Dividing by Eight
In preparation for all of the shopping that RK knows I will be doing in China, he has started giving me pop quizzes.
What is 125/8?
The exchange rate is not exactly 8, of course. It is 7.82. Which means that $125 yuan is actually $15.98 instead of the $15.62 you get by dividing by 8. However, when doing this in my head what I get is “a little over 15 dollars”. Close enough.
Some people just use the multiples of 8 (16, 24, 32, 40, 48, 56, 64, 72, 80, 88, 96, 104). So, 60 yuan falls between 56 and 64 so it is between 7 and 8 dollars…. 600 yuan is between 70 and 80 dollars.
And if that works for you then great. But for some reason, when shopping and bargaining and needing to be quick on my toes, that doesn’t work for me.
Here is a quick primer in RQ yuan to dollar math… first thing is to realize 8 yuan is about one dollar, so anything less than 10 yuan, if I want it and I have room to pack it, I buy it.
Next have an idea of the landmark numbers:
16 yuan is about two dollars
40 yuan is about five dollars
80 yuan is about ten dollars
100 yuan is about 12.50
120 yuan is about 15 dollars (hence my “a little over 15 dollars” from above)
160 yuan is about 20 dollars
400 yuan is about 50 dollars
800 yuan is about 100 dollars
I realize that this is similar to the multiples of 8, but in my head, working with numbers ending in zero is easier. To give you an idea of how close this will get you, under the current exchange rate of 7.82, 800 yuan is actually equal to $102.30.
Here is how I think when I see a price tag in China:
75 yuan? Well, 80 yuan is $10, so off the top of my head I know it’s somewhere close to $9.50.
35 yuan? Again, 40 yuan is $5 so I immediately know it’s in the vicinity of $4.50.
18 yuan? – just a touch over $2, since 16 yuan is two dollars.
185 yuan? – somewhere around $23 (160 yuan is $20, 200 yuan is $25, 185 is in the middle)
See how this works? If you know those landmark numbers then you will have a rough idea of how much you are paying for things.
I’ll talk about shopping and bargaining in China in another post.
January 16th, 2007 at 7:37 am
cool! thanks! think i will copy down the landmark list and carry in my pocket!
January 16th, 2007 at 7:40 am
RQ,
Cool idea, thanks to RK too! Now I’m ready to shop ’til I drop! Or until I fill my suitcase, whichever comes first :)
LID 11/7/05
January 16th, 2007 at 7:43 am
Neat. Close enough for me even with the exchange rate.
Thanks,
B
4/19/06
January 16th, 2007 at 7:49 am
You crack me up, RQ! This is just too funny! Just what I needed to start my day. :)
January 16th, 2007 at 7:57 am
Don’t worry about filling your suitcase slake2370 because they have more you can buy – and very inexpensively too! We had to do that!! And I left behind everything that wasn’t critical!!
I over packed going to China and we only had one suitcase each, when we were allowed two. I brought a fold-down soft side one with us because I knew I would need the extra one going home… and then we had to buy an other one!
I’m glad we were at the White Swan the whole time because packing and unpacking twice would have been a bear!
January 16th, 2007 at 8:10 am
RQ
Thank you. I have always relied on DH’s math brain when traveling to other places where $ are not the same. I think I will definately need this as DH is not the shopper I am and I am planning on bring home lots of things for family and DD.
Hmmmm, now thinking about the suitcase size:)!
Meg
LID 9/29…….!
January 16th, 2007 at 8:20 am
That’s great!! I’ve already printed it and I’m going to keep it in my wallet… or try to memorize it…lol
January 16th, 2007 at 8:21 am
my head hurts. Math is hard.
January 16th, 2007 at 8:28 am
RQ…now your talking my language…shopping!! This is a great and fun post and the timing is good because I am finally letting myself think about such things. I cannot wait to hear the sort of things you suggest buying in China. Your BTDT experience is ….priceless!
Kim (hoping to be next)
10-08-05
http://www.babyjellybeans.com/web/do/site?ID=6022
January 16th, 2007 at 8:42 am
RQ,
Can you do the same thing with euro’s ;-)
Just a joke!
