Markets – Page 2 – Just An East Coast Girl

Bundle Up…Baby it’s CoLd outside!!!

Yesterday it snowed again. Everything is so beautiful!

Brr!!!!!! Today we are in the deep freeze!

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This morning is freezing and windy so the windchill makes it -29 (-20F)

It’s so cold to get out and off to work this morning. Thinking of my sweetie and our kids who are off to work super early before it has chance to warm up a bit ( not that it will today)

Yesterday I finished my baking and went to bed extra early. Today I need to make some lists! Menu and food list for grocery shopping and Gift list to be able to finish my Christmas shopping ( hopefully tonight) And maybe I will do a little bit of wrapping.

I’m getting things crossed off one by one. It’s busy BUT I LOVE it! I LOVE this time of year!!

Tonight David & I went to the city to pick up a few things. It was FrEeZiNg!!!!!! But that didn’t stop me from insisting we stop at Historic Properties on the Halifax Waterfront. It is just so beautiful, so romantic at Christmas. We took a few pics…until both our phones froze and shut off. NOW THAT’S COLD!!!

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Time Flies!

Time Flies! It is a saying my Chinese friends like to use. Our time sure has gone quickly. Today is the last full day in Shenyang. Sadly, tomorrow morning we are flying home!

BUT…today is Sunday. What to do?

Well…we ended up shopping. LOTS and LOTS of shopping!

We stopped at the bank for some money, very important because China is a CASH society more so than a card society. Especially when you’re a foreigner. They don’t want foreign plastic.

WE jumped in a cab and went off to Wuai market. On the way we stopped at the Catholic Church to show Ron the amazing architecture. Shenyang’s large, Gothic style city cathedral stands out quite clearly from the surrounding buildings. Generally the cathedral serves as a backdrop for photos, but on Sundays the area is teeming with people and dancing in the square. The church offers at least four Masses in Chinese each Sunday beginning at 7am.

Then on to Wuai. I didn’t get a lot of pics here. I was busy picking out a couple “Chinese fashions” ( no, not the hats)It’s so hard not to buy these cute outfits and for this reason among others is why I only brought carry on luggage and not a suitcase. We looked at clothes, handbags, watches, Chinese decor items…and bought a few things.

Then off to San Hao Street. This is the electronics street. The guys had a couple small items on their list and I wanted to get the screen on my iPhone replaced. I thought my screen was cracked in a few places but thankfully it turns out it was just the protective screen. I got one of the really good protective screens put on last year when I was here. I didn’t realize they would crack like this . So for 15rmb ($2.85) I got a new cover.

Street food was the way I dealt with my bit of hunger today. A street wrap and sweet potato. The guys opted for McDonalds.

David wanted to show Ron the tool market. Every guys dream under one roof. Whatever you can imagine. We asked the price of a HUGE vice at one stall. 800rmb. That’s $150. Only a $150. You would pay that for a small one at home.

We finished up the shopping back near the hotel in the underground fashion mall at Taiyuan Jie. This place is the absolute coolest for shopping with 2 levels all underground going for miles under the city. And again the coolest unimaginable thing happened. I was walking along and heard “Anna”. I turned around and there was my friend Wanda’s driver, Long. Oh Long! I can’t believe it’s you! I am so happy to see you. I spent many days with Wanda and her driver Long shopping. We would always check with Long before purchasing items, whether or not it was a good deal. Long has terrific fashion sense.

It has been a very full, very busy wonderful week. David was here for networking meetings and so we didn’t get a lot of time together but we both knew that going in to it. Tonight we had dinner together just the two of us. We took the subway to Mix C. I was there earlier in the week by myself and had been wanting to get back at night. WE had a wonderful dinner with jiaozi of course and then took a few pictures outside in the beautiful lights of the city. Ahh…Shenyang! You have my heart. I will miss you. ❤

Then it was back to the hotel and try to stuff my weekly purchases in the carryon that was already full when I came. BUT I did it!

Now…sleep! Goodnight Shenyang

A Seafood Hotpot at Shifu Square on a SnOwY day in Shenyang

How’s that for a title?

