...well you know the rest. This evening after my husband describes his day at work, casually mentions to me..ah honey, talked to the movers today and there is an issue with moving our belongings to China. Apparently, the movers require not only your passport, visa, home address, but also need the permanent residence card. After I stated the obvious, that we don't a permanent residence card, the answer was, " yea that might be a problem". So as calmly as I could muster my question, though rhetorical, was "What about the wine?" My husband assured me, that he will contact his colleagues up in Shanghai to assist us. The worst case scenario, we ship 750 pounds back home. I bet you all are wondering who will be the lucky one that gets the call asking to store our treasures? Heather, I understand you still have room in your condo? All I can say, is that I am happy that I packed Lulac in my suitcase. (Sylvia and Dad you would appreciate that comment)
As they say, have credit cards will shop..
On another note, Heather and Mike thanks for the drunk calls and update on Lollapalooza.
Friday, August 3, 2007
That which does not kill you....
General Information
Not much going on lately, we are relieved that we've finally found an apartment and are hoping to be able to move in on Monday. I was told today that the owner expects to have the kitchen completed by tomorrow night and that we can finalize he contracts on Sunday. So we've got that going for us.
The weather has cooled off a little bit, or we are starting to get used to the humidity. Today the high is only 88F with 66% humidity, that's nice and cool. The sky is usually hazy, with that kind of feel like it's going to rain. I suppose that the high humidity will do that to you, but supposedly this is the last month for that.
Last month for the heat and humidity because next month starts typhoon season. If you've been watching the news there is one running up into Japan right now, but we've been told that as the season progresses their paths lower and generally slam right into Taiwan. Those aren't too bad as we are told you get about a 5-6 hour warning to get inside. Apparently some skirt just under Taiwan and then run up the coast of China, those run straight into Xiamen and that happens 2-3 times a season.
That's coming in September, so you know that we all have have something to look forward to...
Xiamen Weather update
We have been negligible in writing about the weather here in Xiamen. Per my sister-in-law she wanted daily updates, but since it's been pretty much been the same, since we arrived, I thought I would give it to you all at once. Saves on typing. Apparently for the month of July and August one can expect an average temperature of 100 degrees or approx 35 degrees celsius for you crazy Canadians. This is without the humidity, where it has reached toward 115 degrees. Actually it cooled off one day to a cool 95. The instant shade picture that was posted a few days back is typical of the kind of accessory (umbrella) one carries here. It helps, but it's still damn hot regardless of what my husband says. Anyone who is adverse to this heat, my suggestion is to visit us either earlier or later in the year. Speaking of later, we have been advised that September and part of October is typhoon season. Yippee, can't wait. We are generally protected by Taiwan but that depends on the winds and it is possible that Xiamen will get some doozys. Word of warning came from our beloved expats, if you have to go out, be careful as some of the shingles on the rooftops will come flying at a moments notice and can cut you like a knife. Well you know where I will be for the month of September.....playing solitaire on my computer, waiting for people to email me.
Actually it should be interesting and sure to have some great pictures for our blog. Stay tuned.
* - authored by Tina posted by Mark....
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
中国厦门 市思明区禾祥西二路 华侨海景城二期槟城楼 邮编361004
For all of you who cannot read Mandarin, above is our new address. Yup, we finally have a winner. Yesterday evening we went back to the second apartment we viewed last Monday. The idea was to ensure that it was as lovely as we remembered and it was. We attempted to negotiate a better rate and we could only get a 200 RMB discount, which really isn't that much of a deal, however we did like the area and the building was new. The agent also mentioned that there was another apartment in the same building on the 20th floor, so we figured what the heck, it was 300 RMB less than the 17th floor apartment. We took a look at the apartment, and decided that this was the one. It has hardwood floors and it's the same layout as the 17th floor apartment plus we were able to negotiated a better deal. (told them it was bad luck for us to pay an amount in odd numbers, that the need to reduce the rent to an even number). This translates to about $100USD savings per month. The only issue was that the apartment didn't have a kitchen. Hey, as long as it has a fridge, we're good. Okay, so all kidding aside, the kitchen wasn't completed, but the owner promised that the apartment would be done by the 6th of August. Keep your fingers crossed.
So for everyone who had expressed an interest in coming to Xiamen, we now have a 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom (plus a den) home with a pool and a large balcony where we have views of the lake. We are close to shopping, restaurants, as well as the pier, where ferries depart to Gu Lang Yu for additional shopping.
Entrance fee for the Wichmann Hotel will be a bottle wine (or 2), and it doesn't have to be expensive wine just good. Heck we'll even take a box of wine. That was for you Emily.
Gu Lang Yu Shopping Paradise
We walked through the main town and here one can shop until you drop. There are stores where you can buy teapots and all types of teas, artwork, clothing, Chinese ornaments, pearls, handbags, and food. Here you can practice the art of negotiations, and after a week of negotiating apartments, I was in rare form. Okay, thinking the merchants had more practice than I, figure they still came out ahead, but hey I felt good about my negotiating skills. We managed to do a bit of damage, some more than others, so a job well done by all.
As many of the books stated, one will go broke saving money in China. I couldn't agree more.
