Coming to Nanning for More Than A Week?

[jtaylo69]

Hello all.

 

I know that for some of the veterans here this information may or may not be as usefull to them as it will definately be to those just starting out. The infomation below is what I have had to learn & discover on my own and after seeing the difficulties I had, I could only imagine just what others before me had to go through much less than the New folks just beginning this Long Journey.

 

Ok. So you are planning on comming to Nannning China and more than likely, you are wanting or are planning upon staying here for more than 2 weeks. Maybe, Just maybe, you are thinking of trying your skills at teaching English here, (3 months, 6 months, or 1 year contracts)

 

What can you do?

 

Where will you Stay?

 

Will you be able to find any kind of American food?

 

What to see?

 

Lets start out with, Where will you stay, as to me I think that would be the most important?

 

Once you are here, (or mabe you can have your SO begin before you arrive) if you are planning on staying here for more than 2 weeks, you may want to seriously consider in trying to find a place to rent here. Yes, there are many places and companies here that have homes (like our Condos) that are only for those who whish to rent them for short periods of time. If you (or your SO) shop around, you can find many places that come fully furnished (Linnens, Dishes, CCTV, Airconditioning, furniture, and sometimes even cookware stove & refridgerator).

 

On the average, you can expect to pay at least, 1,560 RMB plus what ever utilities that you use. (Phone, internet, Electric, water etc.) Far cheaper than Most hotels for 1 week. The only draw back to this is that they will only rent it out for a 1 month period or Longer. (They really prefer at least for three months) But if you SO is really good at negotiation, sometimes you can get them to let you rent the home on a month to month basis. If you go through a real estate company, be prepared to pay any where from 3,000 RMB and up. Ant that is UNFURNISHED. Total Empty. Nothing . Nada. zip. Got it , LOL Sorry. Got carried away there.

 

What Can You Do?

 

If teaching English is something that you are considering, You may want to seriously think about your options on this one. I say this because currently there are 3 Schools here currently under investigation by not only the Chinese Education beuro, But also the US Embassy is beginning to get involved.

 

What is happening is that there are several schools here, even well accredited ESL and decorated ones, that have been attracting FORIEGNERS (Americans, Aulstrailia, Canada, England etc) into comming to their schools to teach their students english. Many times they promise to pay you (Sometimes in a written Contract) as much as 4,000 RMB per month. (If they offer you anything less than 300 RMB per 2 hr sets, RUN AWAY) Now here is where they are getting Us.

 

They Tell you that they pay everyone on the 7th or 10 of each month, and that is when you can collect your money (After you had already worked) When you go to pick up your pay, you are informed by the front desk, or secratary that the Boss is away from the office or out of town until XXXXX. & for you to come back later & speak to them about recieving your pay. Now you pay try many times to call the boss, but 9 times out of 10 you will be given some lame excuses as to why you can not speak to the boss or go by & pick up your money. But you continue to work as part of your contract as if you break it, they do not have to pay you.

 

After you have finished your contract, & you still have'nt recieved your money, the only thing you can do now is two things.

1) Go to the Police with YOUR SIGNED COPY of the contract, as well as to the Education Board.

 

or 2) Suck it up & chalk it off as a bad experiance.

 

If the Police get involved, be prepared to show residentcy, Passport, Visa, as well as any other thing you can show as having a right to file this complaint.

 

NOTE: Do NOT do this at one of their small offices. GO TO THE MAIN OFFICE IN DOWN TOWN!! But befor you do, contact the US EMBASSY in GUZ, & inform them of your situation so that you may have a Agent from their office assit you in this matter. The reason for this is that Most of the police here are easily paid off to look the other way. Should this happen, you can almost bet you will never teach in china again

 

Currently at the time of this writing, there are 11 Teachers that are currently unpaid with an estimated combine total of lost wages well over 1,800,000 RMB. Two of the Schools I know of personally that are among the offenders are Bo-mae School & Guangxi School of Tecnologies (Located near Wal-Mart.

 

So if you Really want to teach, Use Your Head, do not let them sweet talk you into anything (Very Easily done here. Guilt Trip from Hell) Be prepared to work very Odd & strange hours and the Class rooms get Very Hot, even with the Air conditioner on High.

 

Will you be able to find any kind of American food?

 

For the Most part. American food as you know it, does not exist here. So unless you can find a way to have all of your geroceries shipped to here, you better scarf down as many Pizzas, Tacos, or what have you, untill you make yourself sick, as you will play hell trying to find any of it here.

