A good hair cut!

Hey Ya'll! 

Wanted to share with you today about where I get my hair cut. I tried many different "local" type places when I first got here, but they didn't work well with my type of hair. I have a ton of hair so it needs to be thinned out and layered just right. The first time I got my hair cut at a local place down the road from where we lived, I cried the whole way home. It was way too short and way too thin with a very straight type cut.

 I HATED it. 

So I took my dear friend from Singapore with me the next time to try again, it was better but still not great. After a few times of just being disappointed, I finally decided it was worth paying more to try and get a better cut. 

Tony Studio!!!! 

Ken Bao, my FAVORITE stylist! 

This salon is in Ba Bai Ban (downtown Wuxi) has been a life (well really "hair saver") saver for me! It is an extremely nice salon with very professional guys working there. They don't speak a lot of english, but between the little bit of mandarin that I know, the touch of English they know, and the wonderful translation apps on the iPhone, we make it work. 

Ken Bao is my personal favorite stylist. He has cut my hair the last 4 times I have been and it has always been wonderful!!! I have taken quite a few friends with me and they have used other stylists and we have all been very pleased.  

Carina discussing with they stylists how she wants her hair done. 

When you go you can expect to spend at minimum 180 rmb. That is the price I pay each time I go and that is the lowest price they have. You can choose different levels of service, but I think this level is wonderful. I have not gotten my hair colored there so I don't know how that would work yet, but I do know they offer that service as well. 

Carina getting her hair cut. 

They are open from 10am to 10pm each day. Also in Ba Bai Ban there are some great restaurants on the same floor as Tony Studio. Go have lunch or dinner and enjoy a fabulous haircut. 

Our final product. We love our hair cuts! 

Can't wait to hear what you think about this fabulous salon! 

Thanks ya'll, 

Belle

Play Time! Indoor playgrounds are fabulous!

Hey Ya'll!

***This post is being updated and rewritten since the last indoor playground has closed.***

I was bummed to learn that our playground we had been going to was closing, but within a few months a new one has opened in a brand new mall! This mall, Suning Plaza, is amazing.


Suning Plaza 无锡苏宁广场

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Renmin Rd and Xinsheng Rd
无锡市人民中路和新生路

Pickle and I love to go to the playground, especially in the winter when it is super cold outside. It gives us a morning out of the house and time for him to run around and wear himself out. Its even better when friends go along. For the Mommy's and friends Suning has a Starbucks (and other coffee shops) and the playground lets you take your drink in with you. Sweet!!!! 

When you arrive at Suning, the playground is on the 3rd floor. It is called "Cheer" and costs 50rmb per kid to get in to the different parts of the playground, but it is totally worth it. You can buy a 10 times pass for 380rmb which is what I have purchased for these last few weeks, making it only 38rmb per visit.

There is three different sections to this playground. There is the main part for older kids, which is where we spent most of our time, a sand pit that is filled with sand toys, and an specific area for younger children. You have buy individual passes to each area per visit, but we tend to stick with just the one. They all look amazing though.

Below are some pictures of what the place looks like. One of the things you will notice is how clean it is. For China this is extra wonderful. The staff does a great job of keeping it clean and making sure the kids are not sick (have a fever) going in and that all kids have on a diaper (meaning no split pants...score!).

Enjoy!

A cool side. 

Tunnels all around. 

Climbing areas. 

You have to have a ball pit. 

They have an amazing area filled with soft balls that you can shoot, make float and more. 

The staff at the place is part of the reason I love it. They are super friendly, not over bearing and always willing to help out. 

Pickle loves going, especially when friends go along. 

So come on over to Wuxi and join us in the fun! You know you want to.

Thanks ya'll, 

Belle

Culture Shock- The peddler

LG and I took a quick walk over to our local produce market this afternoon, and as always, he scored some free food. Today's bounty of "free-because-I'm-so-good-looking" food included a cucumber (peeled..such service!) and banana. Our vegetable seller LOVES Xiǎodìdi (shao-tee-tee) "little brother", which is what LG gets called by pretty much anyone who stops to say hello.

