China Romance
All About China => Share your love story => Topic started by: David E on December 05, 2009, 07:13:20 pm
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Sorry Guys if I have been a bit slack in pulling together all the info. about the "Rules" thread....but life has got a bit weird in the last couple of weeks and by way of an excuse to you all, I begin the story........
I think I can claim to have some fairly extensive experiences with all things CHNLove...and most of them were not too flash !!!!!!
So....following Shauns lead, I decided to "ave a go" at some of the free Sites...just for a look !!!
Having got past the thousands of 20 year old Philipinos who promise undying love and endless sex in their first communication, with Shauns help I got the filters working and began to explore the options of Ladies from China.
There was a high traffic of Ladies, some interesting, some not....but the only cost was my $30 monthly fee, so it was not a painful financial experience to correspond with a few via their system...no EMF's, no Translators in the middle !!!
It was all very pleasant and low key...BUT......3 weeks ago I got a brief introduction "smile" from a lady in Chengdu...she ticked all my boxes...height, weight, background, etc, etc etc.
So we begin to share some more detailed information together and after 4 emails, she sent me her personal email address and invited me to correspond directly...WOW, so easy after all the previous angst with CHNLove over getting this information !!!!
Then , communication got easier, more detailed and very free and open...we shared some really good info. together. 4 days after this SHE asked ME if I would like to meet her on QQ...can you imagine how blown away I was about this !!!!
We have since spent about 3 hours each day on QQ together, there is no time difference between Perth and Chengdu, so it was easier than you guys who have to speak with your Ladies at strange hours .
The quality of QQ Aus/China is excellent, both video and audio. She has reasonably good English and has been taking lessons for 6 months, so with a little help from on-line translations, we do remarkably well for sharing information togehter.
As the days go by, I am so impressed with this Woman..such a happy, open and friendly Lady, so genuine in what she says and does. Never once has she been late for our QQ meeting, which I know is a BIG plus for Chinese Women who get a bit cavalier with times :icon_cheesygrin::icon_cheesygrin:
I cannot believe how fantastic it is to actually spend so much quality time in the face-to-face situation on QQ...there is not translator in the middle of our communication, no doubts about what is or is not said..it is so nice to know that "what you see is what you get " !!
Everything is going so well, I am completely blown away by this lovely Lady and my life has turned a corner that i never believed it would. We connect on so many levels it is scary.......
So. in summary...YIPPEEE !!!!!!!..I'm off to Chengdu on 10th February for Chinese new year AND valentines day with HER...and I am counting the minutes.
Wish me luck Guys.....Maybe Yuan Fen smiles for us at last :icon_cheesygrin::icon_cheesygrin:
Finally, can I introduce you all to Ms Ming Zhang...who is as close to an Angel as I ever did see.
DavidE
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Now I know why you have been so quiet and mellow? :icon_biggrin:
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David E.
Well done mate, all good things come to those that go about things from all angles!! lol!!
What can i say, she looks a cracking Sheila, Cobber, ...In the looks department, your not going to get better. Hope everything goes well for you with this one....
David
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Haha Vince
I'd better sharpen up again...cant let a bit of romance get in the way of true cynicism :dodgy::dodgy:
David
David E.
Well done mate, all good things come to those that go about things from all angles!! lol!!
What can i say, she looks a cracking Sheila, Cobber, ...In the looks department, your not going to get better. Hope everything goes well for you with this one....
David
Ripper tune Boris..If she was any better, I'd bottle her !!!!
David
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Happy to hear your story David. Always good to hear a brother finding his girl, good luck to you both. Since leaving Chnlove myself and tried another site (Ha! But those Filipino girls do lay it on thick and fast eh? :icon_cheesygrin:) it seems to be going well for me too, been on our second date today and things are going great. I definitely think that chnlove directly interferes with us guy's getting direct contact with their ladies (well the affiliated agencies anyway) as although i have been lucky in finding my girl in the UK, even the girls who were in China pretty much were offering their direct emails in the first or second letters, never seems to be this way with my experience with Chnlove, they seem to make you jump through hoops to get any kind of direct communication, probably driven by the fact they get their money from our emf's right? But happy to hear your news and she's a beaut mate...:icon_cheesygrin:
Andy....
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Congrats DavidE,
I bet you're counting down the days already ... maybe started packing too ???
She's a looker !!!
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Haha Vince
I'd better sharpen up again...cant let a bit of romance get in the way of true cynicism :dodgy::dodgy:
David
The Cynic is singing a different song now, a song of :heart:
Very pretty lady you have there David; as priceless as a vase from the Ming Dynasty that has given you pause :icon_cheesygrin:
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Very good news David , another Aussie has finally learned , that there is more than Chnlove funnily enough there are a number of women in China , who have made contact with local agencies and do not even know that they are on sites like chn , all they have to do is say they would accept either a Chinese or foreign husband and bingo , good luck in Chengdu , she is lovely , regards Ying and Robert .
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??????????????? b?i shì xi? lái tóng chuán dù, qi?n z?i xi? dé gòng zh?n mián
Literally: It takes hundreds of reincarnations to bring two persons to ride in the same boat; it takes a thousand eons to bring two persons to share the same pillow. This goes to show just how precious yuánfèn is. David I'm really happy for you both.:icon_cheesygrin:
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David,
I am so happy for you. I see why you kept her under wraps for a while. What a looker. You just won't be the same man for a while, that is what happiness does. So now we must talk about my marriage fee. :icon_cheesygrin::icon_cheesygrin:
If you have and complaints your can send it directly to my intendence department. That would be Vince G.
Way to go mate,
Shaun
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Way to go David glad to hear its working out.
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Thanks for your kind wishes all !!!
It is a sensation that I have long forgotten so I am trying hard to get back into the habit of being happy !...but SHE is working on it !
Shaun...name your price...I know it is pointless to argue about it and refer it to your Intendence Department because that particular Department is very hard and would no doubt negotiate the price UP (just joking Vince :)
Cheers all
David
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Intendence Department
M - F or when I say.. (http://www.chnlove.info/attachment.php?aid=1068)
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Congrats Man! Perth is awsome. I may have to come to Australia for 6 months. Is Gordon NSW any good?
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Congrats Man! Perth is awsome. I may have to come to Australia for 6 months. Is Gordon NSW any good?
Mate...there is nothing good about NSW !!!!...just ask the 30,000 from there who came to Perth last year !!!
Perth is one of the best kept secrets on the Planet...close to paradise :icon_cheesygrin:very beautiful, great climate, reasonable cost of living, no unemployment. It is the economic powerhouse of Aus with all the development of gas, oil, iron etc in our NorthWest.
We are very proud of it !!
David
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Damn. How far is Gordon NSW from Perth or Sydney or the good stuff? The company I work for has a office in Gordon NSW so I can convince my boss to let me work there for a few months.
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Damn. How far is Gordon NSW from Perth or Sydney or the good stuff? The company I work for has a office in Gordon NSW so I can convince my boss to let me work there for a few months.
