Day 5: Shanghai, Suzhou, & Wuxi

Today, we boarded an early flight from Beijing to Shanghai. I practically ate 3 breakfasts (1 buffet and 2 airlines). We arrived in Shanghai and took a bus to Wuxi. It was by far the most horrendous day in terms of weather. I was 90%+ humidity!

We started the day off in Wuxi by visiting Tai Hu Lake. The Chinese believe that Wuxi has great Feng Shui, which has accounted for much of their prosperity. In particular, this city is known for its advanced economic construction, seafood (fish), rice, and Tai Hu Lake. In Tai Hu Lake, there are over 100 kinds of shrimp and fish, including the silver fish on top of the steamed egg that we had the night before. At dinner the night before, BSILF asked what the little fishies were and I told her, "I think they're called silver fish." When I heard myself say that, I thought, how awkward -- aren't those nasty bugs called silver fish? Apparently that's what everybody else thought, too! But it turns out they are called silver fish! They come only from this lake (so when Ama cooks it up in scrambled egg or whatever, the fish is actually from this lake!). As for the shrimp, Tai Hu Lake produces a white shrimp, or “crystal shrimp” – it stays white even when cooked. Lastly, the lake is known for its limestone. We visited the lake, which is where Turtle Head Isle was located. It was a little anticlimactic b/c I didn’t really see the turtle’s head…and in the story, it is called dragon’s head b/c a turtle didn’t sound as great as a dragon. There, I bought BSILF a souvenir (a turtle “boggle-body” with a hatchling stacked on top; a.k.a. Lil F and Tanga).

Afterwards, we rode on the bus for a few minutes to the Pearl Farm. The local tour guide gave a brief intro about the importance of pearls. He began by saying that Tai Hu Lake also produces 90-95% of the freshwater mussels/pearls. Pearls really became significant because of the Dragon Lady, who ruled China from 1851 – 1908. When she discovered the freshwater pearls, she really believed in its power to keep her face looking youthful. On a daily basis, she massaged crushed pearl power onto her face (a.k.a. (non sequitur) Sheep placenta Cream). When she passed away, people said she looked 18 years younger; hence the belief that crushed pearl powder cream helps a woman retain a youthful complexion. The guide also spoke about how brides wear pearls because they best match wedding gowns, and they represent beauty and elegance.

Other random pearl trivia:

• Many high-end jewelry manufacturers, such as Tiffany’s and Cartier, sell expensive pieces with pearls that have a nucleus of at least .5mf.
  
• Freshwater pearls have a cold feel.
  
• Ocean pearls have a thin luster; they lose its luster after 20 years whereas freshwater pearls keep their luster for at least 100 years.
  
• The Mikimoto pearl is the most expensive pearl; a single pendant of 11mm can cost 300K Y ($40K); (Mikimoto was the first to perfect the cultured pearl process…and then the Chinese refined the process and took over the market). The bigger (and rounder) the better; at 7 mm and above, the price increases significantly.

At the farm, a saleslady told us how to determine the authenticity of pearls.

1. Real pearls will feel slightly gritty when rubbed together because of the layers of nacre that have formed over time. Fake pearls will feel smooth when rubbed together.
2. She breathed on the mirror and quickly rubbed real pearls against it; it created the fine powder that the Dragon Lady once used for her face (fake pearls will not create a powder)
3. Real pearls often feel cool to touch (for the first few moments).
   
4. Imitation pearls often have a uniform shape, color, and size, while every genuine pearl is unique. The luster of genuine pearls have more depth than imitations.

The lady also taught us how to pick good pearls. First is the roundness. Second is its luster. (Third might be color?) BF and I picked out a nice purplish-pink set of a necklace, ring, and earrings for me (and then bro bargained it down from $120 to $80 Y). They also switched the settings for me (with hot water and superglue -- so high tech!). I actually really like pearls a lot; they’re classy but definitely for special occasions and outfits.

