Welcome to a Chinese market
While one can definitely find shops à l'européen in
Panjiayuan is an outdoor market covered only by a roof on stilts. This implies that you better check out the weather forecast before you go there as otherwise you may run into the same problems as we faced when we went there 2 weeks ago: blue toes and frozen, well you don't want to know what.. ;) Oh boy, I was really impressed by Pierre (Indian wearing SANDALS) who supported the icy temperatures and the wind that could easily compete with the Genevan "Bise" for a considerable 30 minutes before starting to murmur something like "freaking cold...".
Walking through the entrance gate to a market feels like walking into a kaleidoscope: everything is in abundance and you'll find anything you can think of and some more. While Panjiayuan is said to be specialized in Antiques, I would like to add at least two thoughts to this statement: Some things you find on this market are as Antique as 2 days while others are, as I’ve heard, truly Antique. As even some salesmen cannot tell the difference anymore, a well informed tourist may well make a great snip. (well, in general you should never pay more than 20% of the “best price” the salesmen ask you for in the beginning) Given the crap I’ve bought there, I do not believe to be falling within the latter category.. “Crap”, well this leads me to the second remark: even though the market is said to be focused on Antiques one can nevertheless find just about everything. Browsing the market the following “trouvailles” caught my eyes:
While the original 2000-year old army of thousands of life-size terracotta warriors (picture on the left) guards the tomb of Qin Shi Huang (Somewhat tyrannical emperor who reigned from 246BC until 210BC) in Xi'an, lots of replicas can be found on the markets. Some of these noble soldiers apparently took to cross-dressing.. ;)
While one can find statues, pictures, plates of various emperors and modern leaders, the all time number one still is Chairman Mao ze Dong. From the Mao watch, the lighter, the ashtray, his quotations in at least five languages, his little red book, the banner, cards to a
wide arrange of statues: you find it all. Until now I only bought his quotations and red book so as to potentially find out more about a man that tears me into two.
What does a Swiss (who had the opportunity to vote even on whether to abolish the military service or not) think when his/her eye
catches plates as the ones shown in the picture on the left? I must admit that I was pretty amused by the idea to be invited over for a dinner and then eat desert from a plate showing Samuel Schmid (Swiss Federal Counsellor, in charge of military (and sport..)) and blokes such as Keckeis.. I spontaneously decided not to dump my dear 2 kuai (20 Euro Cents) Shop and to continue buying my tableware exclusively over there..
My loyalty to the 2 kuai shop was soon tested again when I discovered what one might call the
Chinese version of Kamasutra, neatly painted on some little vases and bowls. Given the somewhat strait-laced attitude of the average Chinese towards sex, I was pretty surprised by this discovery and kind of amused to see the saleswoman blush when I asked her for some more details and the origin of the paintings. By the way: when I opened the peanut shown in the upper left part of the picture, I blushed as well... ;)
Oh yes, Chinese markets have the potential to turn even Dom into a staunch "shopper" ;)
posted by Dom @ 10:53 PM
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2 Comments:
May 1, 2006
Ref: Non Immigrant Visa’s Applications to Visit the U.S.A. for 90 days
Persons Applying: Ling Peng Hue - Passport # G13865568
Chun Rong Si - Passport # G13865565
Our names are Joseph and Linda Del Rocco, we are both U.S. born and have lived and raised our two children in Orlando, Florida for the past 30 years. We are writing in reference to the non-immigration applications that have been denied numerous times by the United States Embassy in Beijing, China for the above named born and raised Chinese citizens. Our son Joseph A. Del Rocco is married to Hai Qun Yue (Helen), the daughter of the two people we are inquiring about. Hai Qun’s parents have been trying to visit the U.S.A. for some time now. Our son and his wife have been together for 3 years, and married approximately 1 year. They got married through the services of the Court in Orlando to send the legal marriage certificate to Beijing, so that the embassy would know that what they and we are asking of them is lawful and true. Helen arrived in Florida about 7 years ago through the Walt Disney International Student Program. She worked at Disney in the China pavilion for a set amount of time and fulfilled her contract but, also worked another job during her stay and was able to apply and get a green card before her visa expired. So, you see she came into the country legally and worked for one of the best American Tourist Attractions we are proud to be a part of. I am also a 23-year-old veteran Manager for Walt Disney World. Linda actually works the polls for Orange County, Florida during any election. We have never asked our government of anything. We work, pay our taxes, sent both our children to 4 years of college. My son actually works as a computer programmer for a company that fills U.S government contracts. He is presently working on simulation for military tanks. Our daughter is an RN, and has worked in the ICU field since she graduated college and Helen is back at Disney working for the Spa at Saratoga Springs. So, you see our whole family is proud to be of service in the United States of America. Can’t we please have the opportunity to see our son at his Christian wedding with his wife’s father walking her down the aisle?