Gordon is in the ar***se end of the World, about 2 hours from Sydney and about 6,000 klicks from Perth !!!...do yourself a big favour, try hard to persuade your boss NOT to let you go to Gordon :icon_cheesygrin::icon_cheesygrin:....if you go, you will never be heard of again...kinda swallows you up does NSW !!!
But I lived for 3 years in Sydney proper and its a fantastic place, as long as you dont live there permanently .
Haha David
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??????????????? b?i shì xi? lái tóng chuán dù, qi?n z?i xi? dé gòng zh?n mián
Literally: It takes hundreds of reincarnations to bring two persons to ride in the same boat; it takes a thousand eons to bring two persons to share the same pillow. This goes to show just how precious yuánfèn is. David I'm really happy for you both.:icon_cheesygrin:
That's beautiful Paul. I'm going to send that quote to Nina.
Also, congratulations David. She's beautiful and you're a lucky man. I wish you both a lifetime of happiness.
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Great news David.. Another one bites the dust... :icon_cheesygrin:
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Wow, a Chinese lady who is punctual :huh:? She's a keeper! Well done!!!
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Shaun...name your price...
David
David,
Just seeing you happy and the chipper attitude in your email is payment enough for me. Glad I could help sort through the 20 somethings in the Philippines.
The real question is how long did you linger with looking at some of the 20 year olds pictures?
Shaun
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The real question is how long did you linger with looking at some of the 20 year olds pictures?
Shaun
Only mere seconds .........!!!!!! (thats my last fib for the day )...but you cant go to jail for what youre thinking !!
Just finished my nightly 3 hour web-cam with "herself" and I got the big intro to big Sister......
WOW, they dont mess about do they ??
Sis was very nice and polite and supportive...and then went straight for the jugular....wanted to know ALL about me....about the only thing she didnt want to know was the colour of my undies !!!, but no doubt we will get to that sooner or later !!!
It seems Ming had a very tough time with her ex...he drank like a fish and was a gambling addict and gambled away everything they owned. When she could not provide any more money, she got beat up every night.
I would give my leftie to meet him one day in a dark alley...he wouldnt beat up on any more women !!!
So Sis is looking out for her and really gave me the third degree...but I sure dont resent it, in fact I admire that families will go to such trouble to protect their own.
I think I did a good job of convincing her that "my intentions are honourable" and that I have the wherewithall, mentally and financially to look after little Sister.....I am sure scared to death of crossing THAT Lady..she would probably boil me in oil, having first performed radical surgery on some precious parts !!!!
Wont it be wonderful to be part of such a family that looks after each other...I am very humbled by the experience tonite...my admiration and affection only get bigger.
I get the impression that if I can get through the "checks and balances" imposed by well meaning family members, then only dynamite will sever that link......a great place to be and worth working hard to achieve.
David
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David,
Absolutely yes to the wonderful family. For me it was the younger sister and her husband. It appears that the younger one is the important one the family looks to. She is very successful.
David, if Ming's big sister likes you, you are in and will not have many problems. But do not think the interrogation has ended my any means. You will find as you talk with Ming that she will ask questions that big sister has asked her to ask. I promise you big sister reads everything you write and they discuss it as a family. The evaluations will continue for some time. I know now, since we do voice along with typing, that when Peggy's sister does not like what I say she starts cleaning the kitchen and saying things to Peggy that come out as questions rather quickly. Yes they have a very clean kitchen. So I am learning to be more careful with what I say.
David, you are on the best trail of all. It sounds very good.
Shaun
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Hi David,
Glad you've found your treasure!!! :icon_cheesygrin:
Watch the spices in Chengdu, I burned my mouth severely (although I love spicy) several times. The worst was chicken wings in ... Mc Donald's, only place open at 1:00am if you're starving. I didn't expect the spicy there and got tricked ...
Go see the Panda's, the old town is nice too, and watch the crowds on shopping hours, just incredible.
[attachment=1140] [attachment=1141] [attachment=1142] [attachment=1143]
Oh the the red and green coloured stuff are hot chili peppers, really hot.
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Hi Voice
I was 7 years in Singapore and 2 years in Djakarta...was weaned on hot, spicy food...hotter the better, just love it !!.
But I was completely defeated by Burmese Curry...made with the roasted seeds of that nasty little Chillie "tom thumb"...taste buds were destroyed for a week !!!
DavidE
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Hi Voice
I was 7 years in Singapore and 2 years in Djakarta...was weaned on hot, spicy food...hotter the better, just love it !!.
But I was completely defeated by Burmese Curry...made with the roasted seeds of that nasty little Chillie "tom thumb"...taste buds were destroyed for a week !!!
DavidE
Haha, I love spicy too, but to be honest ... the Sichuan spyciness is a tad too much for me, it's worse than extreme Thai ... my taste buds were numb for days after one of those, although not all are that hot.
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David E
Did you ever post to let us know what happened to your plastic surgeon woman? I think I was writing to my dear woman in Zhuhai at about the time you were writing to your doctor and I don't recall ever finding out what happened. If you wish to keep this to yourself, please do. But if you don't, you would have a keen audience of at least one *smiles*
Danny
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David E
Did you ever post to let us know what happened to your plastic surgeon woman? I think I was writing to my dear woman in Zhuhai at about the time you were writing to your doctor and I don't recall ever finding out what happened. If you wish to keep this to yourself, please do. But if you don't, you would have a keen audience of at least one *smiles*
Danny
No probs Danny....I'd better fill in the blank bits about the Surgeon.
When she realised that it would mean a complete re-qualification process before she could do Plastic Surgery work in Aus....8 years !!, she decided it would be best if I came to China to live.
I dont want to live in China, I never even suggested that this was an option all through the relationship. Maybe that is a selfish view of the future on my part, but I never said or even hinted that it would be an option.
From that point of "learning", it went slowly downhill for both of us.
"not with a bang...but a whimper " !!!
Cheers
David
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No probs Danny....I'd better fill in the blank bits about the Surgeon.
When she realised that it would mean a complete re-qualification process before she could do Plastic Surgery work in Aus....8 years !!, she decided it would be best if I came to China to live.
I dont want to live in China, I never even suggested that this was an option all through the relationship. Maybe that is a selfish view of the future on my part, but I never said or even hinted that it would be an option.
From that point of "learning", it went slowly downhill for both of us.
"not with a bang...but a whimper " !!!
Cheers
David
Thanks for the update on this.
It is sometimes good to compare one's experience with another.
When I was my dear woman in Zhuhai she told me that I was a good man and that she loved me dearly, but there were many reasons why she could not come with me to live in Australia. Part of it was that she would have had to leave her twelve year son behind and the other part was having her medical qualifications recognised.
I can remember when she told me this. I didn't even attempt to persuade her. There are ways of persuading people, to make them do what they do not wish to do. But I did not have the heart to do this. I saw that all the reasons she had for not going were good ones. It is a big risk to throw up everything she had, for life with me. It is something she had to decide for herself.
The one thing I think about in this relationship, setting aside a few small misunderstandings, I always treated her as well as I was able: with love and honour and respect. I think back fondly of her and will always wonder how life might have been with her.