Today it snowed!! I figured it would, and I am just like a young girl!!! eek BIG squeals! Watching from my window on the 11th floor, playing “Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow” I couldn’t wait to get out and play in it…rather just walk in it. Today was full of traffic jams in slow moving traffic, taxis that didn’t want to take you anywhere, and overcrowded subways and buses because EVERYONE is using them today. SNOW days create a WHOLE new adventure in China!

15355757_1169509039783964_1883374236791759662_n 15390737_1169509149783953_1131657017718607501_n 15285013_1169509173117284_724836972556199281_n 15337525_1169509266450608_8777770906324635064_n 15337650_1169509243117277_2795293920620151827_n 15350695_1169509356450599_8264516546739722519_n 15338717_1169509469783921_8037714076449585894_n BUT I had to get to Shifu Square ( Government Square)

15390703_1169509279783940_2856259353785348787_n 15267981_1169509346450600_6952743402021153529_n And Today’s special EVENT was a Seafood hotpot with some members of the hiking group that we used to go out with on the weekend. 3 guys, 3 girls and me. They were thrilled to hear I was back in China and of course wanted to treat me to dinner. Sometimes I feel like I get invited to things like this just so they can have a foreigner sit with them at their table. Unfortunately the 3 ladies that were coming were traveling together and had a fender bender, very common on a day like this. I am so glad we took the subway rather than taxi. Anyway it ended up that I had lunch with the group leader (far right), my Chinese friend and another person I have never met from the club.

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This was interesting as I could just sit back ( the conversation was mainly Chinese) and enjoy as many plates of crabs, prawns, shrimp, clams, mussels, oysters and the like… were steamed in front of us. After the seafood came the regular hot pot items with one very interesting item…bone marrow. eww…but I ate it and it was ok.

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15390957_1169511836450351_5873541475521389427_n One thing I can not get used to is the mixed washrooms, side by side, at these restaurants.

15350497_1169511856450349_2533056416229015720_n On the way home I took more pics of the lovely snowfall before taking the subway which was sooooooo crowded. No pics of this because I was literally sandwiched between hundreds of people. I kept thinking if anything happened…explosion or whatever…I would never be found. SO MANY PEOPLE!!! That’s what happens on a snow day.

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David was late getting home from work. He had fun in the snow too, rather trying to get home in it from Michelin. Normally they take a bus but because of the weather the company figured it would be faster by subway too!

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This evening we were invited to dear sweet friends for dinner. Sarah has been here from the start of the Michelin Project in Shenyang and for the past two years has taken the position of site manager. You have to know she is an amazing lady to communicate in Chinese, and keep things top notch at the plant with mostly Chinese colleagues. There really aren’t too many expats left these days so her circle of business and the people she relies to get these accomplishments are Chinese. Our very first Christmas in China in 2011, they invited us to their home for Christmas dinner, along with a few other expats who didn’t go home for Christmas. Sarah & Rodney live in a serviced hotel apartment that does not have a kitchen and so over the years they have become close friends with the chef that prepares delicious meals for them tailored to their special diets. How wonderful is that? It was so lovely to catch up with her and her sweet husband Rodney. A perfect evening!

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Everyday here is like a gift and I will treasure it in my heart for days to come…or at least until one day I can return?

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Shopping in Shenyang

Today was all about a little retail therapy. Not a lot, just a little treat for me.

It was actually a nice day, a bit chilly… ok cold! BUT I dressed warm and went for a walk to Nan Er for a couple pieces of fabric. Some silk to make a couple scarves and silk to make some table runners or something. I will decide later. Chinese fabric is inexpensive here so it’s nice to take a little home. That was my treat!

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Then I took a cab to Mix C mall. This is one of my favourite Western-style malls. I had lunch at a little restaurant here and browsed the mall. The decorations for Christmas here are beautiful. I think I will have to try to return at night to get a few pictures outside.