We are planning a Christian (Methodist) wedding in our church that has a membership of over 2,500 members and a reception after. Linda cooks every Wednesdays night dinner for the Parrish before we have classes and choir rehearsals. We are involved in Sunday School, the Blanket Ministry, the feeding of the homeless and crafts every Thursday that we sell once a year at our Octoberfest to raise money for our church and the charities that they contribute to.
This wedding has been a nightmare to prepare since we have every two or three months to wait for the go ahead from the U.S. Embassy in Beijing. China. We thank God that our Pastor is very understanding and knows about the situation and will marry them as soon as this situation is resolved. Actually, as American citizens and Helen’s new in laws we are quite embarrassed. We say that we are the land of free and home of the brave, and our entire family has always voted in all elections. We would like to host the visit of Helen’s parents Ling Peng, and Chun Rong who are both in their sixties. They have never been to the USA or even out of China and they would love to see their daughter and the life she shares with her new family here, especially after 9/11 they have become much more worried for their daughter’s safety. I have no idea why they would be denied except that there is a concern they would not return to China.
The following are some of the reasons that would compel them to return to their country:
1. They own a condominium that they reside in Beijing, China
2. They have a daughter and son-in-law in Beijing, China
3. They have their only grandchild, a 6 year old grandson in Beijing, China that they helped raise since birth and continue to help care for since his mom and dad both have to work.
4. They both have brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends in Beijing, China that they are very close to. They play cards, go fishing and mountain climbing with them. They are very active and bonded socially with their family and friends in Beijing.
5. They have their bank accounts and investments in Beijing. They have their National Health Care in China
6. They speak no English at all. And neither one knows how to drive a car.
7. They both have membership at a fitness center near their condo.
They have been denied 3 times in the past year at a cost of $600.00 to them. They are never told why they are being denied? They certainly are not coming here to get a job or make a life for themselves in the U.S.A. They are retired and would only like to visit their daughter and then return to China. My wife and I are both here to insure that Helen’s parents are taken care of in whatever the U.S. demands during their visit, and also to ensure that they return to China before their non-immigrant visa expires. They have to, Beijing, is all they know and we are all planning a trip to visit them in Beijing for the upcoming Olympic Games, which they are so proud to be a part of.
Our children thought this letter would be of no use. The young people in our country between 18 – 30 years of age have seen some pretty negative things that our happening to our country. But, Joe and I continue to live, serve, try to set a good example as well as tell them they are living in the greatest country in the world and if they do not put their trust in God and our country’s leaders then what will be left of our country when they start having children of their own. It is one of the most important moments in our childrens life. Here in the United Sates it is every mother’s dream to see her daughter walk down the isle in church with her father by her side. Why are we denying our new daughter-in-law our American Dream. A wedding and a birth of a child are one of the most important parts of their and ours life please consider letting us celebrate this with our entire family and friends and also show the people of Beijing and our family and friends that this part of the American Dream is still within our reach. Please look into their case at the US Embassy in Beijing, China. Their next appointment to go in front of them is May 22,2006 at 7:45 AM.
Thank-You,
LINDA AND JOSEPH DEL ROCCO
3530 EDLINGHAM COURT
ORLANDO, FLORIDA 32812
407-854-4575
LINDA DEL ROCCO said...
