Author Topic: The Hunt for Red October....Shoes  (Read 13591 times)

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Scottish_Rob

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RE: The Hunt for Red October....Shoes
« Reply #60 on: November 05, 2009, 11:25:33 am »
alex I think that is a great idea...!!!!:icon_biggrin:

Offline Rhonald

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RE: The Hunt for Red October....Shoes
« Reply #61 on: November 05, 2009, 09:07:40 pm »
Quote from: 'Arnold' pid='22030' dateline='1257428759'

Rhonald , great Wedding ... where I truely can say ... it's only surpassed by my Own .


Arnold with Hindsight, I wished I remembered to kneel down at the wedding reception and ask her hand as you did. I had remembered your pictures and thought it such a noble idea. Oh well - I hope there is not a next time.

As for you wedding - I don't mind if you had more syrup passed around for your pancakes. Canadian syrup makes up for it in quality. :icon_cheesygrin:
« Last Edit: November 05, 2009, 09:08:53 pm by Rhonald »
Life....It's all about finding the Chicks and Balances

Offline Rhonald

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RE: The Hunt for Red October....Shoes
« Reply #62 on: November 05, 2009, 09:14:41 pm »
Quote from: 'Chong' pid='22038' dateline='1257435625'

Rhonald wrote ...

"We had 6 tables set for 12 diners each".


We'll have the same amount of people at our wedding dinner in December. My mother said to have an "even" number of tables according to Chinese tradition to signify good luck. Was that your case also to have "6" tables of 12 ???  How much did the dinner cost and how many main dishes was served ???

Thanks for sharing your witty humour and great pictures. We're all waiting for the 'Belly Dancing' story ... and more pictures.


My wife 1st planned on 60 guests but soon invited 10 more. Only 6 tables fit okay in the room so she just increased by adding 2 more chairs per table. I remember the bill quite well since we were planning on paying the difference with red envelopes we recieved as gifts. The price came to $11,550.00 rmb. I can not remember how many dishes since I had to vacate the room for a dress change and as well do the circuit court judge role of Guan Baying. I never filled myself and I had to wait for dessert later that night :sleepy:


The XXX Wedding Night

with posted link to the movie http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVoxCJxyYPc&feature=related   :fi_lone_ranger:
 It would make no sense to post an uncensored movie. Lets just say that the night ended well - but that is another tail tale. This is one experience the brotherhood needs to share in each their own privacy when dealing with their privates - Viagra enhanced or al Natural

Now stand to attention foot soldiers!! if you wish to measure up.

The next morning we went out for brunch with an older couple that came from Meizhou, the city Yan was born in. The restaurant we went to is one I have been to on each trip to Shenzhen. It is about 50 floors up and the restaurant rotates giving you a 360 degree view of the city. I have uploaded some pictures showing the view and also showing China's National sport. NO! not Table Tennis - But Jay Walking :icon_biggrin:

The afternoon was spent at the knock of mall Luohu Commerical City. "Featuring over 700 shops over 5 floors, Commercial City is likely to be the most intense shopping experience you’ve ever experienced, with hundreds of salesmen and hustlers all jostling for your attention." (http://gohongkong.about.com/od/traveltochina/a/shopping_shenzhen.htm)

Just before entering a tunnel leading to the mall I purchased a portable, rechargeable speaker for my Microsoft Zune player. It cost 150 rmb but my wife bartered it down to 130 rmb.

[
The evening lead into an aresting developement in a Chinese Police Station
« Last Edit: November 05, 2009, 11:15:31 pm by Rhonald »
Life....It's all about finding the Chicks and Balances

Offline Rhonald

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RE: The Hunt for Red October....Shoes
« Reply #63 on: November 05, 2009, 11:09:24 pm »
Okay, I will not keep you guys in suspenders.

It was my cute way to cause concern because I never did get arrested, but I did take a rest in the police station :fi_lone_ranger: But my brief stay there did enlighten me.

Yan and I planned on going to Guilin for a short honeymoon. But during the day of our wedding she recieved a phone call from the Meizhou Police station regarding her POLICE CERTIFICATE AND CLEARANCE for her visa application. The next morning the Shenzhen Police station phoned her to come in for an interview. Now when we submitted our visa application for her back in May, I had a POLICE CERTIFICATES AND CLEARANCES notarized document from the Meizhou Police station. So I was confused why the interview :huh:. I had never heard on any other internet blogs any lady ever having the police give an interview. Hong Kong had recieved our package on June 18th and the average processing time for 80% of the applications are 13 months from Hong Kong. So I figured we would not hear anything for another 5 to 8 months. My lady was excited thinking that maybe in a month or 2 we could have her visa. Since she needed to attend the interview we cancelled our plan on going to Guilin.

We arrived at the Police station before 7:00pm. The main room had a counter with one bored police officer reclined in a chair behind it. Just next to the counter there was a stairwell leading upstairs with glass sliding security door guarding the stairs. At right angels flanking the stairwell 2 hallways led off from the common room. The non to helpfull officer asked Yan what we were there for, and her reply about the interview and the interviewing officer's name, left confusion on his part. Obvious to me that the upstairs did not co-ordinate events with the downstairs. After a confused searching of the itinerary, phoning upstairs, discussions with a secretary we found out that the interviewing police officers were out eating supper. We were told to wait at the benches on the other side of the room.