January 16th, 2007 at 8:57 am
We just returned from China nine days ago, and by the end of our trip, my head was swimming and I couldn’t do any more math. Since the clerks follow you around anyway, I would just ask them, “How much?” and if they gave me the price in yuan, I would say, “No, in U.S! in U.S.!” and they would give me the correct US dollars. Of course, once they said it, my mind went, “Yah, that’s right.” But I figured if they wanted my business, they could do the math for me. Guess what? Every one of them knew exactly what the US$ was. Also, from store to store, they will use a slightly different exchange rate even on the same day. My husband would quibble about it, but not me. We also bought extra suitcases for about $12-$13 each, and they didn’t all come back intact, but fared as well as the suitcases we bought at Target. Only one fragile item was damaged intransit, so that was a much better track record than our previous trip.
I’m still dreaming about the shopping and have a mental list of items I wish I had purchased.
January 16th, 2007 at 9:04 am
RQ,
Thank you for this post I honestly can say, aside from really good rumors, this has been one of the best posts I have seen. Thank you so much it will come in handy and my Husband will thank you also when I do not purchase things in the 800-900 yuan mark, LOL! Again thank you this was very important and valuable information. Have a great one.
K
January 16th, 2007 at 9:10 am
RQ you are the best!!! I’m thinking so much about what I need to bring that I forgot about the fun of shopping in China! Am I right in thinking that we’re allowed one 40lb. piece of checked luggage on intra-China flights and 2 checked bags on the international flight home? Thanks!
Tracy (10-11-05)
January 16th, 2007 at 9:11 am
This post was very refreshing. With our 9/29 LID it is nice to be thinking about travel (and shopping!) I will be putting a copy in my wallet. Can’t wait to use it!
Thanks RQ!
January 16th, 2007 at 9:21 am
Fun topic RQ. However, this means that you already got your referral or you know that you are next. I am betting on that you know you are NEXT!! Congratulations!!!
This is the million dollar question: will there be someone to take over this BLOG once you receive your referral and travel to China? I really do understand that you cannot be expected to continue the blog once you travel to China…. You certainly have done your best to help us with October and November LID’s to know what to expect over the next few months and I sincerely thank you for this. You have made the waiting much easier for a lot of us………, but I know everyone is wondering what will happen….
January 16th, 2007 at 9:24 am
A shopaholic as well as the rumor queen where do you get the time !!!!!
January 16th, 2007 at 9:25 am
Thanks RQ for the conversion – I’ve already made a note of it all to carry when we travel! I too am curious what will happen to the site in the near future . . . My LID is 10/26 and we are coming up real soon for our referral and would hate to miss out on any important info!
http://journeytoalilynn.blogspot.com
January 16th, 2007 at 9:30 am
This is great to know! I’m also interested in hearing about recommendations on things to buy – esp. jewelry (pearls and jade).
Another great topic would be packing lists. DH and I plan to take the 2 largest suitcases we have – and only pack each of them with about 3-4 days of clothes. Someone suggested filling the rest with lightweight snacks – Cheerios, etc, that will a) keep it under the weight limit), b) be consumed while we’re there, and c) allow for a lot of room to pack souvenirs on the way home.
January 16th, 2007 at 9:40 am
Too funny. Reading this post was like talking to my husband. See, all you need to do is divide by eight….simple. At which point I glaze over and have flashbacks of Sister Mary Something the strictest math teacher in the land! As for me.. I think I’l print off the list and tuck it in my pocket, too.
Thanks RQ.
TJ
10.18.05
January 16th, 2007 at 9:57 am
But see, that’s the point, dividing by eight does not work for me, either.
But knowing the major points (10, 20, 40, 80, 100, 120, etc) and how those points relate to dollars gets me in the ballpark of knowing how much money I’m spending.
January 16th, 2007 at 9:58 am
In 2004 we just brought a small conversion chart (about the size of a playing card) and kept it in our pockets. One person in the group made it for everyone in the travel group and it had conversions for 1, 10, 20….100 yuan and up converted into US $…peeeeeeeeeeerfect!