I sometimes wondered, after my dear woman in Zhuhai left me back in September, whether you had had any more success. I thought to myself that David E has probably worked this all out and he is probably in her arms at this moment. If it wasn't for my own stupidity I could have persuaded her somehow.
Well between the two of us we didn't manage it.
I think there is something to be said (if one is ever in the position of having to start again, from scratch) for choosing someone who has a dream to emigrate, for whatever reason. Without this strong desire to go, it is hard for people who are successful and happy to take that jump.
Best luck for your new relationship!
Danny
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Wonderful News DavidE!
Wow! Wow!! And triple Wow!!! What an absolutely beautiful woman you have got for yourself - and from what you write she is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. Priceless and spellbinding! I could not have wished it for a nicer person. My deepest hopes that it works out perfectly for you both and that you enjoy love, joy and happiness. Hey, I can not explain or articulate it but your happiness and excitement have made me happy too...........
Go well, and take kindly of the gifts of life.:heart:
Johnboy.
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David E. Wow! Am glad to hear of the news. Just back from my trip and will post a summary next week. The questions from the family are very direct and very demanding. I thought of it as a job interview where you can be ready for the questions, you just can not give insincere answers. My adivce to you is "forget the rules" and "discover your heart". Am in the 40% group with a return already scheduled for may. Have fun because we all know that big iceberg is going to take Australia off the map anyway but you will be safe in very lovely arms in China.
buzz
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as they say "one closed door opens another" seems
seems like that happens a lot here and with good results
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No probs Danny....I'd better fill in the blank bits about the Surgeon.
When she realised that it would mean a complete re-qualification process before she could do Plastic Surgery work in Aus....8 years !!, she decided it would be best if I came to China to live.
I dont want to live in China, I never even suggested that this was an option all through the relationship. Maybe that is a selfish view of the future on my part, but I never said or even hinted that it would be an option.
From that point of "learning", it went slowly downhill for both of us.
"not with a bang...but a whimper " !!!
Cheers
David
Thanks for the update on this.
It is sometimes good to compare one's experience with another.
When I was my dear woman in Zhuhai she told me that I was a good man and that she loved me dearly, but there were many reasons why she could not come with me to live in Australia. Part of it was that she would have had to leave her twelve year son behind and the other part was having her medical qualifications recognised.
I can remember when she told me this. I didn't even attempt to persuade her. There are ways of persuading people, to make them do what they do not wish to do. But I did not have the heart to do this. I saw that all the reasons she had for not going were good ones. It is a big risk to throw up everything she had, for life with me. It is something she had to decide for herself.
The one thing I think about in this relationship, setting aside a few small misunderstandings, I always treated her as well as I was able: with love and honour and respect. I think back fondly of her and will always wonder how life might have been with her.
I sometimes wondered, after my dear woman in Zhuhai left me back in September, whether you had had any more success. I thought to myself that David E has probably worked this all out and he is probably in her arms at this moment. If it wasn't for my own stupidity I could have persuaded her somehow.
Well between the two of us we didn't manage it.
I think there is something to be said (if one is ever in the position of having to start again, from scratch) for choosing someone who has a dream to emigrate, for whatever reason. Without this strong desire to go, it is hard for people who are successful and happy to take that jump.
Best luck for your new relationship!
Danny
Danny
It seems we both came to the same conclusion....to "persuade" someone to do something that they are not comfortable is a dangerous play. Reality must eventually bite and one or the other is going to be disadvantaged...not what I want for my future relationship...and you either.
By now you are in the arms of your lady, so you are well ahead of me....but I'll get there soon !!!!...I am sure you can look forward to a wonderful Xmas and New Year.
so....here is an update on the David/Ming story, although I have nothing dramatic or earth-shattering to report :icon_cheesygrin:
We continue to QQ every day, from somewhere between 2 and 3 hours.
Never once has she been late, and even when she comes home late from work and is tired, she still is as happy and cheerful as ever. We talk about everything under the sun now, I am very impressed as to how quickly she develops better English. I am sure that it is the situation of trust, familiarity and comfort with me and my words that enable her to learn quickly and to begin to remember many words from her school days.
Big Sister pops up from time to time and says hello, but Ming is rapidly overtaking her in the English department !! Funny, whenever Sis comes on the chat, she always has some deep and meaningful question......about my work, about my divorce, about my financial situation. It seems that there is a small conspiracy afoot, the family must sit around thinking about tricky questions and Sis is chosen to ask them....Ming meanwhile keeps out of the firing line !!!...its all very clever and I am happy to enter the spirit of the whole process.
We keep away from the "love" bit, because I have told her that i would never speak these words unless it was face-to-face , but I am sure I have convinced her that I am not fooling about here.
Our countdown clock is running and Feb 10th will come around very quickly. By this time, with my coaching, her lessons and squillions of hours on QQ I am sure we will have a reasonable level of verbal communication. As for the non-verbal part...I dont got any problems with that...period !!!!
I still remain somewhat bewildred as to how such a woman came into my life...and I never want to take it for granted...as Shaun once said "when it happens...you just know it is right"
Cheers all from a very happy...
DavidE
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David,
Even though I had a problem today, ain't life grand with a good woman?
I am real happy for you.
Shaun
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Hi David,
Glad it's working out for you ... hey you're lucky, only one deep question a day? I had some QQ sessions with my love that would make the Roman Catholic Inquisition look like beginners, but at least I knew she was taking things seriously, still is actually.
We met in between of course, and will spend 10 days together starting next week, but now we're in phase two, collaborative decision making, source of fun as well, we're really getting to know each other well by that. So I'm not getting my new TV just yet :P
If somebody can teach me some romantic things to do on QQ, please don't hesitate, I'm worried about routine on there ...
Cheers,
Frank
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I guess ... I'm a little late , but what the heck ? David , I can't say more than I'm sorry I didn't read your HAPPY Story sooner .
You deserve a good Woman and you sure found one and a gorgeous one on top of that . Keep the Romantic stuff for Ming and send the Flower's to her Sister .. to keep her happy and at arms length at all times .. hahaha .
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Our countdown clock is running and Feb 10th will come around very quickly. By this time, with my coaching, her lessons and squillions of hours on QQ I am sure we will have a reasonable level of verbal communication. As for the non-verbal part...I dont got any problems with that...period !!!!
I still remain somewhat bewildred as to how such a woman came into my life...and I never want to take it for granted...as Shaun once said "when it happens...you just know it is right"
David
Thanks for the reply.
It sounds the way you are going about this is just fine.
I think it is important to let things proceed in the way you have worked out. It is easy to rush things. But there's a saying I like: only bad things happen all at once, good things take time.
I think waiting until February is the right thing. It takes time for love and trust to develop.
Meeting with her for two or three hours every day, it all begins to accummulate and build into something. She becomes part of your life, part of your ongoing conversation with your self and the other people in your life.
So I think you're right to be patient.
I could have got married during this visit. But taking things slowly, letting the tofu cool, as she says, lets things happen in its own time, makes things feel much real and natural than they might have otherwise.
In the time I have spent with her on my visit, I am so much more sure about what we're planning than if we had just rushed into it. It's wonderful to find consistency from day to day, in her words and actions and plans.
