Shenzhen

Shenzhen, the 3rd largest city in China and what a shock. Hong Kong is a city thriving with people from all over the world. Not the same here in Mainland China and to think I had barely crossed over the border. I know that I don't stand out as much as many tourists due to my certain Filipino features, but when you hear people say locals can always spot a foreigner, it's true. I honestly didn't think it would be this way for me, of course for my friend Jed who sticks out like a sore thumb, but for me? I was more of an alien than he was. Arriving into Shenzhen, you're bombarded by the many hustlers out in the streets trying to get you to go their stores, stay in their hotel or by their beauty products. There is an abundance of knock off malls with people just ready to bargain with you. It's a fun sport here. Or maybe you might see one of the many accidents, the first street I stepped foot on I saw a man on a bicycle who was hit by a taxi. Word is, when it comes to crossing the street here...you just have to battle it out with the traffic. Just think of the game Frogger, that's it exactly. What is there to do in Shenzhen? Not much really. I'd have to say that most of our time was spent being lured in to view certain rooms and check rates for the many shady, low quality hotels. My standards for lodging aren't much; no bed bugs, good internet access and cleanliness to a certain degree. Well, the bed bugs were a gamble I would have to take with these places, the internet service trying to find places to eat, and wandering the street markets at night. That's about it. Oh yeah, and did I mention MSG? If you spend time in China, try to ask for No MSG in Mandarin. They season their food with this stuff and if your body is not used to it, that in combination with the bad water and unsanitary conditions, you are bound to go through turmoil. I was definitely feeling it after a couple days. Tiresome, nausea, and bathroom visits...yup. That's China. Oh, and always carry TP around because there is always a TP holder but never any TP. 3 days too long and Shenzhened out...I left Jed behind and flew to Beijing to visit my friend Meghan! Maybe this place can restore my health a bit?