further explorations and discoveries

So it will be ten days tomorrow.

I managed to get, once, to the centre of town, which is all messy streets and highway bridges plus some familiar sights like Zara and H&M, which presumably have exactly the same stuff that gets shipped all over the world except that this stays here. Oh, and there's obviously some adaptation to the local taste in terms of splotches of bright colours. Should make shopping for the summer interesting.

Apparently there is some kind of old town which I haven't been to yet. I chafe at the lack (so far) of pretty, exotic things. Modern China has yet to grow on me entirely. Anyway, I'm sure the ageless culture is there, not so far, it will just take me a bit more time to unearth it.

Oh and the good news is IT'S NOT SO COLD ANYMORE!! It's probably a combination of me dressing more adequately, getting a heater, and the external temperature rising.It's also a weird stage where it feels like you have to warm up to go in rather than to go out (sort of "if you keep your coat outside, you're going to be chilly at home!). I've been able to see the landscape better since the sun has been shining--the area is surrounded by mountains, including a very steep one with a narrow tip which is a landmark and is the symbol of the university of Gin Tonic.

After much seeking, I've located a Russian bakery, ran by a lovely lady with a blond bob and the highest possible cheekbones, and it's basically to her you go to get your sugar/dairy fixes. I still have to cook at home, or find my way around the market, but I've  got my first taste of dragon fruit. It looks like a purplish artichoke and tastes like a sweeter version of kiwi. I'm sure it's very healthy.