The collection of shared experiences and discussions, which build up, day after day, is part of the way trust is formed.
There is no way of taking a short-cut for this sort of thing, at least for me. It has to take time.
Which is all a roundabout way of saying good luck for the future. Enjoy the journey and yes, February isn't so long away at all.
Danny
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Danny, great story. Thanks for letting us share. buzz
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David
Thanks for the reply.
It sounds the way you are going about this is just fine.
I think it is important to let things proceed in the way you have worked out. It is easy to rush things. But there's a saying I like: only bad things happen all at once, good things take time.
I think waiting until February is the right thing. It takes time for love and trust to develop.
Meeting with her for two or three hours every day, it all begins to accummulate and build into something. She becomes part of your life, part of your ongoing conversation with your self and the other people in your life.
So I think you're right to be patient.
I could have got married during this visit. But taking things slowly, letting the tofu cool, as she says, lets things happen in its own time, makes things feel much real and natural than they might have otherwise.
In the time I have spent with her on my visit, I am so much more sure about what we're planning than if we had just rushed into it. It's wonderful to find consistency from day to day, in her words and actions and plans.
The collection of shared experiences and discussions, which build up, day after day, is part of the way trust is formed.
There is no way of taking a short-cut for this sort of thing, at least for me. It has to take time.
Which is all a roundabout way of saying good luck for the future. Enjoy the journey and yes, February isn't so long away at all.
Danny
Danny, I am reading your posts with a very keen eye !!! I am vicariously enjoying your trip...hoping I will get something similar :icon_cheesygrin:
So far everything for you is turning up roses, and how lovely to have your daughter "on side".......if she had been opposed, life would have been a tad more difficult !!
I have had enough false starts to know that I must take this one VERY slowly and carefully...I have found a treasure and I want to make certain everything is done properly and for the right reason.
You are dead right...after many, many hours on QQ where we both can see, speak and learn about each other, she slowly but surely gets into my bloodstream (haha). It is beginning to feel just right, getting hard to remember what it was like without the daily "happy" sessions on QQ.
49 days and counting....time flies.
All the best to you and your new family
David
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Congratulations David! Besides the obvious reasons, I also have some personal ones to be especially pleased to hear about your fantastic story. Do you still remember once I asked you the question, 'why still chnlove'? Now we both find a satisfactory answer.
I hope more brothers can find their love in a larger variety of ways.
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Congrats Dave, another one will soon join the ranks of very very lucky men here.
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Greetings to everyone....I hope you all had a great Christmas and I also hope that 2010 is a wonderful year for all of us.
The "Chengdu Romance" continues with growing enthusiasm on both sides :icon_cheesygrin:
We are now settled into our "habit" of nightly QQ sessions and I am always amazed how we can spend 2 hours each night talking and yet not get bored !!!!
Ming is taking English lessons with a Chinese Man and I begin to see how some of these women get very daunted about learning English. Much of what we discuss on QQ is about correcting all the wrong English she is getting taught. It sure makes me very aware that there must be a major role for native English speakers in China...and for all those Bros who are over there/going there to teach English. I am convinced your services are desperately needed.
She gets a bit frustrated when she wants to try out some of her new learnings on me and I have to be very careful and gentle about correcting her.....poor English seems to a major factor in the "anxiety Department" so I think it is necessary to tread very carefully, I sure dont want to demotivate her...but we do OK because we have established and easy and trusting communication and I know she is fully aware that I have strong feelings for her.
I have had several "web-cam tours" of her tiny apartment...although it is very small it is neat and clean as a new pin and a charming little place. It make you think about our Western obsession for big homes that can probably house 10 Chinese families !!! Her apartment is about the same size as my laundry...(but of course I would NEVER mention such a thing ) !!!
She teaches me some Chinese words and phrases and she tells me that my accent gets to be like a person from Beijing !!(dont know if that is a compliment or not ) She is pretty tough about me getting pronunciations exactly right and sometimes makes me repeat words and phrases dozens of times until she is satisfied that I have got it right !
If there is any small cloud on our horizon, it is about the potential to have child/children together in the future...she brought this up a couple of weeks ago and I said it was not my plan to have any more children because I am too old. She insisted that Men can Father children until they are 80 and in China it is seen as a big deal for an "old" man to father a child late in life. I remained very neutral about the idea and more or less shut the door on further debate....but it keeps cropping up "gently" in her conversations....I am sure I have not heard the last of this debate yet !!!....no doubt the next move will be Sis asking me about my plans for future children :icon_cheesygrin:
I think Jim B has faced this issue and if any Bros got any advice about how to deal with it, I would welcome some input...I thought I would sneak off and get the "snip" and not say anything...but that sails very close to deceit and I hope there is a better way.
It is totally surprising and very beautiful how my life has taken on such a new and great dimension since this Lady came into it. We are both going full steam ahead and cant wait for Feb 10th.........the countdown continues......................
David
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David,
I was thinking about you last night. Wondering how you are. I am happy for you, my friend. My experiences are quite similar to yours.
There is a chance that I will be in China about the same time you are there. I should be able to set a date in the next 30 days and it will happen rather quickly when I set it. My goal is to get there before the new year comes in. Peggy tells me she does not want to be alone for another Spring Festival. I will let you know when it is set.
The investment of time on QQ adds so much to the building of your relationship. It is funny to me because I do not think they have had a man so willing to spend time with them.
Again, happy for you mate.
Shaun
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Well..........here I am, poised on the next adventure in China !!!
The countdown clock is ticking rapidly and I leave for Chengdu on thursday evening.
Passport is current, I got a 12 month unlimited entry visa, the Hotel has confirmed the booking and air tickets are paid for and complete.
This is my 6th trip...and this time I am not nervous...I am bloody terrified !!!! Ming and I have had over 50 QQ sessions of at least 1.5 hours and I am sure that I know this lovely Lady very well........but I am trying VERY hard not to get too euphoric about it all...but it aint easy.
Such a very different feeling this time compared to the others.
We have talked about everything under the Sun, she has taught me a lot of Chinese but she still gets savage sometimes about my pronunciation....tough Teacher !!!! Her English has improved out of sight and we dont need a lot of typing any more so I am sure that language wont be an issue...any way, I will have my lap-top with "Transwhiz" on it and also my Yishen and Besta hand helds.
She appears to have organised every minute of my visit...there are so many lunch and dinners arranged with friends and family that I dont know where I will put so much food ! ....lets just hope that I will be burning so much energy in other departments that I need the calories to keep going :dodgy:
Been a bit of a struggle to get some warm clothes for the trip...not much available in this land of Sun !!...but I have a 4 hour lay-over in Singapore and there are so many shops in the Airport that I can get something there.
She has a car, so we will be mobile Ok...I will sit in the passenger seat (on the WRONG side ) and keep my eyes closed when we are driving about. I will always have a clean pair of jocks with me when we are in the car....you all know about those "moments" that convince you that you are about to die !!!!...and with a Chinese WOMAN driver...well we wont go there.