About 10 minutes later, 2 distinguishing looking gentlemen came into the building. We found out that they were here to conduct the interview. We were lead up stairs into a waiting room. I sure hope this does not turn into a bad cop good cop routine. The one man started setting up his laptop while my lady dumped some red wrapped wedding candies onto the table. Dam..I should have brought some donuts! The one officer asked who I was and Yan explained that by luck and coincidence I was in China for our wedding. The three of them aggreed that it was a lucky occurence. Neither officer spoke English and soon I was instructed that this would be a private interview and I was told to wait downstairs. Ya right, I know this Police tactic - split the suspects and break them down - the classic Prisoner Dilemma. What game next - Go Fish?

On the hard wire bench I waited and I rested. Doing Time at the slammer gives a man much to reflect and ponder. It changes a man. Hardens him - dam it - that is why I got married - to relieve that part. Freedom yes Freedom from this 4 walled cell :dodgy:

After an hour of doing Hard Time on the bench an other officer aproached me and asked me (who the what knows) I couldn't speak Chinese and he did not speak English. The original officer behind the counter was gone and his replacement was asked about me and he did not know why I was there either. Soon a confusion of 3 officers were trying to decide what to do with this Kwailo and I was feeling the need to do a Prison Break. Where was my Yan :huh: One officer phoned up stairs and I was waved to the phone. They pulled out a stool for me the pigeon to sit on. The man at the other end of the line spoke English. He asked me why I was there and soon I felt like I was in a comedy reel of misunderstanding.

'I came here with my wife, she is upstairs being interviewed for her visa.'
'Did you lose your visa?"
'No, my wife is Chinese and she is upstairs being interviewd by 2 police officers for her visa to come to live in Canada.'
'Why you come here?'
'We were told to come here by the Shenzhen Police Station.'
'Are you in trouble, do you need help?'
'No I am alright, I am just waiting for my wife.'
'Does your wife need help?'
'No she is upstairs talking to 2 police officers. They have some questions about her visa.'
'why are they questioning her?'
'It was the Police station that asked her to come here for the interview. When we applied for my wife to come to Canada she needed to send a POLICE CERTIFICATE of CLEARANCE. I think the interview is about this document. If you need to you can talk with the 2 police officers giving the interview'
'So everything is okay'
'Yes'
I guess my last long winded sentences finally got the result I needed. I don't think by clearing the air but by causing my interogater to feel inadequate in comprehending me. The 1st officer was put on the line and after a brief heated discussion the 1st officer smilled at me and pointed back to the slammer..ahem the hard wired bench for more rest time. He brought me a bottle of water for doing good time and being a model prisioner. After another 30 minutes my wife descended the stairs to my rescue. I guess her plea bargining worked as we left the station hand on handcuff.
« Last Edit: February 03, 2010, 10:17:34 pm by Rhonald »
Life....It's all about finding the Chicks and Balances

rcsingle1

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RE: The Hunt for Red October....Shoes
« Reply #64 on: November 05, 2009, 11:24:29 pm »
Hey Rhonald,

Loving your story. Hopefully when I go to China in December, I don't get put in the "slammer". Nothing like being the only laowai, and probably the only English speaking person where I'm going. I'd probably be in there forever lol.
By the way, what kind of visa did you apply for, before you were married? A spousal visa, or a visitors visa?
Anyway, continue enjoying yourself, and soaking up the culture, the great food, and of course the love of your beautiful wife.
RC

Offline Rhonald

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RE: The Hunt for Red October....Shoes
« Reply #65 on: November 05, 2009, 11:34:31 pm »
Quote from: 'rcsingle1' pid='22083' dateline='1257481469'

Hey Rhonald,

By the way, what kind of visa did you apply for, before you were married? A spousal visa, or a visitors visa?


Thanks for your remarks. We applied for the family class spousal visa since I hear the visitor visa is just a shot in the dark. I hope your trip is filled with fun frolicking festivities.
« Last Edit: November 05, 2009, 11:35:42 pm by Rhonald »
Life....It's all about finding the Chicks and Balances

Arnold

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RE: The Hunt for Red October....Shoes
« Reply #66 on: November 06, 2009, 12:17:53 am »
Quote from: 'Rhonald' pid='22075' dateline='1257473260'

Arnold with Hindsight, I wished I remembered to kneel down at the wedding reception and ask her hand as you did. I had remembered your pictures and thought it such a noble idea.


