Shenzhen to Guangzhou

From Shenzhen, we traveled to Guangzhou... the trade capital of China. In Guangzhou they have two trade fairs (HUGE trade fairs) per year (have for over 1000 years -- or so we were told), and this is the place to source vendors. Our first outing, after training and lunch and we were quickly indoctrinated into the uniqueness of Guangzhou.

We were taken to at least 3 different, very large indoor centers where you can buy anything and everything made of leather at wholesale prices. After that, we went at least two different centers for glasses. It's amazing how hard it is to find certain glasses (f-Oakleys) in a glasses shopping mall.

There are also very upscale shops here... including Ferrari (have yet to see one of these on the streets), actual Rolex watch shops (one in the window sold for 41,000 RMB -- about $3200, and all other expensive and high-end good. Interesting thing about it is that just one block from these shops and you're back in normal China. I can't imagine who shops in these, but surely someone must.

We've eaten at some great restaurants. Our first night here and we were invited to a Thai restaurant that was incredible, followed by another foot massage... this one at a "clinic" where all were dressed in medical attire and inflicted WAY too much pain. We also found an Indian restaurant across the street from the hotel that we liked so much we've eaten at twice.

It doesn't take very much walking to get off the beaten path and down some alleyway that has not exit. Last night we decided to walk around the neighborhood, where the same 14 (or so) year-old kid offered us massage cards at least 4 times (no exaggeration), and one more today. I don't know why he couldn't figure out that we truly meant no.

Our venture down the alley was a good laugh. We ended up against a gated wall, about 15 feet above street level, with no way down, and had to back track to get out. Everyone we passed was giving us funny looks, and we soon realized that we were walking among their domiciles. Brought back memories of the mission once again.