May 1, 2006
Ref: Non Immigrant Visa’s Applications to Visit the U.S.A. for 90 days
Persons Applying: Ling Peng Hue - Passport # G13865568
Chun Rong Si - Passport # G13865565
Our names are Joseph and Linda Del Rocco, we are both U.S. born and have lived and raised our two children in Orlando, Florida for the past 30 years. We are writing in reference to the non-immigration applications that have been denied numerous times by the United States Embassy in Beijing, China for the above named born and raised Chinese citizens. Our son Joseph A. Del Rocco is married to Hai Qun Yue (Helen), the daughter of the two people we are inquiring about. Hai Qun’s parents have been trying to visit the U.S.A. for some time now. Our son and his wife have been together for 3 years, and married approximately 1 year. They got married through the services of the Court in Orlando to send the legal marriage certificate to Beijing, so that the embassy would know that what they and we are asking of them is lawful and true. Helen arrived in Florida about 7 years ago through the Walt Disney International Student Program. She worked at Disney in the China pavilion for a set amount of time and fulfilled her contract but, also worked another job during her stay and was able to apply and get a green card before her visa expired. So, you see she came into the country legally and worked for one of the best American Tourist Attractions we are proud to be a part of. I am also a 23-year-old veteran Manager for Walt Disney World. Linda actually works the polls for Orange County, Florida during any election. We have never asked our government of anything. We work, pay our taxes, sent both our children to 4 years of college. My son actually works as a computer programmer for a company that fills U.S government contracts. He is presently working on simulation for military tanks. Our daughter is an RN, and has worked in the ICU field since she graduated college and Helen is back at Disney working for the Spa at Saratoga Springs. So, you see our whole family is proud to be of service in the United States of America. Can’t we please have the opportunity to see our son at his Christian wedding with his wife’s father walking her down the aisle?
We are planning a Christian (Methodist) wedding in our church that has a membership of over 2,500 members and a reception after. Linda cooks every Wednesdays night dinner for the Parrish before we have classes and choir rehearsals. We are involved in Sunday School, the Blanket Ministry, the feeding of the homeless and crafts every Thursday that we sell once a year at our Octoberfest to raise money for our church and the charities that they contribute to.
This wedding has been a nightmare to prepare since we have every two or three months to wait for the go ahead from the U.S. Embassy in Beijing. China. We thank God that our Pastor is very understanding and knows about the situation and will marry them as soon as this situation is resolved. Actually, as American citizens and Helen’s new in laws we are quite embarrassed. We say that we are the land of free and home of the brave, and our entire family has always voted in all elections. We would like to host the visit of Helen’s parents Ling Peng, and Chun Rong who are both in their sixties. They have never been to the USA or even out of China and they would love to see their daughter and the life she shares with her new family here, especially after 9/11 they have become much more worried for their daughter’s safety. I have no idea why they would be denied except that there is a concern they would not return to China.
The following are some of the reasons that would compel them to return to their country:
1. They own a condominium that they reside in Beijing, China
2. They have a daughter and son-in-law in Beijing, China
3. They have their only grandchild, a 6 year old grandson in Beijing, China that they helped raise since birth and continue to help care for since his mom and dad both have to work.
4. They both have brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends in Beijing, China that they are very close to. They play cards, go fishing and mountain climbing with them. They are very active and bonded socially with their family and friends in Beijing.
5. They have their bank accounts and investments in Beijing. They have their National Health Care in China
6. They speak no English at all. And neither one knows how to drive a car.
7. They both have membership at a fitness center near their condo.
They have been denied 3 times in the past year at a cost of $600.00 to them. They are never told why they are being denied? They certainly are not coming here to get a job or make a life for themselves in the U.S.A. They are retired and would only like to visit their daughter and then return to China. My wife and I are both here to insure that Helen’s parents are taken care of in whatever the U.S. demands during their visit, and also to ensure that they return to China before their non-immigrant visa expires. They have to, Beijing, is all they know and we are all planning a trip to visit them in Beijing for the upcoming Olympic Games, which they are so proud to be a part of.
Our children thought this letter would be of no use. The young people in our country between 18 – 30 years of age have seen some pretty negative things that our happening to our country. But, Joe and I continue to live, serve, try to set a good example as well as tell them they are living in the greatest country in the world and if they do not put their trust in God and our country’s leaders then what will be left of our country when they start having children of their own. It is one of the most important moments in our childrens life. Here in the United Sates it is every mother’s dream to see her daughter walk down the isle in church with her father by her side. Why are we denying our new daughter-in-law our American Dream. A wedding and a birth of a child are one of the most important parts of their and ours life please consider letting us celebrate this with our entire family and friends and also show the people of Beijing and our family and friends that this part of the American Dream is still within our reach. Please look into their case at the US Embassy in Beijing, China. Their next appointment to go in front of them is May 22,2006 at 7:45 AM.
Thank-You,
LINDA AND JOSEPH DEL ROCCO
3530 EDLINGHAM COURT
ORLANDO, FLORIDA 32812
407-854-4575
6:02 AM
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