Rhonald , believe me ... there will be many times ... your going to need to go down on your Knee in front of Yan and ask for her forgiveness . Us Men , we alway's manage to screw some things up ... since we are only almost Perfect .:blush:

shaun

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RE: The Hunt for Red October....Shoes
« Reply #67 on: November 06, 2009, 01:00:24 am »
Ron,

Good story but you are hopeless. I thought I could spin a good yarn but I humbly bow to your greatness. :icon_wink::icon_wink::icon_wink:

Shaun

Offline Neil

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RE: The Hunt for Red October....Shoes
« Reply #68 on: November 06, 2009, 01:19:21 am »
Yeah, this is the best story I've ever read.  You have got to get this published Rhonald.
...as irresistible as chocolate

Offline Martin

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RE: The Hunt for Red October....Shoes
« Reply #69 on: November 06, 2009, 10:59:15 pm »
You are an excellent articulate story teller.  I am really enjoying your trip log.

Offline Rhonald

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RE: The Hunt for Red October....Shoes
« Reply #70 on: November 07, 2009, 02:34:40 pm »
Quote from: 'shaun' pid='22089' dateline='1257487224'

Ron,

Good story but you are hopeless. I thought I could spin a good yarn but I humbly bow to your greatness. :icon_wink::icon_wink::icon_wink:

Shaun


Thanks Shaun,

Coming from you, a very articulate person, I will treasure the compliment.
A good story, like a comfortable sweater fits best when knitted with love.
The thread does count, and don't worry as I won't fleece anyone here by pulling the wool over their eyes.

Reflections from an Ex-convict:

The fresh evening air felt good after spending time in a dark, dank cell. The Police station was close to the hotel we were staying at so Yan decided for us to stretch our legs. Instead of a story for this episoide I have decided to share some observations I had made while being locked in the slammer; or is that slammed in the lockup :huh:

I was surprised at how few police officers were at the main reception. From the main lobby the only locked door was the glass security door leading to the upstairs. While sitting on the wired mesh bench I saw the frequent coming and goings of many young healthy looking males. None were in uniform and I thought they were maybe arriving for a shift change. A few procedeed up the left hallway but most went to the right hallway. Sometimes some would punch in a key code at the glass sliding door and proceed upstairs. But rarely any uniformed police officers would leave. All the men hand small tote carry bags slung off their shoulders. Since the ones I saw come in also left the building in street clothes, I soon realised that this police station had the majority of officers as undercover agents. And the tote bags probably carried their personal affects.

My hunch was justified when I would at times see an athletic young man, with tote bag, escorting people down the right hallway,steering them from behind with one hand on the back of their neck. Once I saw a young pretty girl being lead away and I could see concern itched in her eyes. There was much bantering going on between the many young men and the few uniformed officers. I also realised that if I wished, I could have very easily seen the code needed to accesses the glass security door leading up to the, I figure, administration area. Just before my interrogation I finally saw my first person being lead in handcuffed. I was also surprised, not my first viewing, but that he was distinctly non Chinese but Muslim. A short time later an elder muslim man came in with a little boy of about 8. Over the next half hour I would see the two muslims in discussion with the police officers. The hancuffed man would be led away, only to return to have a cigarette outside while under escort. When brought back inside, he fell to his knees and I could see great sorrow on his face. They led him down the right hallway one more time. I could hear the sound of metal doors echo from that direction so I knew where the cells were.

I was surprised at how lackadaisical security was at the police station. Compared to Canada and its more secure front end police stations, I guess the Chinese bureaucracy, and cultural mindset never thinks of an organised resistance assualting the precient.
On the trip back to the hotel I also noticed the most concentration of non Chinese residence for about a 4 block radius around the police station. They were heavily of a Muslim, Turkish or Pakastanian features. I also heard the familiar music I have heard before back in Canada. I live in a predomintly Siik / Muslim neighborhood. I thought to myself that wouldn't be ironic for me the gwi lou, to be caught starring at the foreigners.
« Last Edit: November 07, 2009, 03:43:42 pm by Rhonald »
Life....It's all about finding the Chicks and Balances

Offline Peter

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RE: The Hunt for Red October....Shoes
« Reply #71 on: November 08, 2009, 08:32:58 am »
I think you visited the Secret Police Headquarters... but you doesn't know this because it is a secret :icon_cool:
Better to be married to a wife from Changsha then have 7000 women in Chnlove

rcsingle1

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RE: The Hunt for Red October....Shoes
« Reply #72 on: November 08, 2009, 06:34:50 pm »
Quote from: 'Peter' pid='22325' dateline='1257687178'

I think you visited the Secret Police Headquarters... but you doesn't know this because it is a secret :icon_cool:


lol :icon_biggrin::icon_biggrin::icon_biggrin:
That's funny Peter!!

shaun

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RE: The Hunt for Red October....Shoes
« Reply #73 on: November 08, 2009, 09:22:31 pm »
Ron,

I think Peter just 1 uped you. :icon_cheesygrin:

Too funny,

Shaun

Offline Rhonald

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RE: The Hunt for Red October....Shoes
« Reply #74 on: November 08, 2009, 10:45:00 pm »
Yes I guess the best place to hide a secret Police station is right inside an ordinary Police station - who would have thunk it? But then Peter being an IKEA 007, he would be the man to figure it out.
Life....It's all about finding the Chicks and Balances