Remember, buy a suitcase in Guangzhou from Sherry (or one of the other little shops) to carry all your souvenirs back in. The suitcases are about $10-15 US…
January 16th, 2007 at 10:22 am
RQ,
Are you sure your DH isn’t mine’s twin?
I completely rely on him for foreign currency conversion; but I can do the 8′s. Maybe I can find Sister Anne Therese with her multiplication time tests to practice.
It does get a little embarrasing when he negotiates price by alternating from pesos (in Mexico) to dollars and ends up paying a paltry sum. He feels so triumphant that his quick math mind allowed him to get such a good deal; I feel like he cheated a poor person.
January 16th, 2007 at 10:22 am
Hi RQ. I don’t know how to PM you and would like to know what you think of my agency’s latest predictions. They put out predictions every month and so far (I’ve researched back more than a year) they have been right on or conservative in their predictions. They are a big, China-only agency and have been very responsible with any info they give out. Here is what they THINK will happen with matches: in Jan 2007: 9/28-10/19/05; in Feb. 2007: 10/20-11/3/05; in March 2007: 11/4-11/20/05; in April 2007: 11/21-12/05/05; in May 2007: 12/6-12/20/05; in June 2007: 12/21-1/8/06.
What do you think? I really, really hope they’re right.
January 16th, 2007 at 10:35 am
One trick I used was to carry along a small calculator. Not only did this help with doing the prices in my head (when it comes to math, I’m a gonner) but lots of times when bargaining, I would put a number on the calculator and show it to the vendor.
If the vendor agreed we’d move forward, if not, he/she would put a new number on the calculator and we’d go back and forth a bit.
I actually used this technique to bargain for a new suitcase to carry all the stuff home that we’d already bargained for :) .
B
January 16th, 2007 at 10:40 am
ladybug4
Boy do I hope your agency is right! Of course, with a mid November LID, I have been lately preparing myself for June (yuck).
RQ-I don’t post much, but I read everyday. I have to join the thousands here and say thanks so much for all that you do. I loved yesterdays post on attachment. I’ve been reading all of the books I’m supposed to, but the advice doesn’t really hit home until someone who has BTDT writes in their advice. (Thanks everyone)!
As for shopping in China-I can’t wait!
January 16th, 2007 at 11:20 am
Dear RQ,
Hey! Help out all those overwhelmed parents by creating a “shopping cheat sheet” converting Yuan incrementally.
This way they can print out a copy and bring it with them for quick comparison. Just like a TIP CARD (That calculates 15% of ?)
Sunny smiles,
Jeanne
LID 6/06
January 16th, 2007 at 11:23 am
Hey all,
I took a little calculator with me and carried it everywhere. It is quick and easy and the numbers are universal. So I would bargain back and forth with my calculator. My husband thinks it was quite a site to see but I don’t know what I would have done without it.
Leslie
January 16th, 2007 at 11:28 am
Just remember to do a quick check of the exchange rate right before you go–most of the fluctuations will be small and not have any bearing if you are using a factor of 8 for your conversions…but for those whose travel is months away you would want to double check..Try xe.com for exchange rates.
January 16th, 2007 at 11:53 am
RQ, thank you so much. I learned so much from this. It will help us greatly.
January 16th, 2007 at 12:00 pm
Thanks, this post is very helpful. I too would love to see a packing list post, I have been going over and over my list dozens of times and still don’t have our referral.
LID 11/07/05
January 16th, 2007 at 12:14 pm
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/askjaneinchina/ is also a great resource for this. Jane has a wonderful piece on pearl shopping (how and where is best), how to spot real jade (apparently a lot of fake jade in China, who knew?) and the different types, etc., where the Chinese shop as compared to where westerners shop, and what to expect in certain places (like seeing live animals for sale/slaughtered, which I want to avoid!), as well as how to bargain in the markets. And she’ll answer your ?s as well.
BTW, all the women I know who’ve gone to China so far have bought those jade bangles to pass on to their daughters. I believe that is a Chinese tradition? (Or so the BTDT mommies tell me!) I do always see the women in the Chinatown here wearing them.