Afterwards, we went to the Silk Weaving Factory. It was really neat to see the actual cocoons being unspun. I got to touch the thread from a single and double cocoon. In the morning, they drop cocoons in hot water (to kill the silkworms) and then they mix it around w/ a little stick brush to pick the cocoons up and start loosening the threads to stick on the machine. For the double cocoons, a lady would pick the 2 bugs out and soak the silk in water and then stretch the silk out over wooden stands. Eventually, the double silk strands would be stretched out for comforters and stuff. FBIL, BSILF, and a few others stretched out some silk for a comforter in the next room over. Since it was government owned, no bargaining was allowed, so we went upstairs to the “department store.” There, BF bought a silk scarf for Tita Flower and Tita Pina (210 and 140 Y); we got a small coin purse as a free gift.

After lunch, we got on the bus for our 2.5 hour drive to Hangzhou, but we stopped an hour in. We were supposed to stop after 30 minutes or so b/c Lynnie really needed to go. The tour guide, didn’t respond very nicely; he said, “I told you to use the wash room before we left.” Poor Lynnie responded, “I did, but I had a lot of beer.”

Eventually, we got to Old Town and walked the “Chinese 3^rd Street.” Guh bought the Dragon Mustache candy that Ama used to buy him all the time when we were little! We saw through the windows how they hand-made it all. We also walked to McDonald’s; BF had a large vanilla shake (which is our medium), I had an ice-cream cone (250 Y), and Bro ordered a pineapple pie for FBIL. We even crossed a big street! That was a crazy moment; BF was quite scared. (Now we understand why San Gabriel Valley drivers are so bad! It's genetic!)

We got to New Century hotel around 9 PM. It was the best hotel we have stayed in yet. I met part of the group downstairs in the lounge for about half an hour. BF bought Cuban cigars with one of the Cholitas, who stealthily informed him of how to bypass customs with that stuff.

We were all bummed about not staying at this hotel longer. It truly was 5-star. The bathroom even had an electronic roll-up partition for the window separating the bedroom and bathroom. BF suggested we take a (romantic) walk around the streets after the lounge, but I was too exhausted. :( It was a real shame to spend a night in such a beautiful hotel for just a few hours. Still, it was worth it!

Day 2: Welcome to Beijing!

It's been a marathon getting to China! I didn’t sleep much the night before. Bro and I went out to SM around 9PM, after we picked Aunty of Genius Cousins up, to go to Dentist Aunty’s to greet them as they came home from Taiwan for Grampa’s funeral. We went out to MVP to eat dinner until about 11:30 PM, where the aunties described Grandpa’s funeral and their trip. From pictures, it looks like the ceremony was beautiful, restful, and peaceful.

Bro and I didn’t get home until about 1:30 AM, whereupon BF & I finished packing. I got about 3 hours of sleep before it was time to wake up. The morning was hectic! I dropped keys off to Fun Van, who is turtle-sitting. I already miss Lil F so much! BF and I drove to my bro’s office, where his friend picked us 3 up and dropped us off at LAX around 10:45 AM. We checked in relatively quickly and found the others. BF and I checked out the fancy Duty Free shop and then had McDonald’s before we entered security. When it was boarding time, we herded in with a chaotic group of Chinese people. We each sat in pairs along the left-side of the plane; BF and I sat at the plane wing behind Tita Dina and Shell and in front of Bro and FBIL.

The plane ride was soOOooOoo long. I thought I’d be alright, but it was hard man! BF had bought me a crossword/activity puzzle book so that kept me occupied along with Voyage of the Sea Turtle and my Chinese textbook. I took quite a few naps, too. The ride was difficult b/c the air was soOoOo dry and stuffy, and it would get cold and then hot. To top it off, wearing my contacts to preserve my vanity was so not worth it; I’ve never put so many eye drops before. The meals were alright. For the first one, we had a choice of pork noodles or beef stew with rice. I kinda had both since BF and I switched (this would become an ongoing airplane ride occurrence). For a snack, we had half a veggie sandwich and a ham and cheese sandwich. Unfortunately, lunch and/or the snack ruined BF’s stomach. For dinner, we both had rice with seafood (hot pot) and broccoli with fruit. We landed around 4 AM in Shanghai for a layover and took a long walk around the very quiet airport to get through security/imports and our gate. Bro got me a Sprite for 6 RMB before we boarded the plane around 8:20 PM and departed around 8:50 PM.