 

There are though a small handfull of places secretly hidden, that if you know where to look, you just may find a few select item. Lets start with the most obvious:

 

Pizza Hut - In Nanning, there are only 2 of them. One is located in the Wal-mart Highrise Shopping center (4 Miles from West Nan-hou River bridge,(You will pass The Nanning Towers Bld That has the China Southern ticket office in side, & The Hawaii International Hotel on your Right) and one about 2 miles West of Nan-Hou River Bridge, All three are on the Right hand side of the road. The One closest to the bridge, you will also find a KFC on the opposite side of the building. It is between these two you will find at street level, a moderate expensive department store. BELOW STREET LEVEL Secret you will find a Fairly good size gerocery store that will have fust about every thing you would need for your Condo. Chinese foods out the Butt, (Some american, but you will have to look VERY HARD, and then no more than about what you could hold in your amrs. Small Appliences, Dishes, cookware, silverware, Wine, beer, Liqur and a few trypes of medicines, but be prepared to read chinese charaters, and know that in chinese, everything here is different.

 

SECRET # 2

 

Now, lets go back up to the street. Look to your Right & you will see KFC. Go to their Front Door, Turn around, and begin walking down the steps. Keep your eyes focused on the Large Building accross the 4 lane HWY. (Note, This is a Huge Museum well looking into, about 15 RMB / Person) As you are looking at the building, look at the bottom part of the building, trying to notice the shops underneath. You are Looking for a Sign that says THE PANTRY Wetsern Food Store. If you are still having trouble locating is, walk yourself accross the 4 lane until you are standing at the Bottom Steps of the Museum. Now, side step to the Left and Look Down and there you will see the store front. DON'T BE FOOLED. Although this may look like another one of their small shed type shops, once you walk in the door, look to your right, and Wa-La! Here you will find, Smoked Bacon, Chedder, povolone, Ameirican, Swiss, Parm cheeses, Doritos, Pretzels, Delmote Fruits, Tomato Sauces, Prego, Olive Oil, Olives, Pickles, Butter, Pepsi, Beer, Wine & Liqur, Kellogs Cerials, Pop-Tarts, Philidelphia Cream Cheese, Whipping Cream for those of you that just love having you So, fo a mid-night snack, LOL, and a few Candy bars.

 

BE PREPARED TO SPEND A LOT OF MONEY FOR THIS FOOD, ANYWHERE IN NANNING, as it has to be imported from Hong Kong or Shanghi. Example, a bag of doritos can easily cost $4.00, 12oz can of pepsi, $3.00, Tomato Sauces about $4.00 to $5.00 per small jar, and a large box of Frosted flakes about $9.00 (these prices are listed in USD just to give you a comparison) If you like coke or Pepsi, & so not want to pay those prices, you can buy the Chinese Labled versions of them at almost any small food shop along the street. The sizes are our small plastic bottles that we pay $1.25 for, and y9ou can expect to pay about 3 to 5 RMB each. The next largest is just smaller than our 2 liters and you will pay about 5 to 6 RMB for each of them.

 

Ok, we are done here. Lets go back to the Four Lane Hwy where you crossed in front of KFC. If you are standing in front of KFC facing thier doors, turn to your Left & begin walking. Work yourself back to the Side walk. You will notice that while walking you will pass a HUGE Pyrimid Looking Building on your Right & a Huge sign accross the street to your left of Three Chinese Guys. If you see these landmarks like this, you are walking in the right direction.

 

You will walk for about 15 to 20 minutes. During this walk, you will Pass the Guangxi Techincal School (On your Left accross the Street), Walk Under a Bridge, And then about 200 yards, you will come to a street and if you look caddy corner to your right, you will see the Huge WAL-MART SIGN.

 

Work your way untill you are directly underneath the sign & walk in the Double Doors. Follow the Hall pass all of the clothing shops untill you come to the escalators. Go up to the next floor & Wa-LA, you are now at Walmart. If You are looking for Budwiser, Peanut Butter, Pinto Beans, or most western foods, Walk Straight back to as far as you can go. If you can see the Wines & Liqur, you know that you are in the right areas. Now Hunt, Look & Pay attention. If you are looking for anything that comes close to mustard, it will be in a Small 1" square x 5" long box with green writing on it. WARNING!! THIS STUFF WILL MELT ICE, it is that hot. So you may want to buy some Mayonayse (close to the mustard) to help tone it down a bit to your liking

 

If you are looking for Razers, Deoderant, Toothpaste, CD,s DVDs, Clothing, etc, you will have to work your way towards the center of the store (Close to the meat market & Deli) & take the Escalators up to the next floor. It is also on this floor where you can find all kinds of pharmacy needs. Again NOW YOUR CHINESE NAME FOR WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR!!

