Zhujiajiao

Looking for a cheap, easy, fun getaway from Shanghai for the day?  Before last Monday, I was.  Since school is still out and Chris is working all day, I’m going a wee bit stir crazy.  When my friend Jume suggested we take a one-hour 12 RMB ($2 USD) bus trip to a water town called Zhujiajiao, I was in.

1700-year-old Zhujiajiao is a small village that once thrived on rice and clothing industries.  Now it is a tourist trap that contains restaurants, street food stalls, and PLENTY of stores that are perfect for junkin.   During our three-hour stay, we had a splendid time exploring.

While walking through the canal side streets, the smell of street food filled the air.  Treats like these pig trotters, zongzi, and pork ribs could be purchased for under 10 RMB ($1.50 USD)

Many of the stalls like the one pictured above had very cheap souvenirs.

Jume convinced me to get a 30rmb ($5 USD) fish pedicure.  After 25 minutes of these guys nibbling and tickling my feet, I was ready to roll.

I loved these cute shoes!

We had a great view during our scallion spaghetti lunch.

Chinese gondoliers transported tourists through the canals.  A ride ranged in price from 60-120 RMB ($10-$20 USD)

This animatronic statue welcomed visitors to what I assumed to be a haunted/ fun house.  I was too creeped out to ask.

Lots of four legged friends hung out on the streets. 

My time in Zhujiajiao was a great afternoon break from downtown Shanghai.  If you are in the mood for some street food and junkin, I would check it out.  If you would like more information on Zhujiajiao, click here.

Junkin Down Dongtai Lu

The first time I met my Mother’s cousin Du, she introduced me to an amazing word: junkin.  Junkin is the act of meandering through gift shops, garage sales, malls, and other venues in search of tchotchkes, trinkets, and souvenirs that eventually end up collecting dust on a shelf.  In Shanghai, there are PLENTY of places to go junkin, one of which is the Dongtai Lu Antiques Market.   

When I hear the words antique market, I think of stalls that contain old furniture.  That is not the case on Dongtai Lu.  If you are looking for an eccentric souvenir for the friend that has everything, this street is the place for you.

Welcome to Dongtai Lu, home of many eccentric souvenirs. 

I had no idea that the Keebler Elves were avid sportsmen.   This clock is perfect for the anglers in your life. 

Can't find the perfect doll for your little princess?  This pair is looking for a good home!

I am embarrassed to admit I was intrigued by the fortune telling sticks.  These magic sticks will forecast your day.  

I picked the number 10.  I thought the set could be a great party game, but the vendor wouldn't meet my price.  

The plate was for sale, the dog wasn't.  I wondered if the dog was trained to draw attention to the platter.

Many times the stalls were cluttered, but some of the displays were visually stunning. 

Shopping for a doctor?  This acupuncture doll family is the perfect gift.

Shopping for a bird lover?  Perhaps one of these cages will do. 

These blade gloves are perfect for recreating the movie Edward Scissorhands.

For the empress...

When shopping on Dongtai Lu know that many items are mass-produced, so feel free to drive a hard bargain.  For directions to Dongtai Lu, click here.

The Great Things About Home Trips

I have loved about 95% of my time in China.  There are times, however, when I am little homesick and yearn for a trip back to the motherland.  Fortunately, as part of our expat package we get a three week whirlwind trip back to the states.  In July, I was able to visit home and realize why I miss America at times.

The Shopping

Home trip time is always time for me to stock up on clothes, shoes, and other goodies that are hard to find in Shanghai. 

My large feet make it difficult to find cute shoes in Shanghai. So this trip I purchased my annual shoe wardrobe. 

I also purchased a year's worth of Bath and Body Works products.

When entering stores like Target, Walmart, or any other grocery store it is very easy to get in hoarding mode.  We usually horde antiperspirant, over the counter drugs, ranch dressing mix, hygiene products, brown gravy mix, printer cartridges and other items that are difficult to find in or are expensive in Shanghai.

The Sites

After getting over jet lag, I love visiting some of our old hangouts. 

Chris and our niece, Annabelle, have a tea party at the Indianapolis Children's' museum

On the way back from Indy, I stopped by my old sorority house at Purdue University.

We also took a stroll by the fountain in the center of campus.

In St. Louis, we had a great time at the Cardinal game.

The next day, we visited the Cardinal hall of fame at Cardinal Nation in downtown St. Louis.  I had great time holding Willie McGee's bat.

On Tuesday, I had a great time riding a camel at Grant's Farm in St. Louis

Chris has a grand time nursing baby goats.  

The Food

When returning to the states, I usually have a list of restaurants to visit and foods to eat.  Unfortunately this usually leads to a ten-pound weight gain.

It was great to eat lots of barbecue!

In Charleston, I ate some yummy lamb chops at Peninsula Grill. 

We finished off the meal with Peninsula's 12 layer coconut cake. 

 No trip to Chicago is complete without an Italian Beef sandwich.

The Friends and Family (especially the kids!)

When in the states, many people ask me,

            “What two things do you miss most about home?”

My answer is always the same, family and friends.  The best part of the home trip is seeing family and friends for the first time in a year. 

Annabelle and I had fun playing dress up.

I miss having ordinary fun with my nieces. 

After the Children's Museum, we had a fun time at gymnastics class.

We had a great time hanging out with the Kosiors

Chris and I had a chance to catch up with an old college friend.

I finally got to see my parents for the first time in a year. 

We caught up with cousins.

Chris and my 95 year old Great Uncle Peter swap home brewing stories. 

I had the chance to catch up with my Charleston peeps.

I saw the musical Schoolhouse Rock with my niece, Amelia.

We had a great time having a photo shoot in her qipao. 

We also had many Frozen tea parties.

On Friday we had a great time at swimming lessons.

The highlight of lessons was sliding down the pool slide.  

As much fun as our trip was, I am very happy to continue our adventures in Shanghai.   I am excited to see what this next year has in store!