Brayden’s CP Blog

Busy day

April 27th, 2008

A bit of an upset this morning, I didn’t end up getting to go to the knock-off market.  The access to the stores was very bad, and there was no way that the kids could go.  I had heard about another place just a couple of blocks away that was all on flat ground, so we decided to venture out again.  Because of the no hot water after 10 or before 8, I hadn’t had a shower in a couple of days, so I was kinda stinkin’ up the place.  I decided to grab a quick one before we left.  I really didn’t plan on any company, so I didn’t lock the door this time.  I was all finished, wrapped myself in a towel (basically an over-sized hand towel),  headed out the bathroom door, only to run smack into Dr. William and the staff who were walking into the room.  Boy was I embarrassed!  I quickly tucked myself back into the bathroom and waited for them to leave.  Jason comforted my by reminding me that they are professionals!  Ahh!  We finally got the kids around, and headed out. 

The blocks here are more like country miles back home.  After two blocks, we finally came to the alley that we were told about.  I am telling you, this was a bit scary.  The alley was like one lane wide.  Not really any sidewalk.  Big trucks, buses, taxi’s, cars, and motorcycles whizzing down it both ways rather quickly.  It is not the nicest part of town either, lots of trash, setting water, and not so fresh smell.  We are beginning to wonder just what in the heck we were doing!  We cautiously continued down the alley and finally came to a huge intersection.  People were everywhere!  Shops on both sides of the streets.  Clean for the most part.  We really hit the jackpot.  We managed to cross the street only getting honked at two or three times.  After a bit of searching, I found the “okay” purse shop.  I was not so impressed.  They had a Louis Vittan bag out front that looked great from afar.  I went to pick it up, and it wasn’t even close to Dollar Store quality.  Pretty sure I hadn’t hit the jackpot after all.  Oh well, we carried on.  We came upon a little store with baby stuff.  A nurse here is having a baby in August, so I thought I would try out my bargaining skills and buy her a gift.  I picked out a little mat you lay the baby under and toys dangle down.  I asked the clerk how much.  She writes 160 RMB on a piece of paper.  I look at it a bit more, and write 100 RMB.  I knew she would say no, but that’s what I had been taught to do.  However, she raised the price on me to 200RMB!!  She put a big X through my 100 RMB and wrote 200RMB above the 160.  She raised her voice at me and kept pointing back and forth between the 160 and 200.  So, needless to say, I didn’t bargain anymore….

After not so great luck at the market, we decided to find the closest KFC for some lunch.  Bad timing.  It was like McDonald’s after a ball game, but with about 200 people packed inside.  We couldn’t deal with all the stares, so we decided to walk towards the RT Mart.  We figured it was about 3 blocks, so no sweat.    SOOO about 10 blocks later, and about 20 stops for locals to take pictures with Brylie, we make it to the KFC at the RT Mart.  As Gary Brown would say, our belly buttons were eating our spines we were so hungry!  When we walked in, the same girl that always helps us was working.  I could see the look of dread in her eyes- “Oh god, it’s the American’s that like to order sooo many chicken wings.”  Jason did his level best to order enough for all of us, but again, we were rationed.  The very kind staff at KFC found us a table and helped us get situated.  It kind of stinks when we eat out bc we feel like we have to rush bc people will literally stop at our table and stare at us while we eat.  It is crazy!  I really think they are somewhat in awe of American’s.  I had to grab a couple of things at the RT Mart since we were so close.  I tell you, the kids have become little camera stars over here.  Jason had taken Brayden outside to wait for us, so Brylie and I took the opportunity to check out some purses.  In the shop, Brylie started blowing kisses to one of the clerks.  Like 5 seconds later, you would have thought we were on the red carpet.  Camera’s were flashing, people were tugging on my arms bc they wanted to touch her and take a picture with us.  There were seriously about 20 people surrounding us.  They finally let us through to leave just about the time Jason was coming back to look for us.  That was quite an experience.

After our long walk, it was time to get ready for the going away party.  John the Aust-Italian made spaghetti and meatballs.  I got a couple of cakes, some fruit, cheese and crackers, and chicken strips.  It was quite a feast.  I was really happy that the party turned out so well.  We have made some really amazing friends here.  You know, you think you have it rough until you really get out there and talk to other people.  Our problems seem so small.  We have met people from all over this world, and sadly enough, everyone is here because it is their only chance- their last little bit of hope.  Dennis is leaving Sunday, but I overheard him talking about his illness in therapy one day.  (He has motor-neuron disease.  He cannot use his arms from the shoulders down.)  He was saying how the docs in New Zealand had left him for dead basically.  This is his only chance.  Then he said something that really put all things in perspective for me- “You have to be like water.  No matter what kind of barrier you put in the way, water always finds another route, another way to escape.”  Everyone here is like water.  That may sound a bit silly, but we have all decided that we are not going to accept it when the docs say that there is no more that can be done. 

Hope you all have a wonderful Saturday!  Brown family, best of luck at the wedding.  I so wish we could be there.  You will be in our thoughts!

Love, Jason, Lorie, and kids 

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