The Search Is Over!!!

Yesterday was the day. We finally signed on an apartment. It is not perfect but it is clean, has a spectacular view, and is in our price range. As we were sitting in the realtor’s office signing the contract, not only was the owner and his wife there, but they also brought family and friends. It was truly an occasion for them. They were all going out to dinner afterwards to celebrate. When signing on a lease here, you have to pay six months’ rent, an administration fee, and even dian ti fei (elevator fee) all in advance. Can you believe it, we have to pay for use of the elevator? I asked them if we still had to pay it if we promised not to use the elevator. I bet you can guess the answer. Well, after forking over all of that qian, it is no wonder the owners were in such a good mood. They even invited us to dinner too. I guess they wanted us to see where our money was going. We declined. We didn’t want anything to do with the toasting and drinking that traditionally go with such occasions. "Gan Bei" is what they shout as they down each round. Generally, they don’t stop until everyone is wasted. No thanks. We had to meet with the owner to get registered as residents today. Well, one whiff of his breath told us that the celebration must have continued all through the night. His breath was 80 proof! I felt like shouting "Gan Bei"! Now that we have our place and are registered, we have to set the place up. So tomorrow we are going to look for a bed, sofa, wardrobe, and possibly a table. Right now the most important things are the bed and sofa so that we can move in. We looked around a little today but didn’t really find anything. Tomorrow, it is off to the flea market.
One thing of interest that we saw today was duck ready for the market. Can you say "AFLAC"? - Frank

I will not eat oysters. I want my food dead- not sick, not wounded - dead.
Woody Allen (1935 - )