Dude, that was the looooongest plane ride ever! I fell asleep shortly after we took off but woke up after 20 mins just to see that only 20 mins had passed. That must have happened like 2 or 3 times when in total only an hour had passed! The next 50 mins was painful since I had to use the lady’s room, and I kept thinking we were descending. Plus, the stewardess came on 2x to say that we were descending. What’s the big idea!

When we got off, it was about 10:45 PM and we took a super long bus ride to get to the baggage claim. At the baggage claim, I went with BSILF to the restroom. I went into the first stall and boy was I in for a surprise! It was a squater! I mean, Cousin Gnat had warned me, but I still wasn’t ready for it. I wondered if BSILF next door was popping a squat. Turns out only the first stall is a floor urinal. Holy snikeys, man! We picked up our luggage and met our tour guide, Lee Wong, who gave us a verbal itinerary for tomorrow and the day after, during our half hour drive to Loong Palace.

I was giddy with glee when we arrived at Loong Palace hotel! It is a beautiful, ornate, and huge hotel! We are next door to bro and FBIL. We dropped off our luggage and then a few of them went downstairs to the Tropicana Lounge. I had to use the restroom, where a lonely mosquito flew out of the john. That cracked me up b/c my bro’s been soOoOoo paranoid about mosquitoes. Afterwards, Bro and I headed down to meet BF, FBIL, Lynn-Chan, & Gabe. BF and I came up first so we could settle down and prep for tomorrow.

They say not to use tap water even to brush our teeth so I boiled some water. (As a non sequitur, I use the bad tap water to wash my hands before taking my contacts out.) I took a nice shower while BF packed our day pack and then he took a shower and crashed. So far, it’s been a long journey to get here, but we are here!

I think it’s interesting that I am so used to landing in LAX, where the city is so brightly lit. When we arrived in Shanghai, there were hardly lights in view. Both airports were soOOoOo quiet and empty that it was almost creepy.

I am really excited about tomorrow! We’re hitting the floor running tomorrow. Should be tons of fun. It’s noon LA time but 3 AM here. I’m waking up around 6:30 AM to get ready for our first buffet breakfast! It’s supposed to be both American and Chinese breakfast buffet. Yummers! FBIL and I are going to go; hopefully, Bro will wake up, too.

I’m really happy to be here. As we landed and got on those walkways, shuttles, buses, and routes, I kept wondering if this is exactly where Dad was. I wish we could call him. I know God is watching over us and protecting us, too. Pastor Aunty prayed for us while they were on their drive up to San Jose (when we were taking off from LAX). I am really glad that I am here with Bro, FBIL, BF, BSILF & Hubby. Tomorrow should be a wonderful day, despite the thunderstorms and humidity.

Birthday Shout Out to BSILF!

Happy Birthday, BSILF!

Over time, I've come to realize that my best friends are the ones that I instantly connect with -- the ones that I feel like I have known for a long time, even if it's only been a month, year, or a blessing of 10 years. Irrespective of time, we have so much to share, laugh, remember, and cry over. Just as sweet is projecting into the future together.

This is only the second birthday that I get to "celebrate" with BSILF, but it feels like we have known each other for years.

33 things about BSILF that I love, know, and appreciate:

1. She gives great hugs (and firm handshakes).
2. She makes great (white) chili, brownies, Vita-mix smoothies...everything!
   
3. She is the best cheerleader/pep-talker!
4. She makes awesome scrapbooking albums and cards.
5. She writes the most thoughtful cards for special occasions and "just because."
6. She is incredibly smart.
   
7. She is so down-to-earth.
8. She asks the most thought-provoking questions.
9. She is such a caring woman with a HUGE heart. She is always the first to think of charitable acts. This goes very well with #3.
   
10. She is just as Hollywood star-struck as I am.
11. She prefers e-mail over phone calls (too).
12. She is an excellent SLP.
13. She tells her husband "I love you" at the end of every phone call.
14. She is the most eco-friendly person I know.
15. She is a very simple, practical, non-superficial woman.
16. She is Lil F's Aunty.
17. She loves pizza.
18. She is the hugest nerd! :D
19. She is extremely creative.
20. She will be a wonderful mother (should she have children ;).
21. If anything happens to me, I have first dibs on being her client.
22. She always gives great advice -- whether it's for a simple scenario or a complex life-changing situation.
23. She is so responsible; a natural-born leader.
    