 

Ok, After all of that Shopping, you are ready for some American Food & maybe a Good Movie. Go back down stairs to the doors you first walked into. Turn Right & follow the Wal-mart Bld all the way around it untill you come to the 2nd Pizza Hut. After that, You can ask you SO to escort you to the Theater that is just around the corner, Between Pizza hut & the Main Bldg of Walmart, on your Left. But you will have to go inside the little ,nall, up the escalators to the 3rd floor & BAM! It's Show TIME!

 

WHAT TO SEE?

 

After you have been to all of the Museums, all of the little Coffee shops, had your fill of the Midnight BBQ, you may want to take your so to NAnhou park. But dont just go there. Plan this thing, take your cammera & Your video cam that can record in very low light, and here is why:

 

Grab your SO on either a friday or Saturday afternoon, and have her take you accross the Nanhou Bridge to the Nanning International Hotel. (Its the Huge 5 star hotel with the Huge white spheir on top, with its drive way lined with several flags from various countries.

 

Now, with them, walk them back towards the bridge, but just before the bridge, you will see a small set of benches & a table that looks like tree stumps. Walk thru these & walk toward the river. You will then see a small pathway that leeads down to the Board Walk along the River.

 

Once to the Boardwalk, take your time, enjoy the views. The longer you walk, the more things you will discover. (I'm not going to tell you as it would spoil the adventure) But I will tell you this. About half way along your walk, you will see a Large Stone Building on your Left, right next to the pond with water fountains in it. It is here, that you will want to be by no later than 7pm on either a friday or saturday evening, as shortly after that, the park will be Cramed, & you will not have a ring side seat to watch the spectaular Water show. Once you see and experiance this, no matter how bad your trip was before, this is a sure thing to make this trip a well spent vacation. And, if all has been well, if this doesn't put your So in the Mood for some Midnight Sheet Wrestling, maybe it's time to change your socks

 

Ok, So there you have it. I Hope that this will help any of you newbies comming into this, as I know that as you begin this process, your mind will surely feel over whelmed and there is nothing more soothing than a small taste of home to help bring your American Fed Brain back to its sences.

 

If Anyone else has some pointers, Please be sure I post them here, as I think that if he have a help / how to forum for things like this, all in one place, it would be much easier for our Newbies to find answers to some of their questions

[tywy_99]

Thanks for that delightful story, jtaylo69. I enjoyed it.

Sounds like you had a good time!............

[lele]

Hello all.

 

I know that for some of the veterans here this information may or may not be as usefull to them as it will definately be to those just starting out. The infomation below is what I have had to learn & discover on my own and after seeing the difficulties I had, I could only imagine just what others before me had to go through much less than the New folks just beginning this Long Journey.

 

Ok. So you are planning on comming to Nannning China and more than likely, you are wanting or are planning upon staying here for more than 2 weeks. Maybe, Just maybe, you are thinking of trying your skills at teaching English here, (3 months, 6 months, or 1 year contracts)

 

What can you do?

 

Where will you Stay?

 

Will you be able to find any kind of American food?

 

What to see?

 

Lets start out with, Where will you stay, as to me I think that would be the most important?

 

Once you are here, (or mabe you can have your SO begin before you arrive) if you are planning on staying here for more than 2 weeks, you may want to seriously consider in trying to find a place to rent here. Yes, there are many places and companies here that have homes (like our Condos) that are only for those who whish to rent them for short periods of time. If you (or your SO) shop around, you can find many places that come fully furnished (Linnens, Dishes, CCTV, Airconditioning, furniture, and sometimes even cookware stove & refridgerator).

 

On the average, you can expect to pay at least, 1,560 RMB plus what ever utilities that you use. (Phone, internet, Electric, water etc.) Far cheaper than Most hotels for 1 week. The only draw back to this is that they will only rent it out for a 1 month period or Longer. (They really prefer at least for three months) But if you SO is really good at negotiation, sometimes you can get them to let you rent the home on a month to month basis. If you go through a real estate company, be prepared to pay any where from 3,000 RMB and up. Ant that is UNFURNISHED. Total Empty. Nothing . Nada. zip. Got it , LOL Sorry. Got carried away there.

 

What Can You Do?

 

If teaching English is something that you are considering, You may want to seriously think about your options on this one. I say this because currently there are 3 Schools  here currently under investigation by not only the Chinese Education beuro, But also the US Embassy is beginning to get involved.

