My German classmates, Rita and Michela, and I planned a trip with our teenage daughters and one of their friends. After we had all our details in place, I was invited to go to Suzhou earlier in the week with the wives of some of the Emerson employees--3 American and 2 Chinese women, one who had lived in Suzhou and knew how to navigate in the city...not to mention who would be very helpful when bargaining in the markets. Plus, we had been trying to get together for lunch, so why not extend our time to a whole day together, lunch included...eventually! :-)
So, same place, pretty much the same goal, but 2 very different experiences! I think the differences come down to different cultural perspectives on time and food. With the Chinese-led group, we left with only water as our reinforcements and we hit the road and kept going until we reached the Pearl Market. After getting our fill of pearls around 2:30 pm, we went out for a sit-down lunch, then we continued on to a silk shop and other Chinese gift shops. We decided we'd better head home once it started to get dark and rode home tired from a full day.
The second trip was influenced by the German approach: start out the day at the bakery and drink coffee and eat bread, pack food for the time in the car, stop along the way at a roadside stop and stretch, and eat a snack in the car before going into the Pearl Market. Once done shopping, eat again in the car: meatballs, potato salad, spring rolls, fruit and veggies and dip. Since it was about 3 pm, it was decided we should get home to check on our families, so we skipped any further stops and hit the road. Along the way we ate chocolate (German, of course). About 30 minutes outside of Nanjng, my friend Michela turns to me and says, "we would like to invite you to have some champagne with us!" Now?! China has no "open bottle" policy, and we had a designated driver (Li Min, our Emerson driver), so POP! We toasted our successful road trip and our friendship that began just 3 months ago.
I love being part of the international community and sharing experiences with my new diverse group of friends. I am continuing to learn how to be flexible!
The Emerson Wives' Club: Monica, Peggy, Jennifer, and Susan. Our motto that day: shop 'til you drop!
One of many shops in the Pearl Market. Case upon case, row upon row of pearls, beads, and gems-ready assembled or assembled while you wait or supplies for DIY. 
Pearls. Each pearl is sorted by size, shape, quality, and color. 
Grace (center), Chelsea (left) and Tess (right). These three girls joined the moms for the trip to Suzhou. We treated them to coffee and croissants before we hit the road. 
The bargaining can be intense! This shopkeeper stood her ground, but so did Chelsea. The shopping experience can be a big game some days. I have learned that if you ask how much something costs, it pretty much means you want it. Ask only if you are prepared for the negotiations to begin! 
Grace in the Pearl Market with her new necklace. 
A toast on the road. Only in China with German travel partners! 
1 comment:
OK, so I just now FINALLY read some words instead of just scrolling thru the pictures (the kids are in bed!). I can't wait to see you guys and hear more stories! But til then, thanks for sharing a few snapshots of your life there.
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