
Browsing/searching earnestly through the magazines that seem to be for free in English for ex-pats at our centre, I saw a number of familiar names that would serve as possibilies for shopping.
Walmart and Ikea were two of them, so armed with list I set out on my expedition.
Disappointment can hit you hard. Not being an american, I am unaware of what Walmart looks like in the States, but to me here in Beijing it looked like an out of place department store, that
had a ring of the west with eastern undertones. I found the prices not in the least competitive, so much for their famous ''we try to be the cheapest"...... or something like that, that would be
an impossibility in China and as for Ikea, I think they were giving it away and someone forgot to
tell me how to get it for free!!
So, disappointingly I returned home with ''bits and bobs'' that would have helped if I had had food to put in the storage containers, or my kettle would have fitted into the socket, but I now
did have a cushion or two for where to put my very weary head.
Taking down my 45kg luggage was not a problem for the hotel porter, but you should of seen the
face of the taxi driver when he realised he was expected to lift it into the baggage. As far as he was concerned, by luggage could have dropped on the roadside, because under no circumstances
was he willing to strain himself by turning it around that it would fit comfortably in sideways. So with the suitcase ''butt'' sticking out and the bonnet flopping, large extra handluggage taking up
most of the back seat, we set off on our way without a backward glance. Of course a lingering look at western civilisation would have been expected, but with a big bag bouncing in the back blocking my view, a little uncomfortable.
Upon arrival at my new home, I was greeted by my volunteer ''agent''. Agents are a normal side of renting if you are a foreigner in China, but I was lucky when mine turned out to be a family friend of the owners and no extra cost charged. This knight in shining armor that lives close by, had opted to help me with my offending suitcase. For sure he had not bargained for the sheer size and weight of it, as well as the flights of stairs it had to be lugged over. But, a charmer he proved to be, even when mopping his brow and expressing a sigh of relief that we had made it, he didnt cease to smile.
Now in, I could inspect my quarters. A simple factor that I had not taken into consideration when bringing with me a blanket, towels, sheets, cuddly toys (scooby, hippo and blue elephant all presents and memories of the past) that of course could not be left behind, plus a small travelling kettle - I had overlooked the fact that I had now nothing to eat with or on!
Browsing/searching earnestly through the magazines that seem to be for free in English for ex-pats at our centre, I saw a number of familiar names that would serve as possibilies for shopping.
Walmart and Ikea were two of them, so armed with list I set out on my expedition.
Disappointment can hit you hard. Not being an american, I am unaware of what Walmart looks like in the States, but to me here in Beijing it looked like an out of place department store, that
had a ring of the west with eastern undertones. I found the prices not in the least competitive, so much for their famous ''we try to be the cheapest"...... or something like that, that would be
an impossibility in China and as for Ikea, I think they were giving it away and someone forgot to
tell me how to get it for free!!
So, disappointingly I returned home with ''bits and bobs'' that would have helped if I had had food to put in the storage containers, or my kettle would have fitted into the socket, but I now
did have a cushion or two for where to put my very weary head.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Finding an appartment
Well the most important order of business was to find an appartment. As in most countries of the world today, this can be done quite easily with the help of the internet. There are generally
listings in the native language and then again in English for ex-pats. Of course as we all well know for the non native speakers the prices are generally higher, but hopefully the accomodation a little more to the western taste.
A few tips I was warned of before I began. Firstly make sure that the landlord will be willing to
come with you to the police station to register your residency. Second, it is standard practice in Beijiing to pay three-six months rent in advance plus the usual deposit of one month held in guarantee of misuse, non payment etc.. Agents fees are also common, one month extra to be paid if you should use an agent and of course whether the appartment faces east, west, north, south - as to the coolness of the flat.
What I have found the most difficult in the first days was the pollution, being now told that it is
common for westerners to be sick (cold, cough, flu) in the first week as you become (unfortunately) to the smog and pollution. A humidifier is a must, or air cleaner that looks something like an air conditioner. Having tried the public toilets and discovering a basin like you find in your shower tray, a normal wc was a must. There are generally no showere trays in the
lower priced appartments or stop for the water flowing out of the door, but this is common here.
So, to look. I sat on the internent making list upon list. Priority was at first distance, then price and of course the state of the appartment. My budget was limited as I had now to remember that I would be living off their currency and not us dollars! Another factor for me was not to have to pay agents fees if possible ,as this would push up my budget to the limit. I had only come with a small amount and this had to stretch till pay day.
Coming at this time of year was not the best, as before the holiday the general public is either
getting ready to travel back home ot wanting to save their funds for presents and entertaining.
This means that the wages too would be smaller than necessary to live comfortably, save and send some back home - whatever was necessary at the time.
In the end, believe it or not, after having made a number of appointments, that included also sharing, I chose the first!! The building itself is located opposite a gym that is to be used during the olympics, so I had to make sure that the contract would be tight (in case they would become
one of the natives willing to rent out their property during the games). Another point was those
listed above. The premises on the outside look like most chinese residences and the interior a little crummy. There is a security lock on the outside door and some sore of guard/warden who sits in a little office at the entrance of the compound.
The public toilet is just outside the compoud gates and although this may sound negative, has actual positive elements. There is a constant stream of people in case of danger; most of the gentlement that make use of this facility are taxi drivers, convenient when you are in a hurry.
As you step into the building the light does not always come on automatically and you have to stamp your foot for it to light up. The floors go every third number, so your appartment is set in between the floors, you can either climb up or down depending on your stamina ability.