 

What is happening is that there are several schools here, even well accredited ESL and decorated ones, that have been attracting FORIEGNERS (Americans, Aulstrailia, Canada, England etc) into comming to their schools to teach their students english. Many times they promise to pay you (Sometimes in a written Contract) as much as 4,000 RMB per month. (If they offer you anything less than 300 RMB per 2 hr sets, RUN AWAY) Now here is where they are getting Us.

 

They Tell you that they pay everyone on the 7th or 10 of each month, and that is when you can collect your money (After you had already worked) When you go to pick up your pay, you are informed by the front desk, or secratary that the Boss is away from the office or out of town until XXXXX. & for you to come back later & speak to them about recieving your pay. Now you pay try many times to call the boss, but 9 times out of 10 you will be given some lame excuses as to why you can not speak to the boss or go by & pick up your money. But you continue to work as part of your contract as if you break it, they do not have to pay you.

 

After you have finished your contract, & you still have'nt recieved your money, the only thing you can do now is two things.

1) Go to the Police with YOUR SIGNED COPY of the contract, as well as to the Education Board.

 

or 2) Suck it up & chalk it off as a bad experiance.

 

If the Police get involved, be prepared to show residentcy, Passport, Visa, as well as any other thing you can show as having a right to file this complaint. 

 

NOTE: Do NOT do this at one of their small offices. GO TO THE MAIN OFFICE IN DOWN TOWN!! But befor you do, contact the US EMBASSY in GUZ, & inform them of your situation so that you may have a Agent from their office assit you in this matter. The reason for this is that Most of the police here are easily paid off to look the other way. Should this happen, you can almost bet you will never teach in china again

 

Currently at the time of this writing, there are 11 Teachers that are currently unpaid with an estimated combine total of lost wages well over 1,800,000 RMB. Two of the Schools I know of personally that are among the offenders are Bo-mae School & Guangxi School of Tecnologies (Located near Wal-Mart.

 

So if you Really want to teach, Use Your Head, do not let them sweet talk you into anything (Very Easily done here. Guilt Trip from Hell) Be prepared to work very Odd & strange hours and the Class rooms get Very Hot, even with the Air conditioner on High.

 

Will you be able to find any kind of American food?

 

For the Most part. American food as you know it, does not exist here. So unless you can find a way to have all of your geroceries shipped to here, you better scarf down as many Pizzas, Tacos, or what have you, untill you make yourself sick, as you will play hell trying to find any of it here.

 

There are though a small handfull of places secretly hidden, that if you know where to look, you just may find a few select item. Lets start with the most obvious:

 

Pizza Hut - In Nanning, there are only 2 of them. One is located in the Wal-mart Highrise Shopping center (4 Miles from West Nan-hou River bridge,(You will pass The Nanning Towers Bld That has the China Southern ticket office in side, &  The Hawaii International Hotel on your Right) and one about 2 miles West of Nan-Hou River Bridge, All three are on the Right hand side of the road. The One closest to the bridge, you will also find a KFC on the opposite side of the building. It is between these two you will find at street level, a moderate expensive department store. BELOW STREET LEVEL Secret you will find a Fairly good size gerocery store that will have fust about every thing you would need for your Condo. Chinese foods out the Butt, (Some american, but you will have to look VERY HARD, and then no more than about what you could hold in your amrs. Small Appliences, Dishes, cookware, silverware, Wine, beer, Liqur and a few trypes of medicines, but be prepared to read chinese charaters, and know that in chinese, everything here is different.

 

SECRET # 2

 

Now, lets go back up to the street. Look to your Right & you will see KFC. Go to their Front Door, Turn around, and begin walking down the steps. Keep your eyes focused on the Large Building accross the 4 lane HWY. (Note, This is a Huge Museum well looking into, about 15 RMB / Person) As you are looking at the building, look at the bottom part of the building, trying to notice the shops underneath. You are Looking for a Sign that says THE PANTRY Wetsern Food Store.  If you are still having trouble locating is, walk yourself accross the 4 lane until you are standing at the Bottom Steps of the Museum. Now, side step to the Left and Look Down and there you will see the store front. DON'T BE FOOLED. Although this may look like another one of their small shed type shops, once you walk in the door, look to your right, and Wa-La! Here you will find, Smoked Bacon, Chedder, povolone, Ameirican, Swiss, Parm cheeses, Doritos, Pretzels, Delmote Fruits, Tomato Sauces, Prego, Olive Oil, Olives, Pickles, Butter, Pepsi, Beer, Wine & Liqur, Kellogs Cerials, Pop-Tarts, Philidelphia Cream Cheese, Whipping Cream for those of you that just love having you So, fo a mid-night snack, LOL, and a few Candy bars.