:)
wBw
January 16th, 2007 at 12:16 pm
PS, she can also tell you about in-China travel, hard sleepers/soft sleepers, luggage allowance, clothes washing on the trip. I have learned a lot!
:)
wBw
January 16th, 2007 at 12:26 pm
RQ, maybe we can make a list what everybody thinks we need to buy. Squeaky shoes, dresses, and pearls are at the top of my list. It’s been a couple of years since we were there and I know there are new things we don’t want to miss.
Imfielding: What do you wish you would have bought that you didn’t?
January 16th, 2007 at 12:27 pm
I don’t know what RQ has to say about that prediction but I hope they’re AT LEAST a day off! LID 11-04-05.
Suzy
who knows someone always has to be next but doesn’t want to be that someone at the end of Feb when I paid expedited fees at the consulate back in 2005
January 16th, 2007 at 12:32 pm
My message didn’t come up. Try again. imfielding: What things do you wish you would have bought that you didn’t?
RQ: Could we make a list of items to buy? Squeaky shoes, dresses, and pearls are a few. I know there are some new things that we don’t want to miss.
January 16th, 2007 at 12:35 pm
LadyBug4
Our agency was estimating using the 11 day average….don’t know how it will go with Oct/Nov being so big… I too, hope they are right!
January 16th, 2007 at 12:38 pm
Thanks RQ for the math lesson, this has been a very upbeat posting looking forward to the trip we will all eventually take. I will be copying your rough range to take with me!
January 16th, 2007 at 1:04 pm
This is my first post – been a lurker too long. I’m really terrible at Maths but as I travel a lot to the UK (I’m a Brit living in US) I need to have accurate cheat sheets for the currency. This site Oanda has just what I need – http://www.oanda.com/convert/cheatsheet
They even have a pda program which you can synch up with your pda so you have a calculator on hand. Good luck RQ – I love your site and community.
January 16th, 2007 at 1:04 pm
Just an FYI on the squeaky shoes… if you have dogs who are used to playing with toys that squeak… WATCH OUT! I never even thought of this til our puppy tried to eat the feet of a squeaky-shoed toddler one day. Yikes! Pup wasn’t trying to hurt the kid, but I had to swoop in, grab and remove the dog because those squeakers were driving her to wanna PLAY!
I LOVE the butter-soft leather baby shoes… several “1st timers” in our group teased a woman who bought a good dozen or more pairs in many sizes, at about $2 a pair. Then I got home with my 1 pair (which she had a while beofre outgrowing) and I sure did wish I’d stocked up! You can bet MANY shoes (of the non-squeaking variety) are at the top of my shopping list! :)
January 16th, 2007 at 1:29 pm
Ladybug4, thank you for sharing the info from your agency. I know RQ has made it very clear to us that the CCAA does not do referrals based on the number of days, but on the number of available paper-ready babies, but….that estimate covers a LOT of days. We didn’t even see that many days during the lighter month of September, so I can’t bring myself to go there. Been let down too-o-o many times. Not that I wouldn’t love to see it. It’s good to know your agency is normally reliable and conservative in its estimates. Meanwhile, I’ve got my newfound exchange rates printed out and tucked in my wallet. Thank you again, RQ. : – )
Blossombaby
January 16th, 2007 at 1:33 pm
while in beijing we picked up a wonderful silk filled comforter and jade pendant. in guangzhou we picked up pearls, shoes, and thank you gifts for many folks. my shopping advice is to get the fabric and leather markets in guangzhou (your guides should be able to give you a card with the addresses). in the fabric market i got lovely fabrics (silks, etc) for a mere fraction of what i would pay for them here. friends at the leather market got wonderful shoes and purses which come from the factory (are slightly more expensive than what you will pay “on the street” but are generally actual items).
the only thing that i wish i had bought while there was a jade bracelet. in the quality i wanted it, i just felt it was too expensive (high quality jade is far more expensive than i expected), but i do regret not getting it. i also got my pearls in classic white but somewhat wish that i had just got them in the beautiful black that i saw.
January 16th, 2007 at 1:39 pm
I’ve never been good at math. When we went, we took little laminated “cheat sheets” with Yuan/USD on one side, and USD/Yuan on the other. They came in very handy.