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15327365_1167688469966021_4259709605013441003_n 15337397_1167689099965958_3885241903504236942_n 15326344_1167688193299382_1039349998834970514_n 15380415_1167688169966051_6792916461425314910_n 15327462_1167687626632772_667864250223713222_n 15401155_1167686899966178_1219555414763581145_n 15326374_1167665613301640_4803072146674222822_n 15349724_1167666393301562_766907759040151300_n 15267621_1167667076634827_2585493265294823339_n 15327356_1167667089968159_8640495338354667983_n 15401088_1167667106634824_801927865499405154_n 15380398_1167686353299566_4747971571786148584_n 15349696_1167686453299556_913048353501222017_n 15380535_1167686863299515_9132459514196034945_n 15380712_1167686633299538_7360881309575516960_n There is an indoor skating rink at this mall so I spent a little time watching the skating lessons. The little kids are so much fun to watch and you can tell that one day they will be great skaters.

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After Mix C I got a snack…little apples with candy coating. A real favourite this time of year.

15355704_1167650539969814_2245225570815959934_n Then just a quick little browse through Zhang lan guan…another market. It wasn’t very busy today and I guess that a lot of the markets are suffering now because of alibaba. EVERYONE is shopping online for EVERYTHING these days!

15317739_1167657166635818_1368954257785680618_n 15355584_1167657833302418_2098227877847247430_n 15380571_1167649293303272_5545616694545969592_n 15350550_1167649593303242_3290352822029635482_n I took the subway home. It’s much fast then taxi and a lot cheaper. Only 2RMB. It’s the fastest way during evening rush hour and some how the taxis struggle finding Somerset with the taxi card I give them.

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15420787_1167648119970056_336907928585647507_n I picked up a few things… tea eggs, tomato fruit and bananas, a couple seed squares ( peanut and sesame seed) and a McDonald’s coffee before returning to my hotel. I kinda felt like a Chinese person picking up their daily groceries from the market on their way home for supper.

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David has another dinner tonight …

15380280_1167810726620462_5688469703397143997_n … and I am relaxing and doing this blog post. Our time is going far too quickly. Tomorrow is Thursday already.

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Good night!

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Good Monday Morning Shenyang!

Good Morning Shenyang! I hope today there are blue skies and warmer temperatures BUT …not likely.

Today is the first day of business meetings for David. So he was up early and ready to go! I was up early, actually earlier than him, and ready to figure out what to do today.

I have been in touch with a few different Chinese friends here and want to try and see them. I also want to go to a couple of parks and shops and of course my favourite Wulihe park but I may have to wait until we have a clear, less smog day. It’s just nice being here so I am trying to relax and savour the quiet moments. So that is exactly what I did today. Nothing much. Just enjoyed being here. I went out for a little, ate lunch at a huge food court, interesting dishes and flavours. It looks like a lot of food for one but it is so cheap that you have to try it, besides I didn’t eat it all. And then I enjoyed a wonderful long nap.

The guys got back at 5:30 and were pooped from their day. Ron, David & I went to Pizza Hut for supper and then the guys had a presentation to prepare so I took a hot bath, I’m writing this post, and then it’s off to bed.

Being Tour Guides

Sunday was another day exploring familiar places in Shenyang. This time David & I were tour guides to USA colleagues as well as Ron, David’s boss from Bridgewater.

We thought early Sunday morning was a good time to show them Wuai Market. “Five Love” market is HUGE!!! Anything and everything you could imagine. Since there was 5 of us travelling it was fun to hail a cab for the three newcomers to Shenyang and tell the driver where to take them and then hail another for David & I and then tell the driver where we were going and as well to “follow that cab”. A lot of fun in a busy city.

I think the guys were amazed at what was to be found on the street and beside the heavy winter curtains at Wuai Market. Floors upon floors, booth after booth of clothes, shoes, purses, watches, clocks,wigs, bedding, other household goods, calendar, paper, decorations….and on and on…

It was fun to watch David assist them with buying a couple things. And…I got a 2017 Calendar for year of the Rooster.

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Next stop Gu gong. Shenyang’s Imperial Palace. I love this tourist area. It’s also the place that David & I did our 2013 Christmas Card dressed in Emperor’s Clothes. We didn’t go inside the Palace, there’s a lot to see outside and time just doesn’t permit to do a thorough tour.