 

BE PREPARED TO SPEND A LOT OF MONEY FOR THIS FOOD, ANYWHERE IN NANNING, as it has to be imported from Hong Kong or Shanghi. Example, a bag of doritos can easily cost $4.00, 12oz can of pepsi, $3.00, Tomato Sauces about $4.00 to $5.00 per small jar, and a large box of Frosted flakes about $9.00 (these prices are listed in USD just to give you a comparison) If you like coke or Pepsi, & so not want to pay those prices, you can buy the Chinese Labled versions of them at almost any small food shop along the street. The sizes are our small plastic bottles that we pay $1.25 for, and y9ou can expect to pay about 3 to 5 RMB each. The next largest is just smaller than our 2 liters and you will pay about 5 to 6 RMB for each of them.

 

Ok, we are done here. Lets go back to the Four Lane Hwy where you crossed in front of KFC. If you are standing in front of KFC facing thier doors, turn to your Left & begin walking. Work yourself back to the Side walk. You will notice that while walking you will pass a HUGE Pyrimid Looking Building on your Right & a Huge sign accross the street to your left of Three Chinese Guys. If you see these landmarks like this, you are walking in the right direction.

 

You will walk for about 15 to 20 minutes. During this walk, you will Pass the Guangxi Techincal School (On your Left accross the Street), Walk Under a Bridge, And then about 200 yards, you will come to a street and if you look caddy corner to your right, you will see the Huge WAL-MART SIGN.

 

Work your way untill you are directly underneath the sign & walk in the Double Doors. Follow the Hall pass all of the clothing shops untill you come to the escalators. Go up to the next floor & Wa-LA, you are now at Walmart. If You are looking for Budwiser, Peanut Butter, Pinto Beans, or most western foods, Walk Straight back to as far as you can go. If you can see the Wines & Liqur, you know that you are in the right areas. Now Hunt, Look & Pay attention. If you are looking for anything that comes close to mustard, it will be in a Small 1" square x 5" long box with green writing on it. WARNING!! THIS STUFF WILL MELT ICE, it is that hot. So you may want to buy some Mayonayse (close to the mustard) to help tone it down a bit to your liking

 

If you are looking for Razers, Deoderant, Toothpaste, CD,s DVDs, Clothing, etc, you will have to work your way towards the center of the store (Close to the meat market & Deli) & take the Escalators up to the next floor. It is also on this floor where you can find all kinds of pharmacy needs. Again NOW YOUR CHINESE NAME FOR WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR!!

 

Ok, After all of that Shopping, you  are ready for some American Food & maybe a Good Movie. Go back down stairs to the doors you first walked into. Turn Right & follow the Wal-mart Bld all the way around it untill you come to the 2nd Pizza Hut.  After that, You can ask you SO to escort you to the Theater that is just around the corner, Between Pizza hut & the Main Bldg of Walmart, on your Left. But you will have to go inside the little ,nall, up the escalators to the 3rd floor & BAM! It's Show TIME!

 

WHAT TO SEE?

 

After you have been to all of the Museums, all of the little Coffee shops, had your fill of the Midnight BBQ, you may want to take your so to NAnhou park. But dont just go there. Plan this thing, take your cammera & Your video cam that can record in very low light, and here is why:

 

Grab your SO on either a friday or Saturday afternoon, and have her take you accross the Nanhou Bridge to the Nanning International Hotel. (Its the Huge 5 star hotel with the Huge white spheir on top, with its drive way lined with several flags from various countries.

 

Now, with them, walk them back towards the bridge, but just before the bridge, you will see a small set of benches & a table that looks like tree stumps. Walk thru these & walk toward the river. You will then see a small pathway that leeads down to the Board Walk along the River.

 

Once to the Boardwalk, take your time, enjoy the views. The longer you walk, the more things you will discover. (I'm not going to tell you as it would spoil the adventure) But I will tell you this. About half way along your walk, you will see a Large Stone Building on your Left, right next to the pond with water fountains in it. It is here, that you will want to be by no later than 7pm on either a friday or saturday evening, as shortly after that, the park will be Cramed, & you will not have a ring side seat to watch the spectaular Water show. Once you see and experiance this, no matter how bad your trip was before, this is a sure thing to make this trip a well spent vacation. And, if all has been well, if this doesn't put your So in the Mood for some Midnight Sheet Wrestling, maybe it's time to change your socks

 

Ok, So there you have it. I Hope that this will help any of you newbies comming into this, as I know that as you begin this process, your mind will surely feel over whelmed and there is nothing more soothing than a small taste of home to help bring your American Fed Brain back to its sences.