I just want to say guys, that this trip to meet this lovely Lady has been made possible by all the help and advice I got from you...especially after so many heart-breaking false starts.
Win, lose or draw...I owe you all big time.
I will try to post and send photos while I am in Chengdu, and I hope that we can arrange to meet up with the other guys and gals in Guangzhou.
Cheers for now
DavidE
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DavidE,
Best of luck to you ,...hope everything goes tickerty-boo for you on your trip...
Why buy warm clothes in Aussie when you can buy there at a fraction of the cost, i'm sure you have something somewhere in your wardrobe to get you through your first day there...lol!!!
David....
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Hi Voice
I was 7 years in Singapore and 2 years in Djakarta...was weaned on hot, spicy food...hotter the better, just love it !!.
But I was completely defeated by Burmese Curry...made with the roasted seeds of that nasty little Chillie "tom thumb"...taste buds were destroyed for a week !!!
DavidE
Excellent David !!! Grats in advance !
You were in Singapore 7 years? A pity didn't get to meet you back then.
Looks like you passed the extensive "customs interviews". If she arranges such a large retinue of people for you to meet, I would say you are very much "in" with the family. Fully invested "face wise" I should say. My ex only introduced me to her business partners and family members after I had fully gained her confidence.
David be warned - their "mala huoguo" has these peppers (NOT chillies) that do an admirable job as local anaesthetics, haha. Your mouth will be numb for about 2 hours, loool. Ditto for the "Shui zu yu", but a must try, just try to leave off as much of the oil as you can. But the women are the spiciest... I think your senses will be overloaded for a long time :icon_cheesygrin:
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they re cheap here as long as your not big like me
and then it gets a little harder to find but whe you do CHEAP
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David we all wish you the best of luck.We will be here waiting for the updates.
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Good Luck, David! Hope everything works out great for you. Can't wait to see pictures.
Don
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David,
My best wishes go with you. I hope your trip exceeds your wildest dreams. Remember no female driver jokes while in China.
Shaun
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Dave
The warmest item of clothing I possess is a towelling bath robe.
How would I go rocking up to the airport dressed in that......the mind boggles :icon_cheesygrin::icon_cheesygrin:
David
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David,
Zhong and I wish you the best while you are here! Sounds like your onto a sure thing! :icon_biggrin:
p.s. if your lady is on a cell phone, while driving, it will be ok...they will barely exceed passed a walker when chatting!
Jim
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David,
Zhong and I wish you the best while you are here! Sounds like your onto a sure thing! :icon_biggrin:
p.s. if your lady is on a cell phone, while driving, it will be ok...they will barely exceed passed a walker when chatting!
Jim
Jim
Good thinking...I will INSIST that she has someone on the cell-phone every minute she is driving....but I will still keep my eyes closed !!!!
Surely she cant be any worse than a taxi driver...or is that just wishful thinking on my part !!!
Of course, I could always keep her locked in my hotel room...then I can do the driving...OOPS !!!! (Hahahaha)
David
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Hi All !!!
Greetings from Chengdu :icon_cheesygrin:
"Herself" has just decided to go out to buy me a pair of thermal "long johns", because she is worried I am feeling the cold too much, so I have a few moments to send a small update !!
The trip over was the usual dose of airline organisation, "treat them like cattle", but I have a relatively easy trip of 2 X 5 hour segments so it was OK all in all.
On the Singapore/Chengdu leg, the plane was filled with little Chinese children going home from Singapore for the Festival, I think I was the only adult on the plane apart from their teachers !!
When I checked in, they were sorry to advise me that because they wanted to kep all the children togther, they would have to put me in Business Class...and was that OK by me !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!....(no-brainer)
Business Class was empty except for me, so it was very pleasant. Also I was able to get off first and leg it through Immigration and Customs in record time....I took 18 minutes from leaving the plane to going through the arrival Hall !!
Nobody was there to meet..........OOPs, I thought....not looking good !!!
I waited for 15 minutes outside the arivals, in case she had got stuck in traffic and quietly fumed away !!!.
Then I had to dig around in a suitcase to find my mobile phone and give her a call. This was quite a fiasco " hello, where are you"......"I am at the airport"...I am at the airport too,.....where are you !!!....and so on, and so on !!!
We both decided we were at door No 10, but I could not see her !!!
Finally it dawned on me that there are 2 exits for International flights...one for HK and Taiwan, and one for all the other arivals...yes, you guessed it, she was at the wrong one !!!
5 minutes later she arrived and just flew into my arms....WOW !!!!!
I know there are many differing views here about face -to-face communication prior to actually meeting, but if ever there was a compelling reason to get onto personal communication...this was it.
She was exactly the woman I have been communicating with...same looks, same smile, same characrter,,,same everything. Except that in person, her bubbly personality and her total self was much more intense, and the chemistry betwen us fairly sizzled !!!
so.....we eventually disentangled and made our way to her car......a bit like a large egg with 4 wheels and off we went to the Shangri-La Hotel where i was booked, We were so busy chatting away, that I did not even notice the multiple near-death experiences we went through on the 30 minute journey.:icon_cheesygrin:
I cant tell you how gorgeous she looked and behaved.......just like we had known each other forever...and so much more lovely "in the flesh",,,so to speak !! All my concerns/fears/worries evaporated in an instant !!
After I settled in at the Hotel, we went off for dinner and had a fantastic hot-pot.......but I dont remember a lot about the food, we were so busy babbling away to each other .
We agreed that I needed an early night so I retired early...alone !!!!!!!!
We met for breakfast and it all began again on the 13th, which is New Years Eve and I was invited to dinner with all the family at her Sisters home,
We went around Chengdu during the day, did some shopping, some eating ...and a little canoodling!!!
The evening at family home was truly wonderful, what a geat bunch of people who fell over themselves to make me welcome...I was so impressed and somewhat overwhelmed at such kindness and attention...nothing was too much trouble for them and the dinner they put on was stupendous, not least of which were mountains of home-made dumplings........so I stuffed myself to bursting point.
I had brought them all some gifts from Aus, and they were so delighted, and I gave the nephews and nieces red envelopes with 200 RMB each.
At dusk, the fireworks started, and got more, and more frequent as the evening progressd,to the point that at 11.30 pm, the whole of Chengdu was alight with the most spectacular display I have ever seen and heard in all my ife, Almost every part of the City was a blaze of fireworks........utterly amazing...what a celebration !!!!
We left the family home at 1 am in the morning and drove back to the Hotel...where we decided it was too late for Ming to drive home.......the rest of this night is censored !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! but what a night ..........
Today, Valentines day, she wants me to take her to a "Western Restaraunt " for dinner....so I will.
Will post more when time permits...and photos when I can work out how to do it !!!
All is VERY well...cheers Bros
David E
ps...Would you believe that after only one night, the bathroom is filled with womens things hanging to dry....must be a strange Chinese custom as many Bros have posted about this strange phenomena :icon_cheesygrin::icon_cheesygrin:
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Congrats David,
200 RMB each is very generous. How is your communication with her family ? Happy to read that the initial meeting went very well. Have a great trip !!! Enjoy all the delicious Chinese food.