15283949_10154781750651514_6063580434111297850_n 15326379_10154781751151514_566192258648734695_n 15327234_10154781753296514_902844224651600905_n We browsed some of the shops and I found my Jade lady!!! I couldn’t believe it. I picked up a few small Jade animals and helped the guys with their purchases. Our Jade lady was so sweet and I got BIG hugs as we left. I think she was pretty happy we stopped by today.

Here is a pic from when we lived here in 2012…

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And today… she hasn’t changed a bit sweet lady.

About this time it was lunch time and we thought it would be nice to have jiaozi. Dumplings are a staple food but we didn’t want to go to the large famous “expensive” spot. So we asked at a restaurant area if they had jiaozi explaining we wanted a “small hole in the wall” restaurant, we didn’t say “hole in the wall” but he knew what we meant. The Chinese people in general are so very helpful and go out of there way for foreigners. He left his restaurant for a few minutes, took us out on the street, led us down another little side street to a very small place, told the servers what we wanted and then helped order. Small places like this sometimes only have 1 kind of jiaozi. But that is ok. We had pork and celery. I am very surprised at how much of my simple Chinese comes back and what I can communicate when I need to.

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15317775_10154781756851514_8120958454926905999_n After lunch, we went back to the hotel where I stayed for a bit of a nap and the guys got turned around and went out for more exploring…David wanted to show them the Electronics street.

Sunday night we had dinner with our much loved China Family. Our driver, his wife, daughter and the family’s dear friend. This family is so very special to us and helped us more than you can ever imagine living in China. We enjoyed a feast of delicious food, and special memories, laughs and hugs. It’s hard to imagine that two cultures, so different, could be so close. We love them and were so happy to catch up!

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Our driver even had a special gift for me. A little China Bling.

I loved catching up with my China daughter Wan Jia Xiu and hearing about her boyfriend and teaching English in a private school in Shenyang.

It was a pretty AWESOME day. ( I think Ron can see why we enjoyed our expat time living and working here)

Just words for now…

Ok, this might work! I just realized that if I don’t try to add pictures and I just write, then just maybe I can post but add the pictures later. This would be a better option because then I won’t forget.

Yesterday, Saturday in China…I woke up early. Actually I wonder if I even slept much at all. Like I mentioned our first room had such a bad smell ( and I can tolerate a lot here) that it was bothering our breathing. Plus jet leg is a crazy thing to shake. So Saturday morning we were up early and had a nice breakfast at the hotel. Then it was time to hit the streets to show Ron, David’s boss, a few of the sites in Shenyang. A few of the Brazilian colleagues were out and about too. Arriving yesterday they had a head start and in their recovery from flying, so they were headed off to some of the interesting shops. David has experience in these parts and gave them some directions.

First Stop…Mao Square to see Chairman Mao! Born on December 26, 1893, in Shaoshan, Hunan Province, China, Mao Tse-tung served as chairman of the People’s Republic of China from 1949 to 1959, and led the Chinese Communist Party from 1935 until his death.

And then stops along Nanjing street, Zhongshan street, Heping, Zhongshan Park, a HUGE flower shop to show Ron the options he would have living here for surprising his partner with flowers lol. haha, I remember the HUGE bouquet David gave me one year for Valentine’s Day.

More exploring of side streets, the Underground ( my how THAT has changed) markets, hole in the wall places…

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…and then our first meal…Hot Pot! I love Hot Pot. Especially at Hai dai lo where they make your noodles in front of you. Just wait till you see the video!

We picked up a few things at Walmart. Gotta see Walmart in China. It’s the best. And guess what? We saw an advertisement for Nova Scotia , Canada lobster!! who would have thought?!

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After dropping off some things to the hotel, we took the Metro ( crowded at evening rush hour) to Middle Street. The oldest, most famous walking street in Shenyang. It was dusk so the lights were beautiful! Oh how I miss this. It was fun to walk the street, popping in some of the high end malls to get warm. The cold bothers David’s back so we stopped often.

When we were finished we took a cab to one of our favourite restaurants for some familiar dishes . Yum!!! This is what I miss!

This afternoon we were making plans with our first driver when we lived here. He and his family have become our China family. We will have dinner with them and he just happened to be close to our hotel so he popped in to say Hi. It was so great to see him, and I forgot to take those initial pictures but we will have dinner with them Sunday and have chance to catch up.