The appartment itself was in good condition. Centrally heated, air condition, all facilities, a normal toilet and shower that spills all over. It was not too small and of course the deciding factor, someone else was interested in it too - so I took it! What happened next, I'll tell you later.
listings in the native language and then again in English for ex-pats. Of course as we all well know for the non native speakers the prices are generally higher, but hopefully the accomodation a little more to the western taste.
A few tips I was warned of before I began. Firstly make sure that the landlord will be willing to
come with you to the police station to register your residency. Second, it is standard practice in Beijiing to pay three-six months rent in advance plus the usual deposit of one month held in guarantee of misuse, non payment etc.. Agents fees are also common, one month extra to be paid if you should use an agent and of course whether the appartment faces east, west, north, south - as to the coolness of the flat.
What I have found the most difficult in the first days was the pollution, being now told that it is
common for westerners to be sick (cold, cough, flu) in the first week as you become (unfortunately) to the smog and pollution. A humidifier is a must, or air cleaner that looks something like an air conditioner. Having tried the public toilets and discovering a basin like you find in your shower tray, a normal wc was a must. There are generally no showere trays in the
lower priced appartments or stop for the water flowing out of the door, but this is common here.
So, to look. I sat on the internent making list upon list. Priority was at first distance, then price and of course the state of the appartment. My budget was limited as I had now to remember that I would be living off their currency and not us dollars! Another factor for me was not to have to pay agents fees if possible ,as this would push up my budget to the limit. I had only come with a small amount and this had to stretch till pay day.
Coming at this time of year was not the best, as before the holiday the general public is either
getting ready to travel back home ot wanting to save their funds for presents and entertaining.
This means that the wages too would be smaller than necessary to live comfortably, save and send some back home - whatever was necessary at the time.
In the end, believe it or not, after having made a number of appointments, that included also sharing, I chose the first!! The building itself is located opposite a gym that is to be used during the olympics, so I had to make sure that the contract would be tight (in case they would become
one of the natives willing to rent out their property during the games). Another point was those
listed above. The premises on the outside look like most chinese residences and the interior a little crummy. There is a security lock on the outside door and some sore of guard/warden who sits in a little office at the entrance of the compound.
The public toilet is just outside the compoud gates and although this may sound negative, has actual positive elements. There is a constant stream of people in case of danger; most of the gentlement that make use of this facility are taxi drivers, convenient when you are in a hurry.
As you step into the building the light does not always come on automatically and you have to stamp your foot for it to light up. The floors go every third number, so your appartment is set in between the floors, you can either climb up or down depending on your stamina ability.
The appartment itself was in good condition. Centrally heated, air condition, all facilities, a normal toilet and shower that spills all over. It was not too small and of course the deciding factor, someone else was interested in it too - so I took it! What happened next, I'll tell you later.
Friday, February 1, 2008
First Cultural Impressions
Kareeoke is a national favorite leisure activity of the Chinese people, nothing like the style back home where you go to a large pub and everyone has a chance to sing, but more of a private affair consisting of one to a party affair, held in private rooms. Pubs, restaurants or coffee hangouts will double up in the evening to host small to large private rooms, encased with the most up to date
equipment, songs of every kind and in all languages available for your use. Dinner is provided at
cost, from the simple snack to the full 'do' - prices will vary according to day, availability, size of party etc..
A close second is Poker, this is played by men and women alike and poker clubs are as common
as Bridge clubs in the rest of the world, in fact the Bridge club that I did find specializes in teaching Chinese!
The next popular activity is not table tennis as we are always led to believe, that may be found in the poorer localities, as a basketball court or football pitch is to the rest of the world, or at a recreation centre - a form of Chinese Chequers, complicated and intricate is taught from almost babyhood and played by all ages (not Chess).
Rice as I have always understood is not the stable diet for all of China, but more for those in the
South. In Northern China noodles is the name of the game. A large bowl of noodles, varying in size
from skinny to large, long fat versions is the stable diet of all, how they stay so skinny can only be put down to a different metabolism! If rice is served at the meal, it will be as an accompaniment
and not the main dish. Brown rice, or stir-fry is considered an expense and not chosen by the locals unless a large party is partaking in the meal.
Meat, duck, pork or chicken courses are served as an extra and shared between all, this both keeps down the cost and allows for greater variety. Each particiapant is given a small bowl plus chopsticks and a spoon in the dish keeps down the transfer of germs from plate to plate. Eating at a local hangout is hot, crowded and noisy, you will probably be the only westerner sitting there and a point of curiosity as they watch you handling your chopsticks, or in my case losing more between the sticks than what entered my mouth (unfortunately not doing any difference at present to the state of my shape), but cheap is the word!! A meal of noodles, rice and dumplings (which I shall talk
about in a moment) will cost (no tips given) around 3.50 sterling, 24nis or $5.
Dumplings, what a Jewish Eastern European mother would call 'kreplach' are a pastry made of flour, rolled out thinly and enveloped over meat or vegetables. They are then boiled and served in a basket woven steamer of two layers with soya or spicy sauce. These are the national diet and though cheap, not to my taste.
A version of these dumplings known as Dim Sum, are bought for breakfast at either the local 7 - 11 store or stand on the street, or hole in the window of the local restaurant establishment. Bought in quantities of 1 - 3, they are sold in plastic nylon bags or paper cups, with a spoon or two of soup added if so wished. They are so inexpensive that no one seems to bring them from home, but a constant stream of people are seen buying them on their way to work.
Egg rolls if served are part of the main course and corn, sweet and sour, won ton soup is a meal on its own and not served often. It was more of a case of 'what's that' when asked for. Contrary to
all TV programmes that show the people eating all kinds of sea food, here in the north it is considered expensive and bought in the better class restaurants.
Well, now that hopefully I have made you hungry to go out and buy your local traditional so called chinese food, enjoy and more tomorrow.
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