Shoes and Tattoos

On August 11, 2014August 11, 2014 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, China, Shanghai, Travel1 Comment

Last summer, Thom and I started a new tradition for our wedding anniversary gift –Shoes & Tattoos. We both love a nice pair of shoes and thus own way too many of them plus we had never gotten tattoos. So, off we went to buy gorgeous shoes and then went under the needle to get inked by a Seattle tattoo artist. Did it hurt? HELL. YES. But, as we are crazy adventuresome folk who love creating special moments not to be forgotten, we loved our new tradition. Our kids both thought we were crazy but reacted differently–Hannah asked, “Who ARE you people?” and James got himself a large Celtic cross inked on his upper arm. Love them both!

For my first and only tat, I got a cute little Chinese symbol for happiness in a non-public place and Thom got a big ass Tardis on his upper arm. Yes, he’s a Dr. Who geek. While he is considering adding on to his artwork with 9 planets, etc. circling his Tardis (he’s in a science fiction phase), I have advised against getting a tat in China. All kinds of concerns and red flags are flying about cleanliness and needles/ink being injected into your body, etc. However, he won’t listen (do men ever??) and it’s his body so I’ve said my piece and now will get to tell him “I TOLD YOU SO!” when his limbs drop off his body if he proceeds. Make your choice, Thom.

Having two different size feet is great excuse for custom boots!

Fast forward a year to our anniversary just passed and we are now in China not Seattle. This year, I’m sticking to the much safer tradition of just cool shoes for our 26th wedding anniversary gift. When in China, DON’T get a tat but DO get custom made shoes—less chance of dying. After many recommendations from online sources and locals expats, we went to YanYe in the former French Concession area. After a previous trip, I was all set on a buttery tan leather ankle boot with red accents. I got to select the leather, designed the style using several different models and picked the red accent pieces. SHOE HEAVEN!

“Your right foot is bigger than your left foot!” Who knew?? Obviously, Mr. Zhao knows after his careful measuring. It takes 3-4 weeks including a second fitting to get custom shoes just right. I can’t wait to see how my unique boots turn out. Here’s hoping I love my creation because at $250 US, I’ll be wearing them for the rest of my life. While I wait for my special shoes to be created, Thom will ponder his tattoo design and decide whether or not to go under the needle.

JUST SAY NO! Shoes are a fashion statement but a tattoo is forever.

Daily Craziness That Is Life in China

On August 10, 2014August 10, 2014 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, China, Shanghai, Travel, Uncategorized1 Comment

I enjoy the daily craziness that is living in China. Always something new to see and experience. This past week my commute has been upgraded to walking to/from work vs. taking the subway. Hallelujah! Of course, it’s 90+ degree with 110% humidity daily so by the time I arrive, I am soaked but still, it’s nice not to be crammed into an underground tube with millions of coughing strangers. At least on the street, the DNA being spit out has room to expand and a chance to blow away if I’m lucky enough to enjoy a breeze. Now, I usually embrace public transportation as easy and cheap but enjoy it not being a daily necessity. This past week when we were in Hong Kong, we travelled by subway and enjoyed the clean, well marked and lovely lime colored ambience.

My fellow walking commuters crack me up. Several times I have seen ladies of a more seasoned age walking backwards down the sidewalk. Now, are they just crazy or is there a reason for this awkward commuting behavior? I’ve researched online and many opinions exist including that the Chinese believe that walking backwards is good for the brain and stops memory loss and also that it improves your balance. Thom believe that these lovely ladies I see think walking backwards is like going in reverse in a car and rolling back the odometer— acting like a time machine, you can easily take years off your life! Of course, it could just be as simple as: WHY NOT? Makes perfect sense to me.

The stories just rolled in this week of odd behavior that people wanted to share. A friend visiting from the U.S. just had to tell me about his “shocking” experience in the public bathroom. Standing at the urinal, the dude next to him dropped his pants and proceeded to do his thing buck naked from the waist down. Again, WHY NOT? When I told Thom this story, he one upped it by telling me his story of odd public bathroom behavior. He was using the facilities when in walked a gent who proceeded to not only drop his pants to use the urinal but then proceeded to waddle over, pants pooled at his feet, and wash his junk in the sink. Needless to say, Thom made the wise choice to use hand sanitizer vs. waiting to use that sink to wash up. Smart man!

Now, some of you may be just dying to know more about the local slant on why you should poop more often so I am sharing the article I read this week that is just hysterical and comes with handy tips–read on if you dare:

http://www.cityweekend.com.cn/shanghai/blog/health-matters-poop-yourself-happy/

For those of you who might just want a quick quip from the article, here is a snapshot, “..Chinese fruit stalls also sell fancy gift boxes of fruit. So while your colleagues may have thought that when you bought your angry supervisor a box of pears you were pai ma pi (kissing ass), what you’re really doing is making the workplace better by helping your boss be a little less full of shit.”. The author makes a good case for the perfect gift for all–fruit, fruit and more fruit!

Who knows what craziness will greet me this week as I walk down the street on my morning commute??

