Tourists

China in now the World’s second largest economy and, as we all know, the bespoke manufacturer for the whole World.  Consequently there are some very good bargains to be had in local markets where replicas of fashion Brands can be found at very low prices.  But in the upmarket shopping centres the prices are very similar to those in Australia.

Another good reason for visiting China is the food.  There is a wide range of cuisine.  In Beijing there was even a local French patisserie.  Food is generally of a very high standard and we ate in a range of restaurants from a small ‘hole in the wall’; where a local wit laughingly mimed that we would throw up; to expensive tourist restaurants.  We were not sick, even though the meal cost us about two dollars each.

On one bus trip, which was predominantly for locals, we were the only Europeans.  We ate lunch, included in the fare, in a large barn-like cafeteria with the other passengers from the bus.  The others were most concerned that we have our fair share of the communal servings on our table and were surprised that we could use chopsticks efficiently.  Again, the food was fine.  We soon became connoisseurs of Great Wall wine that comes in a wide range of prices and qualities; from cheap and nasty to very nice.

Generally speaking it is easy to travel and China as most public signs for, example in the metro or at the Airport, are written in English; in addition to the Chinese characters. 

Typical Metro Station 

Some Chinese people also speak English.  And the Chinese are used to making themselves understood as there are many local dialects.  My favourite example was when Wendy needed a toilet.  No one understood the five or six euphemisms or alternatives for toilet that she tried.  But our friend Sonia simply made a ‘psss’ sound.  A Chinese woman immediately understood and directed her to the ladies convenience.

But learning some basic Mandarin is a good idea.