The method I learned to get myself in the ballpark was
“Half and Half and Half again”. So if the price is 100 Yuan, you’d do “half = 50, half = 25 and half again = $12.50″
That’s what worked for me.
Fun topic, RQ!
January 16th, 2007 at 2:18 pm
Back from China for 11 days. Random responses, We were over on luggage on all incountry flights, and by more than a kilo or two, was only charged once, and less than $10, so don’t sweat that. Suticases in Guanghoa, I spent $8 for a large one, busted handle on return home, but makes a good attic storage box. Avoid shrimp…wife was ill twice, on shrimp appetizers. Bring lots of Cherrios and small amount a baby food, baby food readily availble everywhere.
January 16th, 2007 at 2:26 pm
Thanks RQ! Great topic. I had forgotten all about dividing by 8. Will copy your numbers and laminate it for the trip since I am bound to spill something all over it in all the excitement of meeting our new baby.
I would like to buy a jade bracelet on this trip. Last time didn’t even think of it. Are there any stores anyone would recommend in Beijing? Last time we didn’t go to Beijing, are there any special items that we can only get there?
If I am thinking about shopping, then we really must be getting close!!!!
Joan
http://www.chinamomsonline.com
January 16th, 2007 at 2:27 pm
Trulyblessed, I have to agree with your
“half and half and half again”
method. It was the very quick and simple method that DH used while in China to figure out how much an item cost. This method was so much easier than trying to divide by 8 in my head. I carried around a cheat cheet, but by the time I actually pulled it out, DH had the conversion completed.
Use it, it works!
January 16th, 2007 at 2:47 pm
Back from China with daughter 1/5. Few comments. Suitcase is Guangzhoa, $8.50. Handle broken on way home, makes good attic storage box. Weight limits. We were over on all in country flights (international has higher allowances), only charged once, and cost less than $10. Bring more Cherrios and less baby food. All baby supplies cheap and available, exp in Guanzghoa.
And dads, take your child out to shop by yourself one day, if you can put up with the ‘where’s your wife’ comments every 10 seconds, you can haggle most shops lower. I got some excellent deals on daughters clothes and had some fun teasing the shop clerks.
January 16th, 2007 at 2:48 pm
This is so appropriate since we are leaving in the morning for China. I plan on spending lots of money and am counting on purchasing another suitcase for the trip home. I love the custom of giving our daughter something special from China each year so we are planning on bringing back lots of special gifts since she will be our one and only and spoiled rotten!
Best wishes go out to all the families in whatever place you are in the waiting game. It has been a hard wait, but now we are ready to go and the pain of waiting has been overtaken by anticipation of holding our daughter within in the next few days. We will keep you posted. RQ, thanks for keeping me sane over the last crazy months!
January 16th, 2007 at 2:57 pm
I heard a recent China tripper recommend to pack an empty suitcase full of snacks on the way to China and by the end of the trip it will be empty so it can then be filled with all of your shopping treasures! Brilliant!
January 16th, 2007 at 3:03 pm
Just a tip for figuring out “tips” at restaurants. Taxes are usually around 7.5%. Just look at the tax on your meal ticket and multiply by 2 for 15% gratuity.
January 16th, 2007 at 3:06 pm
The really fantastic thing about traveling to China for the next year and a half is that there is no shortage of gifts to bring back for men and boys! The little girls in our families loved the silk dresses and the women enjoyed the silk bath robes, but bath robes were only appropriate for a couple of men on our Christmas list and the boys were pretty much out of luck.
NOW you can buy Beijing Olympic stuff for almost everyone on your list!
January 16th, 2007 at 3:10 pm
Arsgeek – I agree with you a small inexpensive calculator is a must have – not only can you do your conversions but it is a must for haggling/bargaining – as you say, you put your ‘price’ in show it to the vendor and they either agree (and if that is on your first price you have to worry a little because you have obviously set it too high) or they show you another number and you go back and forth until you agree.
