Things you buy in China that you'd never buy in the States

We went downtown to try to get Little Guy's picture drawn. The artists were gone, so we snapped a couple of pictures of St. Sophias instead.

Little Guy at St. Sophias

Teenager at St. Sophias

We thought of walking to the flood monument because sometimes artists are there, but Little Guy is not much of a hiker. Little Guy certainly is spiritual, he had a throw down tantrum because we wouldn't go in St. Sophias. It is a museum of Harbin, my students said it wasn't worth the entrance price. My Russian friend said Harbin used to have alot of Russian built churches, but it makes her cry to see what they've been turned into.
One of Teenagers favorite places to shop is underground St. Sophias. So we went down.
One of the things that is great about being in another country for Teenager is that she can wear what ever she wants. Everybody thinks she is amazing just because she's different so her clothes don't have the same message that they do back in the States.

Halloween outfit from Hot Mama shop

Harbin is a Russian town and one of the big differences between us and the Russians is that the Russia chics always wear something form fitting and usually wear heels.

Russian chic on Halloween

This has given Teenager some ideas...I think in the States she would be too embarrassed to wear these outfits, but in China she feels very confident.

The dramatic stairway

Course as a mom, I'd prefer she pick some more conservative stuff. But she's been such a trooper living over here for 3 years that I figure she can have some fun. Plus the Chinese boys are SOOOOO intimidated by her that they aren't going to try try an funny business, they are just happy to get their picture taken with her.

Young man asked to take picture with Teenager

Chenglish at Hot Mama Shop

Inside the Hot Mama shop

Her favorite shop sell "hot mama" dresses for 15RMB in a sales bin. The seller just loves Teenager and brings out all sorts of other dresses and gives them to her at the sales price. Occasionally, she will bring one out for me too! She seems to know I'm a little more conservative so she usually brings me something that you'd wear to a ballroom dance competition. Shopping is such an experience.
I love the displays.

Leather and fish net underground mall

Display underground mall

We also had some sweet potato custards...it was a lot like sweet potato pie from Georgia except there was a layer of bean curd. It was really good.

Sweet Potato custards

Things you buy in China that you'd never buy in the States

Harbin, China