On our way out of the produce market, we passed a man on a loud speaker. If there is one thing I can say --Chinese have NO volume control. Louder is better. He who speaks louder wins. It's sensory overload at times. Drawn to the man on his loud speaker, I took a little detour towards him, but stopped dead in my tracks when I saw what he was pedaling.

Here's a hint....

If I had anything ailing me, this man could fix it with his magic potions!

More specifically... snake potions.

Complete with live snakes.

He started to walk towards me with a snake and that's where I drew the line.

Uh uh. No way.

Maaaaaaaaajor bu Yao!

-Elle Lay

Auchan Grocery Store

Hey Ya'll! 

Lets get down to the stuff that I know you are really wanting to know before moving to Wuxi. 

Grocery Shopping! 

Where do you go to get the stuff we all know and love? Are things from home even possible to find?? 

In this section of our blog, we will share some of what we have learned in shopping and where to go to get all the things that are must haves. The main thing we have learned in China is that it is not very possible to get everything you need in one store. So by these posts, we hope to help you know where to go to buy different items as need be. 

Lets begin with Auchan. 

Auchan (Jinhai Rd) 欧尚（金海里店）

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0510-89087097
288 Changjiang Rd
无锡市新区长江北路288号

Our local store here in New District has gone through many changes since I have been here, but it keeps getting better. Right now they are under construction around the store to make the surrounding area into a shopping center, where I have been told a new Starbucks will arrive! Yea!!! 

Just some of the goodies you can find in the international food section. 

They have a small international food section that seems to be growing. At our last visit there, Elle Lay and I found Ole El Paso refried beans, taco seasoning and salsa. Until now you could only find this at Metro (our store in town like a Sam's Club or Costco). Other items in this section are chips, olives, pasta, beans and so much more. 

Elle Lay loving the cheese section. 

The cheese section here is WONDERFUL! They have a wonderful selection of different types of cheese, butter, yogurt and milk. Other than Metro, this is where we go for cheese. 

The checkout lines are always an interesting adventure. Most days its a long line with lots of people, but if you time your shopping trip right you can get through pretty quick. My suggestion would be to go shopping between the hours of 10am and 3pm. Before that you get the morning crowd of grandparents doing their family's shopping for the day. After that would be the rush of the evening crowd after work. 

LG & Pickle chilling as we get ready to lift their chariots over the barriers. 

As always, if you have kids don't take a stroller to the store unless you have a friend to help you lift them up and over the barriers. 

In conclusion, we love Auchan. Living in the new district section of Wuxi, it is an easy walk from our apartment. If I'm going shopping here are a few of the items I'm planning to get. 

baby wipes - 19 rmb

cheese - 32 rmb 

Pickle's favorite yogurt pouches - 4 rmb

Tractor Man's yogurt - 4 rmb

peanut butter - 12 rmb 

Culture Shock - Squatty Potties

Hey Ya’ll! I love sharing my experiences with you. As I relive these moments I find myself laughing at my reactions to all the new things I encountered upon moving to China. 

When we moved to China we only had one day of cultural training and in hindsight it didn’t really apply much to me. The company doing the training was focusing more on Tractor Man and his job here in China and the things he needed to know. 

So I learned more by getting out and figuring life out on my own. I’m sure you have read all about my experience learning about split pants, so this story should be amusing to you as well. 

Tractor Man knew about the toilets here, but he “must have forgot” to mention the difference to me. Granted, when I think back I remember him talking about some crazy toilets on his journeys around the world, but I didn’t put two and two together. Until........we went out Papa Johns for the first time. 

We were there with a group of people we had recently met and were enjoying a wonderful lunch that made me feel like I was back at home. One of our new friend’s little girl had to go to the bathroom and her mom was busy with their youngest child, so I volunteered to take her. Needless to say, when she and I opened the stall door I about had a heart attack. It was really just a hole in the floor....what on earth do you do with this. The little girl I was assisting impressed me so much, she (unlike me) had seen this already in her time in China and knew exactly what to do. Yes, a 3 year old taught me all about squatty potties! 

This is a squatty potty. Don't you just love them? Ha! 

For the longest time I refused to use one and did my best to not have to use the restroom out in public. I did well for about a year and a half...then I finally succumbed. It is definitely a different experience as you really have to squat (hence the name) very low. 