Magnolia’s Friend
http://www.magnolia-wo-ai-ni.com/
January 16th, 2007 at 3:29 pm
Can anyone help here as we are discussing shopping a bit. What is the province in China that has the embroidery factory? I have seen pics in the past and am floored by the beautiful and incredible work, but can’t remember where it is done? Or, can you find this type of work in more than one area?
Thank you!
Meg
LID 9/29-and really appreciating this thread as I am next!
January 16th, 2007 at 3:31 pm
Hey RQ,
I hope this isn’t annoying to you, but can I request (again) a topic on the forum for Travel tips & info? I think there’s definitely a need, and sometimes the travel stuff gets lost in the General Discussion and Let’s Talk topics.
This will be my last suggestion regarding this topic. I promise!
Thanks
January 16th, 2007 at 4:11 pm
Hunan is the province best known for incredible embroidery but you can find wonderful pieces at shops here in the USA. Our baby was sick the day our group toured the Hunan factory but I found some really nice pieces at the White Swan–although I have no idea how the price compared to the Hunan factory.
January 16th, 2007 at 4:43 pm
AllyOster – that is great! Perfect for me.
LID 6.13.06
January 16th, 2007 at 4:43 pm
onemoretime,
Thank you so much. Hopefully we will be able to visit the factory in Hunan, but if not, I am sure we will be will be able to find some things in Guanzhou.
Meg
January 16th, 2007 at 4:56 pm
RQ~ Great topic! I also have already printed this out! I would love to see packing lists and shopping advice from a BTDT perspective! Thanks!
Jessa
January 16th, 2007 at 5:41 pm
such great info…. i would love to see a good rumor today go with this good shopping info! ;-) that’d be perfect! c’mon referrals!
January 16th, 2007 at 6:33 pm
Chinadreams,
Sorry OT, but I noticed you signed your post “Jessa”. This is one of the names that we are strongly considering for our daughter. Is this your name and do you like it? Had to ask!
GEN
January 16th, 2007 at 6:33 pm
RQ,
Don’t you think we’re under enough stress wondering about the recent changes; grandfathering; length of time to referral etc. without having to worry about what will happen to this site after your referral!?? Put yourself in OUR shoes!!!!
January 16th, 2007 at 7:11 pm
Ladybug4,
I love your agencies predictions (we are 10-17). So they have been correct a lot? That is a big month they will have to do if they make it ot 10-19 but I 100% belive they can do it– GO CCAA!!!! I would like to know what RQ thinks about this.
Shopping– My favorite passtime. I would love to get a list of the must haves while in China. Love the idea of a gift a year. ALso, how much cheaper are things in China than here. I hear they are very cheap. Looking forward to spending lots and lots of $$$.
Christy
10-17-05
http://www.bock.redthreadkids.org
January 16th, 2007 at 7:30 pm
When I was in Beijing a long time ago (about 13 years) you could change money at a better exchange rate at places like the silk market. Does anyone know if this is still true?
Thanks
LID 6/2006
January 16th, 2007 at 7:48 pm
Good travel info, OnOurWay and TomPetty. Thanks. So-o-o happy for you, WaitingForTori.
January 16th, 2007 at 8:14 pm
D2EBDA–Check out the FAQ, RQ addresses what will happen after she ets her referral. I have to add that RQ is wonderful and I am sure she thinks about our stress, but it is NOT her job to worry about our stress, her job is to take care of HER family, so don’t fuss at her, especially when you haven’t even read the FAQ. This is not her job and she does this as a favor to the adoption community!!!
I for one am VERY thankful for the invaluable info and if RQ does change her mind and is not able to keep up with the site, though I will be very disappointed I will be greatful that she did it while she could, and know that she could not continue anymore because she had other more pressing priorities!
January 16th, 2007 at 8:30 pm
This is off subject, I know, but I am so lost. Where do I go to find the very best rates, or adoption rates, for air travel? We want to fly business class if at all possible, but we are not wealthy. The most bang for our buck. Any leads? thank you for any advice you can offer.
January 16th, 2007 at 9:23 pm
gendvm~ Yes, Jessa is my name! I love it, I know a lot of people grow up not liking their names, but I am blessed to love mine! It means spontaneous, and my middle name is Rileigh. We are considering Faith for our daughter’s first name, and maybe Jessa for her middle name!
