Anshan

Writing this to the background of Eminem, which, apparently, in the context of Chinese tele-dramas means "This dude is a GANGSTA!" As if the gold chain and the pinstripes suit over a bare chest were not obvious enough. Fitting ending to a day where I merely indulged myself as well, and was gangsta in a land where gangsta means "not doing much of anything at all."

Notable experience of the day was going to a Chinese hot springs spa, where they still wash and scrub you old style, and everyone gets stark naked in a giant shower room. Chinese bathhouses are certainly not for everyone, and if you don't like seeing other naked people or being touched, then STAY AWAY. But if you don't mind, you can enjoy some rather intimate services such as being washed by underwear-clad attendants with milk and honey (can we say Roman gladiatorial ritual?). All for less than $10 American!

Dinner with the grandparents was an interesting affair, as they ordered 4 KILOS worth of steamed buns. This was too much to eat, even for my gluttonous family.  We tried our hardest, though, which is why we all needed an hour walk in the park afterward :-)