Looking forward to the unexpected and the crazy as I relish the adventure of living in China. Now, I’m off to buy some pears.

Fortune Telling at Temple Street Night Market

On August 5, 2014 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, China, Hong Kong, Trips outside ShanghaiLeave a comment

Temple Street Night Market in Kowloon is known for fake everything and fortune tellers. Since I have already got all the fake stuff I could ever want from the excellent markets in Beijing and Shanghai, we wandered through the stalls very quickly. The “Don’t Fart In the Room” and other tacky crap held no appeal for any of us so we just kept on walking. Crossing over into the dark backstreets behind the market, the fortune tellers were lined up touting their services. English speaker? No problem.

There had to be 20 or so fortune tellers lined up with outdoor singing booths across the aisle providing boisterous ambience. We walked by the gents and ladies initially with Thom scoffing at their trade but I decided to do the “when in Rome” thing and picked the gal who looked the most professional. After settling on a 150HK$ palm reading, I literally put myself in her hands, squatted on my plastic stool and let her have a go at it.

Fearless and Lucky I am according to my FT

The left hand, she told me, represents my life under age 30 and the right hand over 30. Immediately she showed me my health line which is the arcing prominent line nearest my thumb. Very healthy indeed! Check and check! She knew that I am a great adventurer (probably because I’m sitting in a dark alley in Kowloon!) and will fearlessly try anything. I have a good human nature but can tell the bad guys from the good guys, which is always a valuable trait. No fooling this lady! My lucky line was strong for both hands. Maybe I can fit in a quick gambling trip to Macau after all??

She continued seriously with very wise advice that could apply to all males–my man is not perfect so ease up on him. Really? Also, he doesn’t have a clue what to buy me for presents so just tell him and everyone will be happier. Hallelujah, sister! She kept repeating that there had only been two significant men in my life, which would be Thom, of course, and my first husband who died at 23. My FT (fortune teller) was impressed with my long life line–they do live long in my family but saw some troubling smaller lines indicating that I need to let things go and be happy more. Ain’t that the truth! That must have been the Perfectionist, People Pleaser and Overachiever lines etched deeply into my palms. She could tell I was very successful in all that I do (I wish!) but helped other people be successful too. I try! Final parting advice-she warned me not to lend money to others because I would never get it back. Duh! Bank of Melinda is now closed.

So many lines, so many details of life in the hands

Overall, my under 30 hand lines are much less pronounced than my over 30 hand. This confirms what I already knew–that I am seizing the day with my over 30 life and enjoying great adventures with Thom while we can! So today we are off to the Big Buddha to pray for contentment and lucky lottery numbers so that we can continue to keep experiencing these awesome travel moments. Big Buddha, brace yourself! The Georges are Coming!

Sea Kayaking off Cheung Chau Island

On August 4, 2014 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, China, Hong Kong, TravelLeave a comment

KEEP AWAY FROM SHARK PREVENTION NET. Okay, so if I had seen this beach sign BEFORE I ventured into the China Sea, OUTSIDE the shark prevention net guarding the beachgoers, to kayak off the island of Cheung Chua, I may have offered to stay behind to guard the backpacks and drink cold beverages. Instead, embracing the “you only live once” motto, I jumped in and off we went with Thom paddling my ass around the rocky shoreline of this charming little fishing island. Okay, I paddled a little but he did most of the work, True love, folks!

Taking off from Cheung Chua Island to Hong Kong via the Fast Ferry

We took the slow ferry (vs. the fast ferry that was the other option) from Hong Kong to Cheung Chua with hundreds of other locals. After paying our $3US for the ride, we took some seats on the upper deck, always the best position for a quick exit strategy in case of ship accidents which have been happening frequently over here, and, after locating the traditional hammer on the window to be used in case of emergencies, off we went. The many families on board were playing cards, eating ramen and enjoying themselves immensely. It’s Beach Day!

On the way over, we saw the Fast Boat quickly pass us as well as a fancy hydrofoil that looked too cool. We found out later that it goes to Macau–not going to make it there this trip but maybe next time. I hear Macau is very fancy and intense–gambling there is a business, though, and not fun like Vegas.

Cheung Chua, famous for their Annual Bun Festival, is quite small and totally devoid of cars, with bikes as the main transportation though you can walk around the island in a few hours. There are motorized carts for business purposes and we did see an ambulance screaming through the narrow streets. Other than that it was blissfully silent of traffic. The mature ladies even had training wheels on their bikes to keep them steady. How cute! The beach is a quick walk across the island from the harbor. Of course, we didn’t quite know where we were going, as usual, but we kept on walking and found a deserted beach with a shack renting kayaks. Bingo! No silly safety instructions or liability paperwork needed here. A quick and painless, if unsafe, process.

At least they had life jackets-no safety lecture or liability paperwork though!

We paid our $80HK/$150HK for our single/double kayaks and started paddling. After seeing a rather large jelly fish float by, I concentrated harder on staying in the sit atop style kayak, praying I would not somehow tip us over. Could I out swim the ocean creatures that could sting, eat or maim me? Well, maybe but I could definitely out swim Thom so all was good. Just kidding!