24. She wears the funnest watches and socks.
25. She is young at heart (and she looks really young, too).
26. She has been happily married for over 10 years, but she and husband are still in their "honeymoon-phase." :) That is true, inspirational love.
27. She is very adventurous, from non-peanutty foods to travels.
    
28. She is always the last to say "bye" at the end of a phone call (even when she says "bye" first, she will say "bye" again after I say "bye").
29. She is so technologically hip and savvy.
30. She is the first friend that I am traveling internationally with.
    
31. She is unbelievably organized.
    
32. She is a great mother to Tanga, baby distant relative of Lil F.
    
33. She is a wonderful friend!

I could go on and on, but I want to call her now to wish her a happy birthday!

(34. She knows that when I call, it is a rare moment b/c I hardly ever make nor pick-up calls!)

2.6 Miles

This morning, BF woke me up at 6 AM again. This time, it was b/c he had woken up around 4 AM due to food poisoning. :( Poor boo-boo. We had some delicious home-brewed Sbux coffee and then we just relaxed a little bit before I called FBIL up to see what the AM haps was.

Shortly after, FBIL picked me up to go hiking in Temescal Canyon. We actually did the reverse full hike of the Full Moon Hike, which is 2.6 miles! We did it in about an hour and five minutes...but I seriously thought I wasn't going to make it. That mofo is intense! It's literally 30-35 minutes of steep incline hiking. I thought I was about to get a heat-stroke so I had to sheepishly ask FBIL to stop for a few seconds so that I could catch my (heaving) breath and quench my parched throat. So much for thinking I was relatively healthy, despite my 50-min cardio sessions (maybe b/c my frequency is too low! In addition to low endurance).

It was still a very nice hike with the cool breeze, warm sunshine, and gorgeous view of L.A. at the peak point. I thought it was especially pleasant that 99% of the hikers we passed greeted us (or responded to our greetings). It stood out to me because when I go for walks around the hood here (and it's not like the Hood), people don't make eye contact and/or ignore my greetings. It's bizarre. (Do I look like a criminal?)

After that, I came home and chillaxed with the BF. By this time, he was convinced he had E. Coli (from something I bought him yesterday -- not something I cooked!) so he made me look up treatment. I was really glad that an antibiotic we have in our cupboards can be taken. Actually, I was so relieved and anxious to give it to him that when I exclaimed, "Do you want some now?" he quipped, "No! I can't take it on an empty stomach! OMG, you're trying to kill me!"

Holy snikeys, talk about Drama King! He's much better now, though (thank God, for reals). I am seriously so nervous about his well-being as we embark halfway across the world next week. All this time, I'm IMing Younger Genius Cousin, who is like, "Wow, you must have a lot of discipline to work at home." That made me wonder, do I really have ADD or am I just too distracted? (Or is that the same thing? Shoot, I guess it could be considered the same thing.)

Thank goodness BF doesn't read my blog. =P

YIM

I just had my first Yahoo Messenger IM session w/ my dad. I can't believe how excited I am about it. Dad totally rules!

I IM'd him first:

Me: hi daddy! What are you doing?
Dad: waiting for your call.

That cracked me up b/c whenever I call him and ask what he's up to, that's exactly what he says!

At the end, he said:

Dad: i am going to sleep, good night.
Me: ok, daddy. Good night! I love you.
Dad: bye
Me: Bye Daddy! Talk to you tomorrow
Dad: i love you.
Me: I love you.
Dad: call me tomorrow. bye.
Me: okay, bye Daddy

Well, that's pretty much how our phone conversations end, too. Lots of repetitions and false good-byes. My bro knows that my dad often says good-bye twice and then will be like, "hey! Wait!" and then ask a burning question.

I can't believe I was IMing w/ my Dad. That is so cool. :)

(I am such a nerd!)

The "We Made It!" Party

Dude, I cannot say this enough -- summer vacation rules!