This is the type of restroom you will find in most everyplace out in public in China. But at times, you can find a western style restroom...and believe me, once you have been in Wuxi for a bit, you can practically find every one of them very easily. 

One thing you do need to know and plan for in advance is that most of the public restrooms in China do not have soap and some do not have toilet paper. Since I have Pickle with me all the time, I always have baby wipes on hand so that solves the toilet paper issue. As for the soap, I have started carrying a travel container with me filled with hand soap. This has made most everything a bit easier and “cleaner” for me. 

This was taken in Hangzhou...the tourism bureau rated this bathroom 3 stars.  So what does that look like? 

This! Ha! This is a 3 star China potty...now you know! 

So come on over and learn to laugh with us all about the many differences over here. It really makes you stronger when you learn to laugh at the days to come. Laughter makes most things easier. 

Always, 

Belle

Culture Shock - Split Pants

Hey Ya’ll, 

Culture is one of the biggest differences in moving to China. At times it can be a challenge, but if you let yourself learn to understand (or at least be aware of) differences, then it can be a fun learning experience. 

In this section of our blog, we want to share some of our stories and how we are slowly (one day at a time) learning to cope and understand.

I thought I would share one of my first interesting Chinese experiences with you. This story shares one of the vastly different parts of culture that I was not prepared for. 

Split Pants! 

An example of a Chinese split pants outfit. Can you see the slit down the center of the crotch?

Yes, you read that correctly...split pants or crack pants...there are many names foreigners have given these. 

So here is my story. 

Our very first day out and about in China we had to go to the Wuxi International Clinic to get my medical exam so I could apply for my residence permit along with Tractor Man. While we were in the waiting room there was this mother with her young son there and they were captivated with Pickle (my son). The little boy was so cute looking at him. At this point I didn’t know any Mandarin other than Ni Hao (hello), so I had no way of really talking to them. But as they turned away I saw the little boys bare bottom...I was extremely surprised by this...then his mom turned him back around to say goodbye and I noticed that the front part of him was sticking out too! I had NO idea what was going on, but I confess my first thought was that they were really poor and couldn’t afford to fix their clothes. I came really close to trying to give her an extra pair of Pickle’s pants that was in our diaper bag. Nothing in my American brain could comprehend at that sleep deprived moment any other reason for this. But I am so thankful that I didn’t! That would have been a major face losing moment for this sweet Chinese mother. 

This is the cute little boy from my story. Notice the "split" in his pants! 

Later I learned that this is their method of potty training and it begins from a very early stage in life. Also, apparently diapers were not very common here in China until the last decade, so for many families this is still a new concept and for the grandparents who are raising the kids its just a totally foreign idea. 

Life in Wuxi will present you with many opportunities to see split pants in real life. I admit, even though I have been here almost 2 years, I still get shocked at times by what I see. Probably because as an American I just can’t wrap my head around this concept. Especially in the winter when the grandma’s have their grandkids completely bundled up in massive snow suit type things, but with the slit down the crotch still. 

To better help us understand the real reason behind this and other cultural differences, I have asked my Chinese instructors to help us understand more from a local’s perspective. 

Enjoy! 

Real Culture Explanation - June from Wisdom International

 The reasons that Chinese parents let children wear split trousers (we call them “ Kai dang ku” is that they are comfortable and convenient. Comfortable meaning that the baby's buttocks do not need to be wrapped the whole day, the red spots (diaper rash) will not come out by the suffocated diaper. On the other hand, the parents don’t need to change the diaper or wash the diaper so often, the baby can squat down and have pee or stool, where it is convenient. It is also much cheaper on the economic side .

Always, 

Belle 

Visiting friends and family: passport/visas

I am Elle Lay's sister, Bucky, and will be making my first trip to Wuxi in April 2013. When my sister left for Wuxi, I decided it was time for me to apply for my very first passport. There are several steps you need to take so you will be allowed into the country which include having a valid passport (with 6 months validity remaining) and a Travel Visa from the Chinese Embassy.

First step : Passport

If you already have a passport, you must have at least one blank page or it will be rejected when you apply for your Travel Visa. If you do not have one or it has expired, you will need to apply for a new one.

