Our motley crew increased by six this morning, when Christiaan announced “We have babies” whilst peeking into the Hamster cage. Turns out Fluffy and Zippy really ought to be Fluffy and Zipette, as they’d just had some new additions to their family.
Christian was still sick, but well enough to tag along with us to the market underneath the Science and Technology Museum subway (note: I link to wikipedia – but I can’t access it from China. The government protects its people from all the website’s lies). Esther, Elizabeth’s neighbour, is crazy enough to drive in Shanghai, and agreed to show us (and by us I mean Victoria and Gabriella) some of her favourite shops. I’m slowly adjusting to driving (or being a passenger) on the right side of the road again. Esther may be slightly crazier than some of the Chinese drivers, but we managed to make it to the market unscathed.
The horrible exhaust fumes that overwhelmed us when we entered the market slowly faded away (or we just got used to them) as we got further into the market. Not nearly as many shoe stores as the day before, which was a nice change. Lots of purse stores – the girls bought several from one place while I chatted with the saleswomen. Adam picked up some watches and Christiaan added to his Gameboy games collection. The girls also got some nice down filled jackets for dirt cheap. “Watches. Good price for you.”, “You want sunglasses?” – no one lets you walk by the store without trying to call you in. Christiaan brought his scooter, and I thought I’d be quick enough on that to avoid their beckoning, but no such luck.
We left just before Christiaan reached total meltdown (he’s not a huge fan of shopping, apparently), and headed back to the house for lunch. After lunch, we left Christiaan at home and Jay drove us to the fabric market downtown. Adam and I both got fitted for a bespoke suit and fitted shirt, and I also got a coat. I won’t see them until I’m back in Canada, so hopefully I’ll still like the styles then. I picked up a couple of ties and a scarf on the cheap too. Other than possibly buying some cufflinks, I think I’m set for any interviews when I get back to Canada.
