h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Could you make a Statement with a Sunhat?
Nothing political, I'm going to China...

I would guess i could make a statement with anything...I suppose it would depend on the statement sought.

I would suggest something simple but functional, cool and light weight. Maybe waterproof or resistant ?? inexpensive incase lost, crushable incase sat upon(important if traveling by train). Of course must reflect your personal style...

Check, check, check; I was thinking along the lines of suitable personalisation, ( I've already folded the brim at the front, and attached a fiendish anti- it getting lost device, ( an old broken spectacle cord).

hmmmmm...my favorite sunhat is a very old original panama that I bought for twenty five cents at Goodwill. Its usually unadorned, as I tend to roll it up and stick it in my bag when not in use. When out wandering Im inclined to decorate as I go... feathers, flowters leaves pcs of fabric scraps whatnots
or id go with traditional headgear...do as the natives(one would assume they'd know whats best...least you'd hope)
wouldnt want to offend, so I think I'd leave the pagoda head dress home tho the tassles swing so fetchingly

Yes, I'm thinking of adapting my long hair into a cue, if I can find someone to plait it. They'd have to have gentle hands tho' as I tend to lash out if my hair is pulled, ( several unfortune past incidents). A Panama for 25p! Do you know they're 29.95 in Birmingham Market, ( the good rollable ones like yours)?

i can french braid my hair as long as I dont use a mirror...go figure. I am a faithful goodwill shopper some have a asis (and some is) outlet, lots of bins,lots of cool stuff, lots of junk. Ive gotten some of my most prized possessions there. great for coats, purses, hats and just about everything. I have a hard time paying full price for anything gotten to be a bit of a game with me...('cept shoes and undies )

almost anything is going to be even cheaper in China than even Oxfam/goodwill. It is unlikely, however, that you will find shoes to fit you
Chinese hairdressers are the best I have ever encountered. You get a wonderful head and neck massage as part of the deal

hmmm no shoes ?? my feet are kinda of on the small side...massage and haircut sound wonderful my hairdresser does energy work while she cuts my hair..I love it...I adore having it washed too, now team that with a foot rub and theyd never get me out of the chair
I think in china I'd spend my time in the fabric/ textile districts. Can only imagine (and drool) what treats you'd find. I would like to view some old military uniforms really really old ones, the kind that have all the layers and padding.

( Trying to hold two conversations at once) Thanks 'Star,going to have to find a cobbler. Chinese barbers seem to also do a ear cleaning service, which is a bit strange
Got sooo much tropical gear I think I'll be alright until it gets colder!
back To Mis'
All post 1949 Chinese uniforms seem to have the same shade of Lovat Gren. They do have nice padded winter coats tho'. My daughter is eagerly awaiting whatever fabric I send back, so I prob'ly spend too much time in fabric markets, ( hopefully in Hanoi too). As I'm offline until after the 20th, and jetlagged therreafter, in case the Beeb sites are blocked in China, my e-mail's :-
[email protected]

Have a fantastic trip

Greetings from Nanning, China.
I'm here, hot and with full access to h2g2.
The things I could tell you....

How wonderful !!!!
sorry about the heat...funny I dont think of China as being hot.
and please, do tell...

China is biiiig, and full of people!
I am in the south, where it's sub tropical. Nanning lies virtually under the Tropic of Cancer, ( same one as passes thru Florida if that helps) so we bask in the late 20s whilst Beijing is currently in the mid teens (degrees C of course). Nanning is a big modern city, ( population 1, (never), 2 (possibly on a wet tuesday with the shops all shut), 4, ( most likely, but I don't think their censuses are accurate here),million.
I came over here to see the last of the old China, but I'll have to travel for that.
The street markets are the most traditional part I see, but there's less haggling than I expected. The people who come in from the country have heavily laden bicycles and use those curious scales, and either try to rip you off, or charge amazingly little.
I've seen few people spitting, less people smoke than I expected, but these that do do it over food, and the toddlers sometimes do have those trousers with no bums to them.
In my next posting,remind me to tell you of the big adventure of crossing the street.