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Grats David ! Very well done, I must say ! Everything went smoothly. Haha on Chinese new year we like to hang red trimmings all over the place... perhaps you have some red lingerie brightening up your bathroom?
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Almost felt that I was there with you. Almost felt that I wanted to be there with you. But written so well that I really felt that I wanted to be there without you but with all the other benefits!!!!!!:icon_cool:
But the bathroom with the womens clothers hanging to dry!!! - why not wait to undress before you hit the showers - sexy yes, convenient no.:angel::angel:
Great story David. Bit generous with the red envelopes though. I left that with my wife and she only put between 5 and 10 rmb in each of dozens of envelopes as she explained it is only a token!!!! THATS MY GIRL.:icon_biggrin:
Willy
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David,
I am so happy for you. Great news and all seems to be going well. Can't wait to hear more.
Shaun
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Gotta have pictures...but great story, keep writing and writing....also how many star hotel are you at, and when you get done with the trip let me know about how much the whole thing cost, so I can configure for my trip.
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David congradulations.It's nice to hear.You and your lady friend are getting along so good.Pictures and updates are required.
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David E,
Really great to hear that this lady is everything you imagined her to be, and then some!!!
Couldn't be more pleased for you mate....
I'm sure you couldn't give a monkey's about being too generous with your Red Envelopes, because you have the biggest Red Envelope, in the way of a little lady called ''Ming'' !!!
Go from strength to strength now Dave, and have a bloody good time doing it too ..lol!!
David.......
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Almost felt that I was there with you. Almost felt that I wanted to be there with you. But written so well that I really felt that I wanted to be there without you but with all the other benefits!!!!!!:icon_cool:
I agree with Willy - very well written.
I like the way the sentences flow from the pen - very vicarious reading.
Now with some pictures you will have the great Graphic Novel. And during Valentine's Day - I'vy envy you :icon_biggrin:
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David I am SO pleased things are working out for you mate...ENJOY your time there..:icon_cheesygrin::icon_cheesygrin:
Ps,
Where's the pictures....lol:angel:
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Congratulations David, seems like you will have a wonderful time, and this could finally be the one right?
I've avoided the bathroom being transformed into the laundry but did get the remark that I could at least wash my underwear myself or have my girl do it for me ... her brother suggested that :D
Keep it coming,
Frank
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Episode 2.............................
Its early morning on the 15th, I am getting a quick up-date typed whilst the Boss sleeps !!!
Now kitted out in my new thermal undies, I am cold-proof, but spontaneous "canodling" is now impossible as the bloody things are like a second skin and takes an age to get he buggers off !!!!!!...but I will cope somehow.
We pottered aroung Chengdu yesterday, masses of people about, all in holiday mood and very friendly. Fireworks are now almost continual, so we bought some from a Street Stall and found a convenient corner to let them off. Everybody wanted to see this crazy Westerner lighing his fireworks and I got a lot of advice..but couldnt understand a word !!! Even the cops came over and joined in...but maybe they were thinking "one more firework and we will haul him off to jail ":icon_cheesygrin::icon_cheesygrin:
There is such a great holiday spirit about, it is easy to get caught up in it and just have fun...I havent laughed so much, or relaxed so much in years. Aways Ming is there "directing the traffic" and looking out for my every need....so incredible to be so spoiled, I almost feel guilty about it.
If everything is not just right, woe betide anyone who gets in her way....WOW.......I call her my "pocket rocket"....so much energy and drive in such a slight Lady.
I am being totally organised and taken care of...its scary :icon_cheesygrin::icon_cheesygrin::icon_cheesygrin:
The Shangri-La Hotel is rated 5 star and deserves it...great place, very new and modern. I have a flash Executive Suite and I pay 1900 RMB per night but I did a deal with my Business for "stay 3 nights and get the third night free", so overall it works out at about under 1600 per night.
Last night for Valentines Day, we went to a Western Restaraunt...Cafe Z.....which was very nice, the food was International Buffet and they layed on all the goodies for Valentines...gifts of roses for the Ladies, free Champagne and all the trimmings of the occasion...all very romantic and we had a very cosy and intimate dinner together....hormones working ovetime !!!!!
Maybe it was the Champagne....maybe the thermal undies.....but I was becoming more and more convinced that this Woman is the best thing to happen to me in a long, long time......and I begin to believe we can have a wonderful future together.......the next few days will see this become clearer for both of us, I am sure.
Today is a lazy day, I want to do some sightseeing and have a look at some antique shops and local places of interest.
I KNOW you are waiting for photos, but my limited free time...and computer skills put this on the back burner for today, but I will have a go to upload some tonight...if my Baobei will keep her hands off me !!!!!
Keep smiling all....I am !!!!!!
David
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David , what more can I add that has not already been said ? Can't help but to enjoy and share your success so far with your lovely Lady ( even not having seen her yet ) . Hope this will lead to your Dream that you have Dreamed of .. when you started this Quest down this road . Wish this will continue the way it been the first couple of day's for both of you .
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Episode 3........
Hi All
A day of lazy sightseeing.......went to some old Chinese archealogical museum, very interesting !! Also went to a Monastery because she wanted to get the Monks opinion about us.
Well, I slipped the Old Guy 200 RMB and he told her that the sun shines out of my Ar*** and that she would be happy for ever more.....(oh, the joys of Capitalism and corruption !!!)
Had a fabulous meal in mid afternoon !!!...both got hungry at 3.00 pm and needed to eat. Prawns, pork and veg's all done in a fiery hot sauce....sure keeps the chill out...tomorrow could be a problem though, once it gets through the system (hahaha) :icon_cheesygrin::icon_cheesygrin:
Tomorrow we are off to lunch with more relatives and then I have invited all the family to dinner at the Hotel...that should be a riot !!!
I came to Chengdu with a translator program on my lap-top, a Besta and a Yishen.......only needed to translate one word so far....would you belive "Zebra" !!!!! Our communication is extra good, we have no problems (which did worry me a bit before I arrived).
I am now officially engaged to my Angel...but that story must wait till Episode 4 !!!
So "au revoir " from Chengdu...I cant stop smiling !!!
David
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Gorgeous lady mate...BIG congrates to you both:icon_biggrin:
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Great pictures and great story David,
I hope it continues to get better for you! :icon_cheesygrin:
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what a nice story and the best to the both of you.
when is the mrriage taking place? this visit? or next?
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David , you make her a lucky Lady . Qing and I talk about what Min ( in Baoding ) missed out on .. not wanting to move to Australia .
Congrat's on your Engagement . I see you needed large Photo's to show the happiness on both of you . :icon_cheesygrin:
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Dave, I had to size them. I couldn't take it. :-/ to large.
For anyone else sizing their photos? If it shows a resolution #, change it to 72. This is the common size for the web.
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Episode 4....or , the moment of realisation !!!
Sorry Vince, my computer skills not up to complex manoevers like sizing photos !!!!
I must share with you all a moment of realisation that led to our engagement...........I may steal some words from Shaun..."when you just know it is right !!!!!
