My New Friend From Down Under

Before we left the States I was put in contact with Jodi, an Ex-Pat wife living in Huizhou.  We met today to go shopping around Huizhou.  Jodi lives in Liri (where Adam and I will hopefully live soon) with her family.  The only places I really know of to shop are in the malls (and they are the only places I can get to thanks to my various cards that I hand to Taxi Drivers), but Jodi brought me to what I pictured shopping to be like before I got here.  There were hundreds of small 12x12 shops on 3 floors in 2 buildings.  We found school supplies, pearls, DVD’s, pottery, towels, underwear, jade sculptures, toys, clothing, and just about anything else you can think of.  The goal here is to get a good deal, I am still afraid to negotiate, for one I don’t want to insult, and for 2 I actually want the product…so in the end I will pay.  Jodi is a pro (although she says she still gets cheated).  She finds out the total and says oh no, types a new number in the calculator and if they don’t accept the deal…she leaves.  After our day together it is wonderful to know I have support nearby.  I know if I have any questions or need anything I can call her, no problem.