We've already written one post on Shenzhen (hence the title), but this was our first trip together, so we thought we'd write another one. Shenzhen (for those of you who don't remember) is the booming city of 9 million people just across the border from Hong Kong (in China). It was Emily's first visit to the People's Republic of China, so we took a picture:
Shenzhen has lots to offer the day-trip tourist. It was only a fishing town until 1979, when Deng Xiaoping declared it a "Special Economic Zone" of the PRC. That means that the majority of the buildings are less than 30 years old. In Shenzhen, unbridled capitalism combines with architectural whimsy to create one of the world's most garish skylines:
(My favorite is the building in the background that looks like a hypodermic needle)During our day in Shenzhen, we saw lots of interesting things. There was a karate-themed restaurant chain called "Kung Fu," with Bruce Lee as its logo. Who says death has to stand in the way of lucrative endorsements?
One of the fun surprises of Shenzhen was Wal-Mart. We didn't go inside (we were late for our massages), but we did snap a picture:
Did you notice that other symbol of globalization in the background? Makes you wonder - Which influences the world more strongly: American government policy or American corporations?Before you all accuse me of a diatribe against the evils of multi-national corporations, I'd like to share one of the best parts of our day - a trip to Papa John's Pizza!
Oddly enough, Emily and I have never eaten at a Papa John's in the US. We did, however, order it almost weekly when we lived in Cairo. It's funny that even in Hong Kong, there are some things we can't get. Good thing China's only a short train ride away!After splitting a giant pizza, we spent the afternoon shopping and getting massages. I (Brad) bought a sweet pair of ski pants (feel free to comment on their usefulness in tropical Hong Kong in the comments section). Emily, who doesn't ski and is too ticklish for massages, got a pedicure.
We crossed back into Hong Kong around 6:30 - we had been invited for barbeque and board games at Noah and Maria's place (their blog is in the list on the right). We didn't get home until after midnight. What a great way to spend a Saturday!
Suggested comments for this week:
- Where will Brad wear his new ski pants in tropical Hong Kong?
- Have you ever traveled across the planet and found a piece of your home culture waiting for you?
- What sort of food do you think they should serve in a "Kung-Fu" themed restaurant?
MacDonalds in Israel (of course you can't get cheeseburgers, only hamburgers), Starbucks and Apple stores in Germany!
ReplyDeleteBrian wants to know why you bought the ski pants if you don't need them in tropical Hong Kong?? I said, "because they were cheap." Hopefully I was giving him the right information.
ReplyDeleteWendy- awesome answer. I would also have accepted "because someday they might come in handy."
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