I found the passport application (Form DS-11) online at: http://travel.state.gov/passport/forms/ds11/ds11_842.html

If you do not have a printer you can go to the US Post Office (USPS) and pick up the form from a mail clerk.

What you will need:
1. Passport application
2. If you fill it out in pen, it must be in BLACK ink
3. Identification - Proof of citizenship (certified birth certificate for most) and primary identification (Drivers license, Government ID, old passport). If your name differs from your birth certificate take appropriate documents with you (marriage license, legal name change document)
4. You must submit it in person – it will not be accepted by mail
5. Photocopy of the ID you use - copy front & back
6. Fees - As of 3/2013 you will need $110 (they prefer cash) for the passport and $25 to pay the USPS to process the passport for you
7. Photo – photo requirements are on the DS-11.
I went to CVS Drugstore and they took my photo in less than 5 minutes for $9.99. Simply tell them you need a passport photo. If you will be doing your Travel Visa application right after your passport arrives ask for 3 copies so you won’t have to go back to do another photo. If you aren’t applying for your Travel Visa for several months, it is best to get a new updated photo when you turn it in.
8. Once you have your DS-11 completed take it your nearest US Post office. Warning: They will attach your birth certificate and marriage license to the application. You will get it back after you get your passport. They are mailed separately for security reasons. My passport took about 3 weeks to be sent to me, my birth certificate came a day later. You can check status online, the link is on the back of the form.

I had my birth certificate from 1971 but it was not the “long” form listing my parent’s names and other personal information. If you do not have the long form you will have to contact the County Courthouse to obtain a new copy (for a fee) before applying for your passport. If in doubt ask a mail clerk at the USPS and they will tell you if yours is acceptable or not.


Second step: Travel Visa

Travel Visas can be issued for single entry, double entry, or multiple entries. The price is the same regardless of how many entries you apply for. My brother in law, BG, started my Visa application for me and wrote me a checklist with what I needed to do. His list was extremely helpful and made the whole process easy. He had me apply for multiple entries so I can come and go as often as I wish until it expires in 12 months. You can turn your application in two ways. Either take it yourself to the Chinese Consulate or pay a passport & visa agency to handle it on your behalf. I decided to pay a service to do it for me instead of traveling to Los Angeles from Santa Barbara twice myself. I used Ambassador Passport & Visa Services in Los Angeles. I would definitely use them again if I have the need.

You will need:
1. Chinese Visa application. You must type in all UPPER CASE and leave no blanks. If it doesn’t apply to you type NONE.
The application is at: http://www.ambassadorpassportandvisa.com/admin/pdfs/china-visa-application.pdf
2. You will need two standard “Passport” photos. See Passport step #7 above.
3. If your passport is the first passport you have ever obtained, you need to write a letter to the Chinese Consulate (see sample letter below).
4. Photo copy of your passport
5. Copy of your flight itinerary
6. If you use Ambassador Passport & Visa you will need to complete an order form http://www.ambassadorpassportandvisa.com/pdfs/cover_letter.pdf
7. Fees - Travel Visa was $140. Ambassador’s fee is $99-$140 depending on what jurisdiction you live in. Fee schedule is on their website. I sent my Visa application and documents via FedEx Ground for $9. They do offer rush processing, the above pricing was for regular processing which took about 7 business days. For me their fee was worth every penny, I would have had to travel to the Consulate in Los Angeles once to drop it off and then go back to pick it up a few days later when it was ready.

**Sample letter for first time passport holders**

The Consulate General of The People's Republic of China
443 Shatto Place
Los Angeles, CA 90020

To Whom It May Concern:

This is the first passport (enter passport # here) that I have been issued. I do not have any expired or passports issued in another name.

Sincerely,

Your Name
Your Address
City, State, Zipcode


Signed: _______________________________ Date: _______________


Total Fees as of 3/2013

Passport $110
USPS Processing $25
Passport & Visa Photos $30
Travel Visa $140
Visa processing $99
Fed Ex to Ambassador $9
Fed Ex return to me $35

Cost for passport + visa $448

I am ready to go see what life is like in Wuxi. Perhaps the Housewives of Wuxi will let me do a little guest spot after I have spent a few weeks running around with them.

Until then zài jiàn,

Bucky