Me Ol' China 2010: Day 7

me resting a bit and at 7 wanfuqing




Sunday in Chengdu... Rain, rain and more rain... the idea of going to a park has passed far above our heads today. We decided to have, instead, a strolling day around shopping malls and eat in the hotel. The ideas were both very good as the food at the hotel was really good and the shopping stroll was something unique. I am sure you all know the difference between a European shopping mall and a food and vegetable north African or Southern European market. Combine them and you get a Chengdu shopping mall. People shout and scream to attract clients, regardless of the fact that they are selling Bulgari perfume or Fendi bags. And I am not talking about fakes, these are original items!


Our friend-colleague-guide decided to take us somewhere more unique and local so we tried to get a taxi but for whatever reason they would not take us there. We opted for a small, well kept, traditional hutong. It was really nice to walk around and nice to look at but the rain didn't help, actually it pissed us off great times. One thing that comes to your mind while in China, especially in this city, is that they might lack of a few things but not food! There is food everywhere, at every corner you find food in all forms and shapes and smells.... You get fed up of it!


After one hour in Starbucks struggling to book a hotel for tomorrow in Beijing (oh yes, we are leaving one day earlier due to adverse weather conditions) we decided to try to get to the local market place. We managed to walk there and a bit like Argos died once he saw Ulysses back home after a decade away, our host decided that he was tired and so we took a taxi back for a full 3 minutes ride to our hotels and say bye bye... Pity. It was the most original place seen so far in Chengdu. I could have spent the whole afternoon there but. I am respectful of the host and, I know that tiredness just hits you at any time, especially when you less expect it...


The evening was getting even worse, weather wise, and we decided to stay in for dinner. We ate a mix of Western and Eastern food. It was acceptably nice, especially the pizza that tsted like a pizza Hut one. Tagliatelle with Thai red pesto were not bad either, I must admit...


Last night in Chengdu. I must say that this city can be great fun for teenagers or those in the 20s. Young people everywhere, I feel “ancient” around this youth. I was thinking what on earth will happen in 20/30 or even 40 years time in China with this young population ageing and thanks to the 1-kid policy, there will probably be an adverse ratio young:old... Spooky eve thinking about it.


Anyway, I am going to bed tonight a bit thoughtful and a bit worried about someone back in Europe. I wish, at times, I could have the gift of the ubiquity or I could use words to make people's life less tough but, I realise that the best I can do is write a blog and expect people to fly a bit with their imagination or try to share the enthusiasm, emotions, pains, visions I get...


Goodnight everyone!


Back on day 8