I have now met and been wined and dined by many of Ming's family, I know they are not wealthy people, but like all Chinese families, they will go to the end of the Earth to make you comfortable and feel like an honoured and valuable member of the family.
I have been so impressed by how they have welcomed me into their homes and their hearts that I felt I would like to do something special for them in return.
After discussions with the "Pocket Rocket" we decided that we would hire a very nice dining room in the Shangri-La and put on a spectacular dinner for them all.
So off we both went to see the Function Manager here to work the whole thing out.
The Guy was a bit of a supercilious prick who knew a bit of English and wanted to show off !!! He spoke only to me and ignored "herself" as you would expect the normal Chinese Chauvinist to do !!! He obviously did not realise that she has claws and teeth !!!
I made it clear to him that I wanted something very special for 18 people
and we discussed putting stuff like lobster, birds nest soup and abalone on the very extensive menu , because I know that they are regarded as very special and folk here dont often get the chance to eat them and I also know that they LOVE their food !!!!
After getting it all sorted I asked him for a written Quotation which he went away and organised..............the price was 8100 RMB.
I showed this to Ming and said......(showing off !!!) shi bu shi ma ??
Her response was...BU shi san, Bu shi san !!! and proceeded to let fly at this Guy in an absolute vocal torrent which I could not understand but which I gather covered every aspect of his personality from the unfortunate accident of his birth, to the fact that his parents likely were never married to the unfortunate end that was shortly coming his way if he thought he could cheat HER Western Man !!
After half an hour of this, the Function Manager had become serious shades of red and appeared to shrink to about half his size !!!
Eventually, I was advised by the Vampire Lady that he had reconsiderd the price and it was now 4000 RMB...what more can I say, except I think he felt he was in serious risk of losing something precious as well as the tongue lashing :icon_cheesygrin::icon_cheesygrin:
No doubt I will be black flagged at all the Shangri-La Hotels...but I dont care, because I had the flash of inspiration which told me that NEVER had any Woman dived in so hard and totally to stop me getting ripped off and was absolutely fearless in doing it........at that moment I KNEW, I KNEW what I felt for her was real.............just like a bolt out of the blue !!!
So I asked her to marry me later that evening and gave her a beautiful ring....she said yes by the way :icon_cheesygrin::icon_cheesygrin::icon_cheesygrin:
As you said Shaun...sometimes you JUST KNOW
David
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Great story, David. Congratulations!!
Don
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Congrats Dave! I've loved reading your story, although I know you are loving living it 1,000 times more.
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Congrats! David to you both. You came a long way in the past few months. :icon_cool:
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Dave......
Couldn't be more pleased for you, as Vince stated, ...You've come a long way these past few months, and it seems to have paid off in dividends for you.
Congratulations, ....Stage two of ''The Journey'' Now Begins!!!
All the Very Best to you Both.......
David.....
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Congratz David,
I am sure both you and Ming will be very happy. I could see that in photo #3. What a great looking couple.
You are a very lucky man and of course she is a very lucky woman. I am happy for the both of you.
Shaun
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David,
having experienced exactly what you experienced at the hotel when i was
reading your post i felt like i was there hearing her rip into the hotel man. it
is amazing and sometimes humorous when they sit back and just wait paitiently
until its time and then unload on the poor unsuspecting fool at the other end of
their displeasure. and it comes from a woman who would have to stand on a chair
to look them in the eyes. you just have to love it when they do this.
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Unreal David,congrats mate,brings tears to my eyes to know you have hit it off,what a gal,wow........as a fellow aussie(sorry,New South Welshman mate,haha),all the very best for your future together......cheers bro....
jimmy
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David,
My sincerest wishes for a life-time of happiness and bliss. Such joy could not have been given to a more deserving person - and such a beautiful lady too! Go well, and take kindly of the gifts of life. These dreams are made in heaven.
John
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David,
having experienced exactly what you experienced at the hotel when i was
reading your post i felt like i was there hearing her rip into the hotel man. it
is amazing and sometimes humorous when they sit back and just wait paitiently
until its time and then unload on the poor unsuspecting fool at the other end of
their displeasure. and it comes from a woman who would have to stand on a chair
to look them in the eyes. you just have to love it when they do this.
Yeah too many of them supercilious undersized pricks around in China, I think they are compensating for their size haha.... And great story,wish you both all the best, and more of the same !
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David , what a great Story ... that I really think of the Brotherhood and hope we all had at least a little to do with your wonderful success with your lovely ... soon to be your Wife and soooo much more I'm sure .
Ps: yeah , instead of spending your Money ... she is saving it . Very generous of you to reciprocate the way you did . I did do the same , also a $ 1000 Dinner for 12 ... but only payed half , had my Uncle take on the other half . haha
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Great story David - is it not suprising what can happen in a short period of time - and congratulations, maybe we will be celebrating a lot of weddings this year.
Do not be too concerned about your Angel ripping into people and saving 4000 rmb. My wife does that at the market when buying 2 rmb of vegetables!!!!!
Willy
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Episode 5...the end of the beginning !!!
Greetings Bros, it is not so easy to write this post !! So much humming around in my head, so many emotions, impressions and memories, I think I could probably write a novel here...but I will keep it short !!!
Firstly, and in response to your particular question Arnold...yes, you have no idea what I owe to the Bros, and to all the good advice and info. I have got from you all after so many failures !!!
After 5 abortive trips to China, I was determined that this one would be my last...either it worked or I would give it all away !!
So...I prepared PROPERLY for my meeting with the delightful Ming...and again I say for those of you beginning this journey....Get on to QQ or similar and dont attempt it without extensive personal communication...because it works !!! Of course, there can never be guarantees.....but you sure cut down the odds of failure if you can do this web-cam thing for a lengthy period.
The result of listening and reading all the advice was that I met a Woman whom I already knew, who I was familiar with, who I was comfortable with...there were no jagged edges, no falsehoods, no shocks or disapointments.
Our meeting and our time together became but a wonderful extension of our many hours on QQ together where we got to know each other very well. I was 90% in love with this Woman before I stepped on the Plane......it only needed a reality check on the "Chemistry" before we both knew it was right.
The end result is beyong anything I could have dreamed of...I know we will both be very happy together .
So here I am, back in Perth with that sick, empty feeling that I have heard about from others in the same situation...its not nice is it ?? I shoudnt be here, I should be back there with her...and I am not happy !!!!!!!!!!!!
But I plan to go back in April....we will get married then, in China and add another chapter to our lives together...then we have the grinding, soul destroying machinery of the Immigration Department to negotiate...how I will cope with this is yet to be seen....a lot of angst I think.
On a lighter note, I was somewhat worried about communication with my future father -in-Law, he knows no English and my Chinese sure aint conversational yet. Ming was doing a good job as interpreter, but I wanted badly to get to know the Man, because of course, he is the Boss...despite Mother -in-Law directing the traffic on any ocaision we were together.
