It is Tuesday and we board a train to Shenzhen for a day filled with haggling at the famous Shenzhen markets. Upon arrival, we enter Luo Hu (Spelling?), a 7 floor mall of little cubicles of people selling imitation handbags, designer shoes, jewelry, DVD’s and everything else you can imagine. The majority of knocks-offs are produced in Shenzhen because the factory workers know where to get the correct material and they start up their own “companies.” Every cubicle has essentially the same stuff and people chase you saying, “Hey missy missy, you buy from me. Now buy from me.” Its intense, annoying and honestly a little scary.
Kerry here! While in Shenzhen we had the opportunity to see where John works at the Ultralife Battery Company. It was an hour long ride out of the city and into a more rural area of Shenzhen. John took us into his office where he has a huge desk, plenty of room, two bathrooms-one western and one squatty potty... and a samurai sword. ::Side story- What should have been some fun photos with the sword, turned into bloodshed as Brittany lunged forward and slashed my finger…not going to lie, it was pretty cool…Mulan like... :: We then met the other members of his office who clearly had so much respect for John and were so excited to meet us. John also teaches English to his co-workers—they were very excited to show us their skills and praise John for his help and time. John then took us through the factory where the batteries are actually made. We went through the whole process--from lithium to cathodes and anodes—words we have not heard or seen since eighth grade science! The factory was unbelievable. There were assembly lines of workers all concentrating on their one task contributing to the end all product. We were able to meet John’s boss and even eat lunch in their cafeteria…so awesome to see a day in the life of John! People were coming up to us asking to take pictures with us, it was great. Not to get sappy on everyone here, but it was truly a special day seeing where John works. You did not need to understand Chinese to see the admiration and high regard that John’s co-workers held him at. Mom and Dad, you would be very proud.
After a busy day with Momo, Kerry and I decide to partake in the world famous spas of Shenzhen. We all choose to have a French oil massage. Ok, so I have had massages in the US, so I thought this was no big deal at all. Just a massage for the equivalent of $40 US dollars. Sounds good to me. Boy was I wrong. The whole process was SO different. They first give you these kimono short and top sets made of emperors silk. You go shower and then into the sauna. After which you change into these silks. We then are led down a hall way and into our assigned rooms. To visualize this room: it has a beautiful bathroom with glass shower, a fancy linen bed (no massage table), flat screen tv and an overgrowth of greenery. This is where everyone’s experiences start to drastically differ. Momo is a pro at this and speaks the language so this is nothing special to her. However, Kerry and I quickly learn that there is a significant language barrier present and we then start to play charades. Rollover, does that hurt? and take off your rob become very difficult concepts and the masseuse just decides to take charge and do her/his job. This was like something out of a movie; they are jumping on the bed, sitting on your back, stretching you in awkward positions that your body is not use to. This woman/man beat the Japanese encephalitis and dengue fever out of Kerry and I. (Side note: I have 3 suspicious mosquitoes bites and am convinced to be infected and Kerry has a samuri sword battle wound. We are doomed and began our course of prophylactic ciprofloxacin.) At the conclusion of our massage, Momo asks Kerry, “Did you ask for a man too?” Kerry looks confused and says, “What are you talking about I had a woman?” This question is then directed at me, apparently Momo’s masseuse told her that I asked for a man and it must be an American thing. Kerry and I know 3 words in mandarian: Ni hao (Hello), shei shei (thank you), lei hai (bad ass). There is absolutely no way I could have asked for a guy…needless to say I was lucky enough to have a male masseuse.
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