Fall Shopping Craves

I love shopping, even if it only means window shopping. I love the inspiration in the shop windows or store displays whether it's on the street or online. Every season brings a fresh new outlook to my already tired wardrobe with an influx of new colors and designs.

Living in China I haven't had the opportunity to shop the way I normally do. The markets are all poor quality knockoffs, the stores at the mall are very expensive and my body is very large in proportion to Chinese women so the clothing sizes just don't fit quite right. I can't really buy anything online. The Chinese online shops are all in Mandarin, which I can't read. Plus, if I have my family order for me back home, they have to pay a huge shipping cost to get it to me. Not to mention I have to depend on someone else to ship something to me and wait for the package to make it through customs which can take weeks or months.

Regardless, here are a few things I am craving for fall.

 Dolman Wrap Coat / Lola Avenue Lia / Mini M.A.C.

What's on your fall wish list?

Walmart in China

When I first learned that my apartment was going to be walking distance away from the nearest Walmart I was pretty thrilled. I mean, I was familiar with Walmart and their prices were reasonable. How could you go wrong? Plus I love shopping at grocery stores in different countries that I visit. I get a feel for the local customs and cuisine. Not to mention there are just so many products for sale that I can't find at home. 

My first few hours in China I had the experience of visiting our local SuperWalmart. And although I was expecting it to be different from back home, it was still a little overwhelming. Not to mention, on my first visit I was exhausted from a long flight and sweaty from the plane and 93+ temps in Beijing. Thankfully I had  a local teacher to guide me through my first visit, and I've been back many times since to purchase food and items for my apartment.

I was excited to see a few familiar items, although they came in unusual flavors. Look for a future post on my Oreo and Lays potato chip taste test.

The packaging is mostly in Chinese, so I need someone to show me items that I am looking for. Sometimes there is an English translation on the package, but it isn't always helpful and the translations aren't always correct

The meat and seafood section was also a bit shocking. The stores here don't prepackage meats. The meats are just out there on display in open air. I still haven't had the courage to purchase any of the raw meat for sale in the supermarkets.

Eggs and milk are found on the shelf and not in the refrigerated section in the USA. However, I have since purchased bottled milk from a refrigerator.

Eggs

Eggs

I've been to Walmart probably a dozen times now and I'm more acquainted with the options available. Sometimes it just takes a little getting used to.

What are your experiences grocery shopping in a foreign market?   

 

Off On A Solo Adventure

I am leaving today for a two week adventure exploring the East Coast of China. In my absence I've scheduled a few posts on my experiences in China so far. While I am away I will be slow to respond to your comments, but I love hearing from you and will respond when I return. Internet connections are tenuous at best in the land of limited free wifi. 

I hope you all are enjoying the start of fall and I'll be back with more stories soon!

 

Photo Friday: Forbidden City

Forbidden City
Beijing, China
September 2014

Print Shop Now Open!

I have long been a lover of travel and photography. Writing a blog has been such a pleasure for me as it has provided me with a window to share my love for these two hobbies of mine with the world. 

Recently, I decided to open a Print Shop to share some of my favorite images from my travels. You can check them out by clicking the link in this post or on the Print Shop icon on my sidebar. I will be adding new photos regularly so stop by anytime to view the latest prints for sale.