Sunburnt and hot as Hell, we caught the Fast Boat home and took naps. We’re off to Kowloon tonight to the night markets, taking yet another ferry across the harbor. You know I love dodging boats in a busy harbor at night with no lights, right??? Where’s the hammer and the exit??? You only live once and there are more adventures to be had in Hong Kong. Off we go!

Hong Kong Sunday

On August 3, 2014 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, China, Hong Kong, Travel, Trips outside ShanghaiLeave a comment

Drinking wine, cooking somehow in plastic bags large pots of delicious smelling food, these women were obviously celebrating something. The lovely ladies were wearing ceremonial brightly colored costumes and enjoying themselves thoroughly. What’s going on in Hong Kong today?

Indonesian ladies celebrating in Victoria Park

A street vendor who had costumes to try on for picture taking told us that it was Indonesia New Year this week. I researched this but couldn’t confirm his information. No matter, there was some partying going on–we’re talking thousands of women giving each other manicures, singing and smiling. What a joy it is to immerse yourself in a local culture by walking through the local parks. The few brave men who were jogging through the park were looking around in amusement at their minority status. Better run fast, gents, these ladies outnumber you 1,000 to 1 and some might need husbands!

After wandering the park, we sought out a/c in the first urban Ikea we had seen in Asia. Same meatballs, same furniture. Since we own all Ikea furniture back in the U.S., it was like being at home. Sure enough, many of the Indonesian ladies had perched themselves in the living room showrooms to socialize in the cool conditions. Smart! Next stop was the local mall where we checked out the Apple store (empty!) and the Gap, where we bought James some clothes. He never asks for clothes but the shirt he was wearing today was at least 5 years old so he was due some new duds. Not overtly appreciative of our shopping on his behalf (he’s 21 after all) he did change into a new outfit when we had returned from the pool portion of our day.

Hopefully, James will be feeling better tonight for a trip to the Peak for some picture taking. Tomorrow, we visit the Big Buddha and ask for the lucky lottery #’s for Danny, our hotel butler. He asked us kindly today to bow 3x times and ask for guidance from Buddha. If we receive “89”, then we are not being respectful enough because the lottery #’s run 1-45. When we win, Danny informed us that he will become GM of the Grand Hyatt and we can be CEO’s. Sounds good to me, Danny! Big Buddha, here we come!

Hong Kong Pool Paradise

On August 2, 2014 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, China, Hong Kong, TravelLeave a comment

Okay, so I’m not the Pool Police but….when you walk by the lifeguard, who promptly gags and sticks out his tongue, face twisted with disgust, you know that perhaps you should NOT EVER wear a Speedo. Poolside at the lovely Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, we were treated to a sight no one should have to see, especially on vacation. Ah, the pool is a happy place most of the time but there will be times when averting the eyes quickly is the only way not to go blind. Other than that spectacle, the palm trees were waving with a gentle breeze, the water was warm and the view of Hong Kong Harbor was spectacular. The guy in the Speedo, not so much.

Enjoying a “Seize the Day, It’s Great To Be Young” moment, a trio, two gals and a guy with a great British accent, walked by the pool and then proceeded to jump into the pool with the gals fully dressed and the guy, quickly stripping down to his undies. After proclaiming loudly, “I LOVE MY LIFE”, they swam over to us and asked the “kind gent” to forever capture the moment with their cracked, water logged iPhone. Thom, of course, accommodated. Hope they synced to the cloud cause that phone is toast… well, soggy toast. The lifeguard, happy to finally have something to do, growled at them to get out of the pool. Of course, there was no way the lifeguard was jumping in to get them–hotel lifeguards wear sweater vests and shorts here in Hong Kong–all very proper.

Unable to leave the gorgeous sunny oasis, I drank my water and observed all the comings and goings in pool paradise. Unable to secure a chaise lounge early on, we camped out in the lounge/smoking area. Seems that cigars are big here as there were several guys puffing away. Yuck. One poolside business meeting was taking place over a crystal decanter of amber liquid in addition to the stogies. All very power and manly-like.

Guys ogled the girls in their teeny tiny bikinis as usual, though here, the pool attendants couldn’t help themselves with one pair of gorgeous gals. They asked to pose with them for pictures. Ah Instagram! Hard to imagine what sitting poolside would have been like without smart phones, tablets and Kindles to keep us busy sharing the moment instead of just living in it. What did we do??? Maybe nap and relax or even talk to our friends and family?? That’s just crazy talk!

Thom Enjoying Pool Paradise at Grant Hyatt Hong Kong

Now, I usually just lay by the pool and don’t swim all that much. Really, swimming in a pool is like taking a bath with strangers who probably pee at will and share all kinds of icky stuff among themselves. However, on this hotel day, I threw caution and hygiene to the wind and dove right into the Petri dish of human filth. Felt great! After a crazy week of work, this is just what I needed. Of course, I can’t wait to shower off. Let’s be real.

Tonight, we’ll seek out the famous Night Markets and I’ll bargain like a mule. After all, there is a little space in my suitcase for just a few Hong Kong bargains.

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