Jessa
January 16th, 2007 at 9:32 pm
WaitingforMolly~ I agree! I am very thankful to RQ and all she does for us. This site has been an invaluable during this wait, I feel like the community we have here is one of the few places where people really understand what I am going through. I have some friends who have adopted, but they all have their babies, so we’re in a different boat now.
D2EBDA~ RQ does not owe it to us to keep this site up and runing, it is a very big job, and with a new baby she may not be keep it up…She does know what we are going through, she is still waiting for (or just got) her referral. So she knows about all the stress!
RQ~ Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you do!
Jessa
January 16th, 2007 at 9:39 pm
RQ-I also want to thank you for all you do on this site. I should have looked up the FAQ part of the blog to see that you had already answered this question before.
D2EBDA-I agree with chinadreams. RQ does not owe us anything and I for one am grateful for everything she does.
January 17th, 2007 at 7:04 am
We brought a tiny little pocket calculator when we traveled in ’05 and it came in VERY handy. One of the few things I found on a packing list that I couldn’t of lived without.
January 17th, 2007 at 1:21 pm
RQ, WaitingforMolly, Chinadreams and anyone else I may have offended – I meant my post to be humerous and very tounge-in-cheek and I apologise if it came accross as a “complaint”. Upon re-reading it, I can see how that may have happened, so I apologise to RQ and anyone else that may have thought my post inappropriate while I “demanded” to know what RQ’s future intentions were. I too am very grateful for this site and the connections it has allowed us all. I can’t stress that enough – I didn’t mean to come accross as inconsiderate at all!
I had not read the FAQ recently, so wasn’t aware of an update. Thanks for advising the same.
January 17th, 2007 at 1:32 pm
RQ, Waitingfor Molly, Chinadreams and anyone else I may have offended- I meant my post to be humorous and tongue-in-cheek when “demanding” to know about RQ’s intentions post referral, and am so sorry if I offended. Re-reading my post, I can see that I should have referred to how I wished the comment to be taken or re-worded it, so I apologize SINCERELY! I really appreciate all RQ does and certainly wouldn’t want to be seen to criticize her given her great contribution and sacrifice. PLEASE forgive me. I had not yet read the update regarding the RQ blog future, so again, I have erred. SORRY, SORRY, SORRY!!! I am not a horrible, inconsiderate cow, despite how it sounds!
January 17th, 2007 at 2:36 pm
D2EBDA~ Don’t worry about it, it is hard to get your tone across through a keyboeard!
January 17th, 2007 at 4:03 pm
TAB,
Sorry, I just checked back on this thread.
Well, I missed buying the Beijing 2008 t-shirts for the three teens in the family who were watching our two girls back home. I kept wracking my brain trying to think what to get them, even while I bought the shirts for my three girls. (It was the last day, like I said, and my brain was mush with the last minute panic buying!)
My favorite item that I did buy, but gosh wish I had bought a suitcase full when I learned that they were “on sale” at my favorite shop for only $9 each: The small painted glass columns with mirrors. I had paid $35 each for two large ones at another shop, and the smaller ones were going for about $18 if you bargained. I didn’t know how we were going to fit everything in our suitcases, so I only bought 2 more at $9. The salesclerk even told me that she would give me an even better price if I bought more. But I hate bargaining and they were well-worth the price. Works of art that intrigue old and young alike . . . “How did they do that?”nh
Finally, when we visited an orphanage city post office, they had a fabulous array of commemorative stamp books that are more gorgeous than I could describe—each about $10-$20, including some great 2008 Olympic ones. I even sent my daughter out to my DH waiting in the car to get more money (spent more than 600 rmb). But now I so wish I had bought several more of the Olympic ones. They are great gifts for Christmas or for the kids who watch your pets or pick up your mail while you’re gone. But especially to keep for our daughters.
Will check out the forum to see if there’s a shopping forum to add to. I have more favorites, the more I think about it!
January 18th, 2007 at 2:30 pm
1 euro is about 10 yuan so us Europeans have it Way Easy! :)