One of the most popular means of transportation here in Guangzhou is the subway. Most parts of the city are interconnected through four train lines. Outside SCNU, for example is the Huashi station. Team 1 boys had the opportunity this evening to ride the subway to the next station, Gangding, as a means to visit one of the many malls here in Guangzhou, The Plaza.

Many other high-end malls surround the Plaza. Though the boys did not have to buy anything, they were encouraged to look around the mall and practice their skills in Chinese, i.e., asking about specific items and requesting for the price to be lowered.

It so happened that our visit to the mall also coincided with a fashion show of sorts. A studio that specializes in wedding photography was sponsoring a presentation of clothing for brides and grooms to be—in the style of Imperial China. Models, garbed in clothes fit for the emperor and his empress, glided down the runway as our XCE boys watched from the 2nd floor balcony.

The boys also had a chance to shop for groceries at Park N Shop, found at the basement level of The Plaza, one level above the subway trains.

Apart from surveying the price of drinks, our boys also stocked up on noodles, hangers, chips and other food items. They did not seem to need any help in getting the items they needed. So comfortable and focused were they in this grocery environment that they did not hesitate to take free cereal samples when they were offered.

[Text and Pictures by TC Ang]