A Visit to Wedding Row

As the countdown to wedding day begins (we're now less than eight weeks away!), I'm trying to take care of the last remaining items, which include the purchase of a veil. Luckily for me, one of my very lovely classmates is in the German wedding industry and works with dress suppliers here in China. Today, after class, she took me to "wedding row", located in a particular section of a major subway stop. There, we found dozens of shops catering to future brides, filled with gowns and shoes and favors for guests. Most of it wasn't my style (think: big, embroidered and pouffy, lined with crystals), but it was fun to "kan yixiar" (just look; pronounced, "kan yisha"). Although I managed to communicate slightly better than a one-year-old, most places didn't have the simplicity I was looking for in a veil, and the quality was questionable. 

In case you're curious about price, the one and only veil I was considering came to about $13, to which I replied, "tai gui le" (too expensive; pronounced, "tie gway le"). I had actually misunderstood 800RMB for 80RMB (8 and hundred sound very similar!). She came down to $8, but we left, mostly because the quality seemed shoddy. Thankfully, Ayla will ask her supplier to make the veil I have in mind, and I won't be paying much more than $8.

Side story: On the subway ride home, we were approached by a very friendly Chinese girl who wanted to practice her English with us. She first asked if we were French (as a francophile, she won me over right there and then). She then proceeded to tell me I had beautiful eyes and beautiful, dark eyebrows. Way to make my day! Compliments aside, it was the friendliest encounter I've had with a local thus far.   

Ikea Recap

The trip to Ikea was glorious: not only did we find a utensil organizer and a baking sheet both small enough to fit in a Chinese kitchen drawer and oven, but we also bore witness to the experience that is Ikea in China. (Come to find out that the megastore actually encourages its visitors to come and spend the day there! Check it out.)   

Here are some pics from our outing:

Feeding baby in the Dining section of Ikea

I think someone was in here.

Did someone shop too hard?

Have a zhoumo kuaile

Can you guess what a "zhoumo kaile" is yet?

Mike and I are heading to Ikea on Saturday (thanks to Bob, of course). We need things like baking sheets and a utensil organizer; ours are too big for our Chinese oven and kitchen drawers. (Everything is bigger in America!) 

Apparently, going to Ikea is an adventure. Not only is it crazy crowded (on weekends especially), but in China, it's more than just somewhere to buy household goods and furniture -- it's an experience. We've heard that Chinese families go on "Ikea outings": mom, dad, the kids, and even grandma and gramps head over with packed lunches and picnic in Ikea kitchens, socialize in Ikea living rooms, and lounge on Ikea couches. To be honest, I'm more excited about witnessing this phenomenon than purchasing kitchenware. 

In other news, I've been a bit of mess this week with a rash on my upper lip and nose and a swollen left eye. There are probably several factors at play, but I think allergies to the heat and the air pollution are the root causes. Not wanting to suffer through the weekend, I went to a clinic today, one we visited during our orientation tour. Nothing like the required medical examination, my doctor's appointment was just like one I'd have in the States (weight, body temperature, and blood pressure check before going in to see the doctor). The doctor who saw me was a kind and gentle Asian Australian man who could tell right away I had conjunctivitis. He prescribed a nose spray and an antihistamine, and I was on my way. Can you tell my eye is all puffy?

  

Shanghai Summer Fashion

I've been wanting to write a fashion entry since our arrival in Shanghai, but it's hard capturing trends incognito.  I'm not at the point (yet!) where I can stop people on the streets and tell them that their photo will be featured on a popular American blog.  Instead, I've resorted to taking pictures with my iPhone while walking to class or having lunch, remaining inconspicuous.  

The number one trend we've seen among Shanghai's young and hip is glasses without lenses. This trendsetter matches her eyewear to her top.

Chinglish isn't contained to street signs and restaurant menus; some of the best and most incomprehensible phrases are on t-shirts. (The one below reads, "Only you care when.") 

The sandals and flip flops are great here. It seems as if the bigger the bow, the better. See above and below. Don't the ones below remind you of Minnie Mouse?   

Along with lens-free glasses, the bib is another must-have accessory this summer, making an appearance below in a Miu Miu storefront. 

Short, nude stockings are all over Shanghai, worn by young and old, with open-toed shoes and capris or skirts. (I myself will be skipping this trend; if anything, I'll settle for glasses without lenses before rocking nude stockings.)  

Expats in the News

Two posts in one day; crazy, I know. But I quickly wanted to share an article and a podcast that were sent to me (thank you, Fran, Nav, Mom, and Kelly). They both depict the expat's experience in China, and there are certainly aspects reported in the two to which I can relate. For your reading pleasure, click here; for your listening pleasure (it's 55 minutes well spent), click here. Enjoy! (And if you do end up listening to "This American Life" -- no, I have not yet been asked to appear on television, and if I'm asked, I'll politely decline.)