I haven’t finished writing about my trip around Taiwan. Now I have another great adventure to write about…I got to get to it. This is just the beginning.

From Hong Kong I shipped my luggage to Beiing. At the post office I put my two bags into one big box. Had to take out a few things, some clothes and a pair of shoes. Guess I didn’t really need that pair of jeans I had since high school with a hole in the knee. I did want to keep my USWA sweat pants. They can all be bought again. When I had no luggage except a small bag and my fanny pack I was relieved and ready to start my trip.

Returned two travel books on China to the library. Met Uncle Tai to give him his key back. Met Cousin Jake and Auntie and we were off to Shenzhen by train.

Once out of customs and outside, the first thing I noticed different about China from Hong Kong and Taiwan were the squatters, the people sitting and squatting any and everywhere. I’d seen them before, just been a while I guess. While Auntie got her nails done Jake and I went for dimsum. I had the best Chinese twisted donught (油條) ever, it was very crispy and very white, that means they’re not using days old oil. The highlight of the day was the trip to the sauna (桑拿浴) where we had an hour foot massage and a two hour body massage for 150RMB or $20 after tips. I was really tired and woke up a little sick that day. My feet hurt from walking so much in Hong Kong. I got the fire cups and 推油 (tui1 you2), where they use like a baby oil and after they break you in with their elbows they use a fire cup and move it all around your back. I slept really well that night.

Met Susanna for dinner, Aunt Grace introduced me to her last year in Hong Kong. She’s like Aunt Grace’s neice. She hooked me up with a nice hotel room. Her friend is a travel agent. After I get a job and make some money I have a lot of favors to return.

拔得太厲害了! I still have a few marks. I think/hope
it’s from getting sun while I had the bruises.