Adevntures in China

My yummy strawberry chocolate margarita at the feathered boa.

Emily and I have been talking about heading into China for a few months now, and we had both gotten Visa’s (which aren’t cheap) so we decided to use the two days off that Emily had to head to Guangzhou. Guangzhou is located about 2 hours Northwest of Hong Kong. After a night on the town Saturday night, Sunday morning arrived quickly, but we had a train to catch. We quickly packed an over night bag and jetted to bus stop.

Once at the train station, we figured out which track to head to, flashed our tickets and visa’s and passports, and boarded the train. There was some miscommunication as to which car to board. One train attendant pointed us to one end of the train, only to get there and have to walk back the entire length of the train! We were assigned seats so we plopped down and were ready to go! Only a short time into the trip, Emily took a trip to the bathroom (she has a peanut bladder! Luv ya Emily!!), only to come back a few moments later, laughing! Peeing while moving is tough enough, but when it’s just a hole in the ground that’s even more tricky! So I of course had to go see this toilet for myself! It was quite an experience... I will leave it at that!

Soon we arrived in Guangzhou, and realized we had no idea where we were going. We both looked at each other and laughed. We would figure it out… no big deal! Just then some man walked up to me, (we were the only white folks in the entire train station, so we must be tourists right?). He helped us figure out where to go and also tried to convince us to take a cab across town to the hotel where we were staying at. This would have been 180 Chinese, about $30 US. We opted to take the metro, and find it on our own. We were feeling adventurous. As we started on our way we soon realized that people really liked to stare at us, we were clearly different. Without even going the wrong way once we made it to our stop in central Guangzhou.

A park in Guangzhou

On our way out of the metro, a teenage boy, asked us "how much?" we both just looked at each other, laughed and said to ourselves... not for sale! On our walk to find the hotel, there was this small boy who was following us, like we were this strange creature he had never seen... it was quite interesting. Soon we found our hotel and were so proud of ourselves!

The main reason we went Guangzhou was to go to a spa that was recommended to Emily by a friend. It was apparently really cheap and relaxing. We were both all over the idea. So we asked for information at the front desk, but they had not heard about the spa we were recommended. We were given the name of another place, so we thought lets try it!

Upon arrival at the Spa we were immediately pounced upon. The women that spoke to us, spoke in very broken English, but we soon learned she was the best speaker in the house! We were in for an adventure! We chose a few items from the spa menu that looked good and were cheap! A manicure. pedicure, back rub and head/shoulder/back massage. Sounds good right? We thought so!

We then were given these key bracelets for our lockers and taken to the changing room, where things started to turn into a Seinfeld episode! We were taken to our lockers. The only way for the ladies to communicate with us was to push us around the locker room. We were really talking with our hands and feet! We were then under the impression to put on our bathing suits. We complied. Then were told to "SHOWER" so we did. At this point Emily and I are looking at each other like "what is going on!" Once out of the shower they all huddled around us and were trying to ask us something, but the language barrier was getting in the way. Emily and I finally realized that they were angry we showered with our suits on, because now they were wet. Oh well easy solution.. they shoved us into the sauna. At this point they are all standing outside probably talking about us, which is ok, because Emily and I are equally as confused! We sat in the sauna and both burst into laughter... what is happening?!? The sauna smelled like a a big bowl of Raumen noodles! After only a few moments they call us out and put us into different rooms and pulled a curtain shut! Uh Oh! The women then motions for me to lie down on my stomach... I am thinking ok, this is the back rub. Little did I know this was the Brillo rub! So my first though is maybe they have to clean us before they give us the back rub. Boy was I wrong! this was a full body exfoliation! Painful at times! I don't know I have ever been so exfoliated! All that scrubbing left me with some soft skin though!

Once I was done getting scrubbed I was pushed back into the shower, but I thought where is Emily? I was sure to not get my bathing suit wet again! After the shower I still didn't know where Emily was but I felt I must follow my lady to the next post. So like a good little kid I followed like a puppy. Little did I know that very soon I was going to be put into the most ridiculous outfit I have ever worn. Broke down palace anyone?? You remember those prison outfits, that is what we were given to wear. Meanwhile I am still wondering where is Emily? Moments later after sitting in a recliner, a women walked up to me and handed me Emily's bathing suit. I think to myself.. Where is the girl that goes inside the bathing suit? What happened to Emily?" Moments later Emily appeared and just laughed at my outfit! Soon though she was in the same one!

Yes this is the most unflattering photo, but I wanted you to have a visual on just how ridiculous we looked!

After reuniting we headed upstairs and were placed into these wonderful recliner chairs, were were given Tsing Tao beer. Here we received our manicure and pedicures and head and shoulder massages. None of these were the best we had had, but still we were paying close to nothing!

After getting manicures and pedicures were realized that they did not include nail polish, we were made our way to the painting station. This was hilarious. The girls here were so much fun! One in particular spoke a few words in English and was a hoot!

Once we were all painted we headed to eat some food and then back to the hotel. The cab ride back to the hotel, had to be one of the move frightening rides I have ever been on. In Guangzhou they like to use there horns and drive fast in two lanes! We were both excited to make it to the hotel in one piece! Our hotel was nice but had the hardest bed ever! I was able to jump on the bed with a glass of water on the mattress and not disturb it!
This the view from the hotel window.


The next morning we had a short time to walk around before it was time to make our way back to the train station. There was a beautiful park across the street. So we went to explore. There were couples getting wedding photos taken, old men and women practicing Tai Chi and playing ping pong, as well as the lovely old man who was walking around hawking loogies left and right. This is an awesome Chinese custom! Ping Pong in the park

One of the awesome signs I have seen on my trip!

Emily and I were both glad we were able to go to China, but were also excited to be back Hong Kong!

My last few days here have been bittersweet. I leave for Thailand tomorrow and am very excited but also sad to leave behind all the wonderful times and people I have met! For my last night here we are heading to the horse races. It think this will be right down my alley!

Tomorrow its off to Khoa Lak, I will try to update you all soon! Thanks again for all the emails and comments... its great to hear from everyone!