Shop ‘til you drop!

I had a great day shopping with friends in China today! We met at Starbucks for a little Java then hit the road for downtown, destination the Chinese antique mall and the underground mall. My friend Heidi is a serious shopper and brought a carry along suitcase in which to cart all of her treasures! We all questioned this shopping strategy but in the end, the suitcase came in handy!





The antique mall was filled with treasures, all older than the Qing Dynasty (according to the shop owners). We saw many beautiful carved furnishings, vases, intricately embroidered silks and other works of art. Each store had different treasures waiting to be discovered. Vicki and her mother were especially fond of this “fox” thing… at least I think that is what they have slung around their necks.








We left the antique market after filling up the carry on bag. We headed through the fruit and vegetable market towards the pottery store and the underground mall. The fruit and vegetable market is very similar to the one I buy my fruits and veggies at near my house. There was also an outdoor meat market, yes their were meats just laying out on tables in the open air with flies buzzing around... sorry my picture did not turn out! The pottery store had a fun collection of Chinese pots and dishes for about 25-35rmb or $4-7 usd. The carry on bag was really weighted down after our stop at the pottery store! We ate stir fry for lunch at the underground mall… it was $2 for the 4 of us to eat lunch and we could not finish it all! It is funny to hear people talk about you in Chinese when they don't think you understand... The guys at the table next to us said "Oh look American's... oh and they are eating with chopsticks." I think we should have started chatting with them in Chinese.






Our last stop at the underground mall was the 10 quai bra shop. They had bras in every color… just not every size and they were all a buck! Vicki wanted to try one on so the saleslady just strapped it on her right then and there… we all got a laugh out of this! We found a really cool pair of underwear that looked like they would come up to your chest and they had, of all things a pocket in the front of them… hmm what could this be for?



It was good times with good friends, thanks ladies! I can’t wait to go back to see what other treasures we can find!