 

If Anyone else has some pointers, Please be sure I post them here, as I think that if he have a help / how to  forum for things like this, all in one place, it would be much easier for our Newbies to find answers to some of their questions

142009[/snapback]

Very good!

 

Two points of interest:

 

#1 - it is ILLEGAL TO WORK IN CHINA WITHOUT A Z-VISA. This is emphasized on the Chinese Embassy Website in London and in Berlin (in English and German respectively). I knew someone in Yantai who had a similar problem as you mention, and without the Z-visa, the police can not help, since although you MAY BE ABLE TO RECOVER in court, you will likely be jailed after obtaining the money for breaking the immigration laws in China (this happened to someone I have heard...)

 

#2 - you can DEFINITELY RENT an apartment for only 1000RMB a month. It is no problem. The only problem is that in Nanning the local police are quite conservative and take a dim look on people renting out houses to people on tourist visas. Again, if you have a residence permit (or a D visa I believe, but I am not sure) or a Z-Work Visa, then you can not be harassed by the police in this manner.

 

Some people we know are going through the slow paperwork to open a school in the North East and right now dealing with the issue of trying to obtain legal work papers is frustrating.

[sylinchinastill]

Even if you have a Z-visa- there are places that won't pay you to work. I once met some people in Shenzhen who worked with me at Com Com English and they ran away from a school in Xi'an where they weren't being paid. I also worked in a place in Shanghai where they didn't pay me one month- but I bothered them like crazy and finally got paid. I have heard about tons of schools here and there that haven't paid people and sketchy situations. I always worked in bigger cities like Shanghai and Shenzhen and didn't have too bad of a time but I know people who had a hard time in smaller cities. Also- really look at how much you are being paid for that area and how much you are paying for your apartment, etc.- I had a furnished place in Shanghai for 3,000 and a really nice one for 4,000- so 3,000 in Nanning seems really high- (I also looked with a real estate agent but for furnished places only.)

 

You just really have to be on your toes to make sure you don't get taken advantage of- and I agree that the police are generally no help at all.

[MarkLuvsShuPing]

Thanks, that was informative JT.

 

I highly recommend the Pizza Hut, it's just like the ones here in the states, except for the toilets.

 

I've been to the Wal-Mart and it's pretty awesome.

 

I tried to make spaghetti while we were there and failed miserably because I couldn't get anything that resembled Italian spices or pasta. It would've been good to know about the little American food store.

 

As far as staying in Nanning, lele is right. If your SO has any kind of connections, she should be able to get a good deal on an apartment. I think ShuPing is the best at this. She was renting a room from a girl in a very nice apartment complex and managed to talk the girl into vacating the place for the 3 weeks that my son and I stayed there for only 800RMB. She did come back a few times and even spent the night a few times, (which my wife thought was rude), but she never imposed on us.

 

I realize we probably got lucky, but ShuPing seemed to think this kind of thing was normal. So ask your SO if she'd be able to work something like this out when you go.

 

Here's a bit of a pipe dream that I hope to live out one day, but would love to see someone else do it and report.

 

I had mentioned to ShuPing that it might be fun to take my son fishing while we were in Nanning. She knew a guy who liked to go fishing and she arranged for us to get together and meet at a lake. I think it's more like a widening of the river, but it's huge and surrounded by a park. They had paddle boats and a ferris wheel on the opposite side from where we were.

 

Anyway, we fished from the bank and used some kind of flavored corn meal dough for bait. We put it on these little bitty hooks and it was only good for 1 or 2 minutes before it dissolved off the hook. They were biting like crazy, but you couldn't tell it because they we so damn little, 2-3 inches. The funny thing is, they were keeping them. I caught one about the size of my hand and they went crazy.

 

It does require skill to snatch these little boogers up, it took me several minutes to even figure out how to toss the bait in without slinging it off, then several more minutes before I could tell when I was getting a bite, most of the time I figure I just got lucky and pulled it at the right time. My then 11 year old son, was frustrated beyond measure, though he finally got the hang of it.

 

The thing is, I look up and down the bank and see lots of people fishing the same way. No rod and reels, only these little cane poles. All anyone was catching were the little "minnows". I kept thinking how I would love to have a rubber worm or some lures. Visions of pulling out a huge bass or something similar, kept floating through my mind. Damn, give me a real worm at least and let's see what I could pull out. Alas, I had to content myself with having caught the largest fish of the day, all 6 inches of him.

