Movin' On Up

Our city is modernizing. And really I think it's about time for a quaint little city of four million. It's taken several years, but we're getting our first Wal-Mart. Back at the start of construction we heard it would be finished by Christmas. It's not going to happen. And then we heard Chinese New Year (February). But unless those construction workers got some magic up their sleeves, that's not going to happen either. So now, we're hearing May of next year. IF that happens, that will give us one month to enjoy the Chinese version of Wally World in our own city before heading back to the US of A. The potential joy that holds gives me goose bumps.

We've yet to get our own airport...still have to drive to a nearby city to fly anywhere, but maybe Wal-Mart is the first step on the way to acquiring our own airport.

And then there is the famed Pizza Hut, the nicest western restaurant in most Chinese cities. Pizza Hut usually comes in soon after Wal-Mart does...which gives me a glimmer of hope to enjoy a deep dish before our scheduled departure.

But Brandon came upon an exciting find yesterday! Our very own Watson's! I had never heard of this in America, but it's the equivalent of a Walgreens in the size of a 7-11. And what makes it so exciting is that several of their products have zero Chinese on it. It's so neat to find a bottle of shampoo with just English on it. (I realize even that is rare in America) And not that we're Anti-Chinese language, obviously...it's just so neat to see shaving cream advertised in your mother tongue. :)

Anyhow, our city is now a proud owner of our very own Watson's!

But you know how things go with progress...Two steps forward, one step back.

Less than a block from Watson's Brandon stumbled upon:

It may take some time to out grow the practice of selling live chickens on the street. Then again, maybe that will never pass. And who can blame them? It's just all too convenient to buy your hair products and live Mallard Duck all on the same street block.