Post 3: The Pearl Market

So why is it that a toaster imported from China to the US costs 12 usd at Target?  But, when you want to buy a toaster in China it costs 50 usd?  Two reasons, (1) because we don’t look like anyone in China and they take advantage of you and (2) we don’t know where to go.  On the upside though, we can make toast will cool burn-in designs on the bread. 

After a couple of weeks we learned of the “low cost” areas in China.  We’ve been to one of them, the Pearl Market and have 2-3 more to try in Shanghai.  I suspect, like with most emerging or 3rd world countries, there are many more when you get to the rural areas.  But for now, in Shanghai, don’t bet on it.  You have to know where to go otherwise you get ripped… big time. 

The Pearl market looks like a beat up shopping mall on the outside; similar to the jewelry district buildings in Houston.  But, on the inside is a great selection of stuff to drop cash on.  It is segmented into 4-5 floors and each floor has a theme.  Most people have “a guy” that they refer to everyone, but we’ve learned that everyone has a “different guy” that gets referred.  The reality is they all basically do the same thing and charge about the same amount… after negotiation. 

It’s also odd what is cheap and what isn’t.  For instance, you would expect to find Nike’s for 6usd per pair, but we haven’t found that… In fact, the shoes we’ve found cost 1.25 times what you would find in Houston.  There are, however, a few really cool stores with killer deals. 

Tony the Tailor:  The rich and famous live this way; tailored everything.  And, according to Amanda, that’s why they look so good.  Well, enter China (and Thailand, Vietnam, and India).  They tailor for cheap.  I purchased 3 new shirts (10usd/shirt), 1 new blue blazer (65usd), and Amanda got a skirt (20usd).  All tailored to fit.  And, yes… it is as cool as it sounds.  If you come visit, we will take you here on day one.  You will get your clothes 2 days later.

Tony the DVD guy:  Go figure on the name.  I think they see white people coming and just tell us their name is Tony (just joking).  This was a cool stop.  They have every DVD imaginable, including the stuff in the theatres.  We let the kids each pick up one and we picked up 4.  Total cost:  12 usd.  How cool is that?  We will probably do that every time we visit. 

Tony the eyeglass guy:  Ok his name is actually Bob… This is the best yet.  I hate buying glasses in the US.  Seriously, they are so expensive --- even for the basic stuff.  If you get out for less than 300 usd, you’ve done well.  In China, Tony (or Bob) will read the prescription from your existing glasses (i.e. no exam), let you pick out the frames, make the lenses, and deliver them to you.  I picked out three pair.  One pair of sunglasses (decent quality), one pair of feather weight partial frames, and one pair of ultra-feather weight no frames… for 90 bucks (TOTAL).  YES – 30 USD PER PAIR.  Where can you beat that? 

The pearl market also sells Pearls (go figure), jerseys, suitcases, and other junk for the shelves.  It’s a fun place for an afternoon trip.  And, there is a restaurant called “The Fat Cow” across the street which sells great burgers.  




Great end to a good day.  The Fat Cow serves really good
food and is probably on par with "The Fat Cow" in Baton
Rouge.  Although we would rather be eating with Erin and
Ben then by ourselves.  


Pretty cool experience to get tailored clothing.  

Jacob still loves soccer and especially Messi... Ronaldo, however, not so much.  


Our selection of dirt cheap DVDs.  

Love my new lenses.  
Caroline is always happy... no matter what.  A total delight.  

And this one is always having fun.  She is showing off the "Beijing Belly".
Something that a lot of people (normally only men) do to keep cool.  


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