 

So, if you are headed to Nanning and like to fish, maybe you can pack a fold-up rod and reel and some lures and tackle. See if you can wow the crowd on the banks as you reel in a monster. Let me live vicariously through you since I may never go back to Nanning again.

[jtaylo69]

I'm sorry that I dodn't mention befrore, but at The Pantry as well as at Wal-mart you can find Peanut Butter, Both Creamy & Crunchy as well as sometimes canned corn, Log Cabin Syrup, & refried beans. I have used all of these to go fishing with the cane sticks at both the Lake at Nan-hou park and another lake near by. And I can tell you that you will definately get some strange looks while packing cernals of corn with peanut butter. And even more wide eyes looks (after all of the snickering, pointing & laughing) when you find yourself catching 5 to 8 pounders of what ever. At one point, I caught a platter sized turtle. That alone created many on lookers, LOL

 

There is also about 3 to 5 Mc Donalds through out the City. If you are looking for spices, you will find many different one here with the exception of Oregano. Most of them can be found at the Farmers market located in the wholesale market in , which is about a 10 minute walk form the city Center. All I can tell you is that you will walk past Jeifan school, which at one time, was one of Nannings very first schools, which is now a Museum. (The Old Part of the city). If you are planning on cooking, you may want to bring along with you in a zip lock bag, a small sample of what ever it is that you are looking for. This way, you can wet your fingers, dab into your sample, taste, & then dab into thier samples & taste, until you find a match, as most of their spices are are ground into a powder.

 

As for needing a work permit to teach here, it is only required if you are making over 4,000RMB per month, and in which case, your employer is required to take out taxes for the Chinese Gov. Anything lest than that, a work permit is not required. (As Said a Gov official who is My SO's good friend)

 

As for needing a housing permit, that is also not a true requirement in order to be able to rent here. To get around this BS requirment, upon arriving in Nanning, you and your SO, go to the local Police station, along with your Passport and then ask them for the temporary housing permit. Give them your So's Address as your place that you will be staying.

 

After you find a place to rent, (if you are going to stay longer than your Visa) go back to the Police station & update your information. There is no fee, & you free yourself from any kind of hassels. This will also help to prove your case for your SO when she takes the copy to GUZ to prove that you were here for her.

 

If you are a Handy man and needing tools, there is a true Hardware shop (Tools of all types) Located in Down town Nanning. It is hidden so you will need your SO's help. what you are looking for is a building that is very close to a small Churches Type Chicken restaraunt, but is only a few doors sown from it. It has a large pharmacy on the 3rd floor. (You name it, they have it) if not, they most likely can get it. But the hardware shop is on the 2nd floor, which shares the floor with some kind of restaraunt. ( I will try & get some names for you when the SO wakes up from her nap ) LOL

 

I hope that this cleared up some issues

Edited July 31, 2005 by jtaylo69 (see edit history)

[MarkLuvsShuPing]

And I can tell you that you will definately get some strange looks while packing cernals of corn with peanut butter. And even more wide eyes  looks (after all of the snickering, pointing & laughing) when you find yourself catching 5 to 8 pounders of what ever. At one point, I caught a platter sized turtle. That alone created many on lookers, LOL.

142060[/snapback]

I knew there were some good ones in there!

 

Seeing the look on the minnow fishermen's face would be worth the price of a ticket to Nanning.

[jim_julian]

Wow! Thanks for taking the time to write all that. It's inspired me to do something similar on my next long trip to Chongqing.

 

Some comparison notes ...

 

- We had a beautiful, fully furnished, 3BR apartment for three months for 5500RMB.

 

- I couldn't believe that I could not find cheese anywhere ... and I feel for you on your pasta search

 

- They are starting to open up Carefour (French food/everything store) in Chongqing. There I could find DIET (a real laowei concept!) Pepsi for a reasonable price (can't remember for sure, maybe 2RMB/can)

 

FYI on my next trip I plan to bring tortillas and all the fixings (canned) for some excellent burritos. The family is always after me to "cook American". My steamed squash last trip amazed them (they always fry it!). Wait until they taste my burritos!

[lele]

Even if you have a Z-visa- there are places that won't pay you to work. I once met some people in Shenzhen who worked with me at Com Com English and they ran away from a school in Xi'an where they weren't being paid. I also worked in a place in Shanghai where they didn't pay me one month- but I bothered them like crazy and finally got paid. I have heard about tons of schools here and there that haven't paid people and sketchy situations. I always worked in bigger cities like Shanghai and Shenzhen and didn't have too bad of a time but I know people who had a hard time in smaller cities. Also- really look at how much you are being paid for that area and how much you are paying for your apartment, etc.- I had a furnished place in Shanghai for 3,000 and a really nice one for 4,000- so 3,000 in Nanning seems really high- (I also looked with a real estate agent but for furnished places only.)