Yesterday, my bro brought FBIL and I down to the Del Mar Race Track to see some horsies and have a nice Sunday lunch. We ate at the Veranda Cafe...but it was pretty wild up in there. Apparently, "The highlight of the race season is the 17th running of the $1 million Pacific Classic. This Grade 1 race features the nation's top horses competing for a $1 million purse." I kept hearing talk about a million dollars, but unfortunately, we walked away with nothing but a nice, refreshing lunch. Oh! And an awesome giveaway! We all got a fleece pullover! We said hello to some of my brother's friends (former co-workers) and then made our way back to L.A. (with a brief stop at Ikea for some frames for my bro's rabbit posters. :)

When we got back, we went to Downtown Culver City for some Coldstone Creamery (coffee with Twix. So goooOOoOooood!) Afterwards, we chillaxed a bit back at their apartment and then headed to 3rd Street to watch "Transformers," since FBIL hadn't seen it yet.

BF asked if watching "Transformers" again was just as good as the first time. I still enjoyed it, of course, but when the crowd is not as lively or reactive, it kinda kills the energy. My mind even wandered a little bit during the movie...but the main thoughts were, "summer vacation rules! What an exciting day I had!" Dude, I even got home at 1 A.M. and slept at 3! It is awesome to not be a student any more. :D

This morning, I went to school to get my TB results (negative -- phew!) and complete my Livescan for Calif. licensure. I was a bit perturbed at how long everything took (I get so cranky when it is 100 degrees or more.) What can I say -- I had an important party to attend!

CHK hosted the "We Made It!" party at her lovely home. Their home is truly fabulous -- complete with gorgeous gardens, 2 wonderful doggies, and a beautiful mini-grand piano! Of course the best part was the company (and the decadent lunch). We had a wonderfully relaxing afternoon just chatting and eating. We even played some games!

Which brings me to 2 embarrassments of the day:

1. We played Taboo and dude, I know I suck, but holy snikeys, I didn't know I sucked that much. I was truly embarrassed. When it was my turn to describe "knot," "won ton," and "scenery," I failed at knot and barely helped my classmate get the last two...while people were getting like 7+ points in the same time. How sad! It's things like these that make BF tease, "You embarrass me!" (Truly, it is not meant in a mean way. At least I think...It's just that he knows me all to well!)
2. When we were leaving, I asked CHK how much piano lessons run these days. When she said b/t $30-70/hr, I was astounded at how "cheap" lessons are. I said how mine used to be $125 waaaay back in the day. After 5 minutes of unnecessary confusion, I realized that I paid $125/month. Duh!

I have a theory as to why those embarrassing moments happen. I blame it on the heat. For reals, I think my brain gets fried when I am exposed to 90 degrees + heat. It's like my brain cells get burned and I can't think right. Of course this doesn't explain other "duh" moments, but I definitely feel out of my element when my brain has been overheated.

Thank goodness I don't get heat strokes any more. I just get Fried Brain Syndrome. :(

ADD Confirmed

I just made some low-fat peach fro-yo and was scraping off the remains from the cooler thingamajiggy in front of the TV ("summer vacation" rules!). BF was channel-surfing and deciding b/t two movies, when he concluded that we could watch one On-Demand later. He switched back to Godfather II and said, "You haven't seen this movie, huh?"

I had a deer-in-headlights-expression because I was embarrassed that he has discovered yet another classic that I have not watched.**

He said, "You haven't! Because you have an attention span of a two-year old!"

=O My ADD is no longer a secret in our relationship!

Just this AM, he was asking me why I always fall asleep during movies. I am beginning to think it is a hereditary thing. When we were younger, my gramma used to always fall asleep to movies. Now, I totally do.

**My bro read me some of his old journal entries a few nights ago from when he was in Japan. One night, he wrote something about how it's nice that BF & I are together now because we watch more movies. Hahahaha!

Update: BF just said, "I know why you can't watch Godfather...because you need subtitles!" Yet another secret that is no longer a secret! I missed about 60% of dialogue in "Shooter" b/c Marky Mark mumbled about 80% of the time he spoke. Yet I understand KidSpeak. Nice.