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I wish I had packed more clothes. Seems a silly thing to say as the stereotype would be to bring nothing and stock up while here... but it is proving to be more difficult than I had initially imagined! For starters, not possessing an Asian body-type sets me at a definite disadvantage, so even if I do happen upon some article of clothing that strikes my fancy it more often than not doesn't fit. It's very frustrating! The cheap clothes are too poorly designed and not even worth the bargaining time but then the price skyrockets for anything half decent. Being cheap (and also poor) makes clothing myself very difficult. Emily and I had ventured out on a mission a couple days ago to purchase some key items, and after hours of wandering around still empty handed, we happened upon a wig stall. Muahahaha. My mood spiked from discouraged to elated within two seconds. Gleefully trying them all on we decided on two colored bobs and then went to battle out the price. 15 minutes and one pretend walk-away later we had negotiated the price of 180RMB down to 50RMB. (A little less than $10.00). It was a steal! Giddy with
success, we carried on, planning our invasion of Beijing thus adorned.
Friday found us dressed up like fools ready to get out and dance! It's funny here as most of the locals take themselves quite seriously, and if you go out on the town you want to look gooooooooooooood. Being used to dressing up in silly outfits most times I went out back home, it's been interesting trying to break the mold; we were curious to see how we would be received. Patrick decided to accompany us as well, even after he was warned of our appearances. Brave, brave man. I have to say that everything is just more fun in a wig... having that little element of disguise delights my inner child dreadfully. I can also happily report that the wigs were an instant success (just what Beijing was waiting for) and we are practically famous now. Haha.
I just found out that this week holds more recording gigs for moi, so I am excited about the extra cash! I am horrifyingly skint at the moment and still have one week to wait out until I get paid. After that blessed event all should be smooth sailing.
Poor Emily just got a job as a Kindergarten teacher and will not be paid for a month and a half! It's going to be an interesting time. Luckily we are both similar minded with the sense of adventure that being broke brings, and have had quite an amusing time researching the various "free" nights Beijing hosts. It's becoming quite an art.
Our hot water should be turned on again today which is a total relief because those cold showers were terrible. I would literally get brain freeze as I was rinsing my hair. It's been two weeks of home life and Emily and I are still without bedding. She is also towelless. Everywhere we have looked has just cost so much and been quite garishly ugly. I must discover where I can find such treasures of pillows, quilts, and sheets!
It's 33 degrees today. Hot. I am hiding in a cool air conditioned cafe in the university district of the city: they have really good burritos here. The reason I'm hiding is because I don't have cool enough clothes to be outside. Jeans and this tee-shirt are ruining my life! Why oh why did I not pack my dresses?
A couple days ago I bought some novelty glasses to wear to classes... I wanted to appear as "teacherish" as possible. They were a huge hit and my students think they make me look very smart. Great. I wore them out one night as well and met a Chinese fellow who informed me that I looked Korean when I wear them. I don't quite know what to think. I have fun and enjoy going out thus disguised. It entertains me.
Ok, my palms are sweating black... I need to wash.
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sophie
non-member comment
I love your blog, you are really funny! I love how you buy cheese even though you are skint!