 

You just really have to be on your toes to make sure you don't get taken advantage of- and I agree that the police are generally no help at all.

142037[/snapback]

This is really foreign!

 

In Qingdao, foreigners are allowed to have a free-city-sponsored lawyer fight for them if they are not paid on time (note that most foreigners here are Koreans and Japanese).

 

And for 2000RMB a month, you can have an Awesome place!

[vibes1313]

The prices do sound alot higher in Nanning. I love my 600rmb a month one bedroom in SZ. My only complaint is the eight floor walkup. Equalizes the beer consumption a little. As far as teaching, private lessons rule. Work when you want, where you want, and make 100-200rmb an hour whether it's 1-4 students. Mostly evening and weekend work though. And most will want to pay a few weeks up front.

[philb]

What a hoot!

Right on the button!

I failed miserably trying to cook spaghetti. So I brought my own tomato paste on my next visit!

I also brought maple syrup for pancakes and french toast (also brought Vanilla and almond extract).

Luckily nothing broke in my suitcase.

 

Phil

[jtaylo69]

Here Is Yet One Final Great Find for all of us Americans:

 

On my last night here, My SO & I discovered an Awesome Western type BBQ establishment. From its graciously beautiful Large Brass & Crystal Chandeliers, Deli style Salad bars, to Real Live entertainers / performers (Violin, Saxaphone, Flute), this establisment just tops the chart of them all. But should you decide to give it a try, be sure to wear semi formal clothing & be prepared to spend a minimum of 100RMB per Head, as this truely delicious establishment is not for your average John.

 

In all of it's glory, The Jialedi Baxikaorou's menues are supurbly assembled. Rack of Lamb, Real American style Roast Beef, Honey baby carrots, Rost Duck, BBQ Chicken, Stuffed clams, BBQ Oysters danished with a delightful garlic sauce are just a few of the delicious meats that are offered.

 

As you set down, you are greated by a hostest and a large brass cart from a wide variety of Both Domestic & intenational wines, (Great Wall, Opus One, Robert Mondavi (will need to ask for it by name) Merlots, Chardonae, the list goes on) Beer; Budwiser, Michalobe, Hinekin, Papst Blue Ribon, & even a Form of Gennesee Cream Ale (From the Brewery of Up state NY), The selection is just phonominal. Prices for the wines begins at 48RMB > 300RMB per bottle.

 

Once you have chose your drinks, you are then greated by an aray of various chefs and their swords of various meats (Litrally SWORDS). You may choose for him to cut you off a slice or maybe you would like to wait for the next cheft, who will be comming around in just a few seconds. (NOT MINUTES) once you have your plate full from all of your choices, you may select to have the chefs stop comming by your table by simply turning your 2 sided, 2 color disk over to its Yellow collor. Once you do this, you will no longer be bothered until you turn it back over to it's green side.

 

NOTE: THIS IS AN ALL YOU CAN BEAR TO EAT & THEN SOME.

 

While enjoying the company of your SO & a few of her friends, you are delightfully entertained by the moderatly soft music comming from the live performer. No, this is no Kareoke, nor will any one sing to you, but in my oppinion, the music is almost like Ball Room Music. Just very Delightfull.

 

After diner, you may feel free to help yourself to various fresh coffee, & Ice Cream with all of the various fresh fruits you can stand. Go ahead, Help your self to as much as you like.

 

(Quick little Tip) If you finish your meal before 7pm, you will recieve a 10% discount.

 

Maybe, once after you are finished, you are fealling your oats to want to check out a little Kareoke. No problem, just take the Elevator near the door, and go to the 3rd floor. There you will be greeted by a very friendly staff who will be at your beck and call during your entire stay..

 

Are you courious yet as to where this place is located?

 

It is located just accross the street from, You Guessed it, Wal-Mart, just under the YongJiang Hotel.

 

Their Telephne Number is: 0771-263-3122

 

Enjoy & have a very Delightful Stay.

[vibes1313]

Sounds Brazilian to me. I mentioned in another post but it was kinda buried in a thread that SZ Air starts a new flight from HKG to Nanning September 10th if it helps anyone. I've never been to Nanning, but if I ever get the chance, I'm headin fer the Barbeque.