From Hostel Hell To Paradise

I arrived in Shenzhen last night. After some walking around for about an hour, I finally found the hostel. Here's a picture from the outside I took today:

A more appropriate name would be My Little Hell Hole Hostel. I was pretty tired last night by the time I arrived (just before 11:00 PM). The girl at the desk didn't speak a lick of English and kept talking on her cell phone instead of checking me in. I stood patiently waiting. When she got up from around the counter and walked outside I remained calm and patient. She came back a few minutes later with a water and some noodles. She looked at me and, probably because I was tired, I interpreted her look as, 'What are you still doing here?' I then put my passport on the counter, she looked at it, and all was well. She pulled out a reservation and within minutes I was in my room. If you call it that. It smelled like a cat box. The urine smell was overpowering. Just like a cat. I was spoiled in Beijing! By the time I figured out how to turn the air on, I had become dehydrated (it was 91 F when I arrived) and in danger of passing out (kidding but I was dripping wet!). I went back downstairs and found the store she went to get water and bought three bottles of my own. I went back upstairs, took two benedryl, and passed out. This morning, I noticed there was a blood stain that looked fairly fresh on the bottom sheet. I checked myself and determined it was NOT my blood. That's when I knew I was getting a new residence. I showered and shaved and then went exploring for a place to stay. I came across a nice place but that was $80/night. I've learned since being here that you can get a whole lot for whole lot less so I kept looking. I found this place instead:

It's called Unotel Inn and only costs about $30 a night. Here is the room:

Here are the wall switches:

I know.... you're saying who the heck cares about wall switches. Well, I do! Especially in China. On the far left, you see my room key. Until you put your room key into the slot, you have no electricity. As soon as I leave here for a walk or for lunch, everything turns off because I need the room key for the door lock. Talk about a great money-saver with energy....

I still have my big bag over at Hostel Hell but I will get that in a little while and officially check out. I have to do that because in China, foreigners are not allowed to be in two places at one time. I am now officially registered here AND still at the other place. I have a few hours still to go but no need to press my luck.

I went to lunch today at a very busy but very good restaurant. They were kind enough to serve me with a spoon instead of chopsticks but of course, trying to blend in, I said, 'bu shi bu shi (no no), qing gei wo (please bring me) and then I made the sign for chopsticks by tapping my index finger on my thumb over and over. Chopsticks is way too hard to say. She laughed and took the spoon away. Well, as the French woman I met in Beijing would say, SHIT! I should have taken the spoon, too. I didn't realize how soupy the meal was underneath. So, I just drank it at the end like you would when you finish a bowl of cereal. Everyone else does it that way here but I still am not used to doing that in public. Anyway, for about $2.50, here is my lunch:

My glass of watermelon juice did not show up on my picture download but it was quite good.

Here are a few views from my room:

oops, put your left cheek on your desk and look at it that way

If you look closely, you can really see how the modern is built right next to the dilapidated. It's such an interesting clash that I don't think the pictures can really show the true dichotomy.

That's all for now. I'm heading out to buy some shirts, eat more food for cheap, and figure out how to get to Hong Kong tomorrow. It is considered a Special Administrative Region which means passports are needed and border patrols exist. If you don't hear from me in two days, turn on CNN and call the US Embassy! At least call the embassy for me. Please?

Yi hui'er jian (ee hoo are jee u n) - See You Later

It's harder to say than it looks because of the tones. When I say it, I may be saying see you on my monkey's couch. Who knows!

written by

akstoltzy on May 28, 2010 from Shenzhen, China

from the travel blog: China

Send a Compliment

Wow....that first place sounds like hell! I'm glad you're in a nicer place and can't believe you're doing this all on your own! It's nice you're learning some Chinese!

written by Lori on May 28, 2010

Lori
did you notice he changed his profile to the picture you suggested?
It is s nice picture and captures it well

Tom
how did shopping go?
We will watch for ya for the next 2 days....
Be super cautious pls.....

written by Dana Craig on May 28, 2010

Lori
did you notice he changed his profile to the picture you suggested?
It is s nice picture and captures it well

Tom
how did shopping go?
We will watch for ya for the next 2 days....
Be super cautious pls.....

written by Dana Craig on May 28, 2010

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