Time for bed…I am exhausted!!!

Christmas By the Sea 🎄⛵🐳⚓️

All the way from the “Christmas Tree Capital of the World”…

It’s Christmas by the Sea this weekend!

Image courtesy of Peter Zwicker Photography Bacalao Studio. He does amazing photography!! Check out his website.

http://www.bacalaophoto.ca

We don’t have snow yet but I think this photo truly represents “Christmastime in Lunenburg” I live 20 minutes from Lunenburg, one of Nova Scotia’s well known Historic towns. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Town. People come here from all over the world .

This weekend in Lunenburg it is their Heritage Christmas and Christmas By The Sea.

There are actually 3 Christmas Festivals in towns close by this weekend, not to mention the small communities having events and then there is the Victoria Christmas at the Citadel and Lighting Ceremonies at various spots in Halifax. And of course I want to go to all so… yesterday I stopped into Mahone Bay for Father Christmas Festival pics and we drove to Lunenburg today. Tonight is Bridgewater’s Christmas On The LaHave complete with fireworks. These are the local ones. Next year I think I’m gonna take in some of the events in the city I haven’t seen.

This morning we bundled up, picked up some coffee and drove to Lunenburg.

Lunenburg is a well known fishing town by the sea, it is the HOME of the Bluenose II, and so much of the Christmas traditions and decorations revolves around that. It is also very beautiful!

And a few at night…

We didn’t get chance to take in the festivities, the lighting of the vessels, the Christmas by the Sea market and crafts and food tasting, we didn’t see the parade or the tree lighting at the bandstand BUT we got some beautiful pictures of a very special place…Merry Christmas from one of our favourite towns by the sea…

Peace & Love Around The World! 🕊

It’s November 25th…ONE MONTH TIL CHRISTMAS!!!!

which also means it’s time for the Annual Father Christmas Festival in Mahone Bay. This Festival is one of my absolute favourites! It really puts me in the mood and excitement for ALL THINGS Christmas.

It’s the little rituals and traditions in the small communities along the South Shore that I love and appreciate so much. This year’s theme is Peace & Love Around the World. 🕊 I like the dove ornament from 1991. It really captures the theme for this year.

In previous years when we go to the festival, David & I would grab a hot drink and wander around beautiful Mahone Bay and look at the many Father Christmas displays placed there by local business and committee members. However, today, David’s back is TOTALLY messed up! Yes, he periodically has problems and yesterday he came home from work walking with an S curve! There go my big plans for this weekend. He’ll be on the floor and on his back much of the weekend trying to get it straight.

Off to Mahone Bay I go, just to get some pictures because the displays are truly beautiful and today it’s not so crazy busy with people.

I missed strolling along hand in hand with my husband, but I was happy to get the pics and we’ll have other years to continue our tradition. He just needs to get that back FIXED, like NOW!!!!!!

I picked up my 2016 Pewter Christmas Ornament, like I always do at the Father Christmas Festival. This year it is a Cardinal. ” There is no better time to catch sight of a cardinal than in the winter, when his brilliant red plumage contrasts with the brightness of a freshly fallen snow. The more vibrant his crimson colouring, the more likely he will find a lifelong mate who can join him in singing rich, cheerful duets to bring sunshine even on the coldest and darkest of winter days. We all have unique qualities to celebrate. Stand out and stand proud. Make the world a brighter place.”

It is these simple pleasures that make me feel truly blessed for the peace and love we have in our country!

And Just for FUN…

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A quick stop tonight to get them with lights. It’s just so pretty!!

More than just a GUY thing!

Another Saturday morning of cleaning up leaves and they are still not all down! We did a quick clean and I started just a little Christmas decor…I’m anxious but…

There is a “Guy Show” at Exhibition Park this weekend and “the guys” thought they would like to check it out. BUT, it’s more than a guy thing so Kristina & I went too!

There is a Guy Show PLUS a Christmas Craft Fair at the same place so we thought it would be fun to check out and do a little shopping too.

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Who wants to spend their whole Saturday working in the yard, that was so last week haha, And besides… David & I love to hang out with our kids ( missing one)