Surprise, surprise, the old fella was once on duty in Mongolia and learned a lot of Russian while he was there....my Russian is pretty good so amazingly we were able to have a good natter in Russian....nobody else had any idea what we were talking about..it was terrific and we cemented our friendship in endless toasts in Chinese whisky which tastes a bit like gnats Pi** but kicks like a mule after umpteen glasses !!!! I introduced him to Jonny Walker (at huge cost to me might I add) and then the stakes were a bit more even !!!, I finally got him hopelessly sozzled and we were the best of mates and probably made complete fools of ourselves...I know this because we both got a severe bollocking from our respective partners the following day...not to mention giant hangovers :icon_cheesygrin::icon_cheesygrin:
Herself was a pure delight...I never before was treated like this and I am working hard to get used to it. Nothing is too much trouble for this dynamo of a Lady...so much drive and energy and good humour and genuine happiness...well I could go on all day but I will bore you all to death !!!!
I am probably thre happiest Man in the World about now...although there are many of you who will challenge that statement........but its true.
Parting at the Airport was a horror.........I did not get my equilibrium back for many hours...what a wrench...both of us were devastated that the journey had ended...but we have much to look forward to, many happy times and adventures together as our lives become the best they can be...together.
Again, eternal thanks to all of you who helped make my little dream come true...always you have a special place in my heart.
David
ps..some photos here...Vince, I hope they are not too big for you this time...I wouldnt want to strain anything with oversize insertions in the post :icon_cheesygrin::icon_cheesygrin:
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I'm so happy for you David, it is gladdening to see good things happen to good people ! We beat the system in the end !
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David,
well congratulations on the very best of endings on this journey. now as you get all the paper work done to have her
come to australia just be patient especially if it is like the USA immigration. when she gets there you will begin your journey
with her like Sisi and i are doing. and i might add that it is a wonderful journey to be on. i wouldnt change anything that
has happened as i feel i am the lucky one in finding the type of lady i have found. i just wish i had found her may years ago.
P.S.
from all your pics is all you did in China was eat??? hahahaha just a joke as i know from living here
everything is based on Family and good Food get togethers. maybe if we did that more in the west
we wouldnt have so many disfunctional families as we have. the chinese work just as hard if not more
and they still find time for family and or freinds get togethers everyday that you dont eat at home.
Ted
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David,
Congratulations!!!! I am soooooo happy for you. You deserves this happiness. As I have read from many others I know there is a tremendous sadness as you are not with her. May the time between now and April pass swiftly to the point that it only seems like yesterday you were saying goodbye.
So, Johnny Walker and a little Russian got you to the point of friendship with the father. Excellent!! (newbies remember that) Remember that even though the both of you suffered a little scorn from the women folk and of course the old feeling of why did I do that, it may have been the icing on the cake that sealed the deal so to speak on a happy future. Of course I am sure your personality and Ming's glow of happiness was the most important factors in the decision.
I lift a toast to you my friend, with many years of happiness.
Shaun
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David,
well congratulations on the very best of endings on this journey. now as you get all the paper work done to have her
come to australia just be patient especially if it is like the USA immigration. when she gets there you will begin your journey
with her like Sisi and i are doing. and i might add that it is a wonderful journey to be on. i wouldnt change anything that
has happened as i feel i am the lucky one in finding the type of lady i have found. i just wish i had found her may years ago.
P.S.
from all your pics is all you did in China was eat??? hahahaha just a joke as i know from living here
everything is based on Family and good Food get togethers. maybe if we did that more in the west
we wouldnt have so many disfunctional families as we have. the chinese work just as hard if not more
and they still find time for family and or freinds get togethers everyday that you dont eat at home.
Ted
Yes Ted...sad to think of all the wasted years...but the future is bright, life is good again...what more can a Man ask for ??
You are right...so much eating, but at least it is "light" food...not so much protein as in the West and its only a question of capacity, not calories...but I did put on 2 kilos in 10 days...but then again, herself says I must put on 5 more and she will be happy that I am at a healthy weight !!!!
I have worked all my life to keep the flab off because at my age excess fart causes all sorts of peripheral problems !!! ...But she must be obeyed, I learned that very quickly :icon_cheesygrin::icon_cheesygrin:
by the way, I introduced her to croissants, butter, cheese and jam for breakfast...she loved it...but I better be careful, sure dont want her to get the Western Blob disease :s:s
Cheers
David
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[/quote]
I have worked all my life to keep the flab off because at my age excess fart causes all sorts of peripheral problems !!!
David
[/quote]
Uhhh...Huh?:icon_confused: Must be something medical i haven't heard of.:icon_cheesygrin:
Anyhow, a big congratulations to you and your future Mrs.
Don
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I have worked all my life to keep the flab off because at my age excess fart causes all sorts of peripheral problems !!!
David
[/quote]
Uhhh...Huh?:icon_confused: Must be something medical i haven't heard of.:icon_cheesygrin:
Anyhow, a big congratulations to you and your future Mrs.
Don
[/quote]
OOPs !!!1
Sorry Don...a typo !!!...but I guess excess farts produce a lot of peripheral problems...like "no friends" and such :icon_cheesygrin::icon_cheesygrin:
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Glad to hear of your success - now go marry that girl and as we say in Russian - Lets be done with ya
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Yes Ted...sad to think of all the wasted years...David
Hello David,
I just see this post until today, Here I present my late congratulations.
I like what you said about you feel all the past years are wasted.And I like the last photo that you have dinner with your lady's family, actually now they are your familiy too ! Now you are not only get a gorgeous wife, you also get a lot of Chinese relatives and friends. What a great gift!
-
thats a great way of putting also Chen Yan most of the time we dont think that
on the forum but he does gain a big family like i did when i came to china
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Thank you Rhonald...but if I might make a small correction...I think you meant to say " ????????? ??? ???? ???????????? ? ???? " unless I am mistaken :icon_cheesygrin::icon_cheesygrin::icon_cheesygrin:
Chen Yan
Thanks for your kind thoughts. I am from a very small family myself and I was so happy to be included in my new Chinese family which is very large...and Sooooooooo freindly...they are a treasure for me
David
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David,
I know what you are feeling. Isnt it great? Watching her take care of you, knowing she is doing it for love, not for a dollar. caring more about you than about herself. feeling the love coming from her free and clear. the more time you get to spend together, the more you will appreciate her. I know I do.
Congrats.
Jim & Gina
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Congratulations David & Ming,
We wish you both happiness. You got a 'tiger' who'll protect you forever ... as you will to her.
Sunny and Chong
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Sunny and Chong /quote]
Oh ... I see Chong , Sunny got you wrapped up already correctly . Her name first . hahaha
David ,
Congrat's also from both of us on your Success of finding Miss Wonderful . May your Life from now on be like a Walk at Sunrise .
Thanks as alway's for the Photo's .
Arnold & Qing
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David,
WOW...that's a class act ...lucky b****r :icon_cheesygrin:
Do you recall these words?
This is what you wrote to me back in August I think.
Well, I am returning these words to you!
Congratulations my friend!
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David E,
It's all been said by others here... A new dawn and a new life awaits you!! ...Let's hope the Aussie-land authorities don't make you wait too long, before you two can be together...
David
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Thank you Rhonald...but if I might make a small correction...I think you meant to say " ????????? ??? ???? ???????????? ? ???? " unless I am mistaken :icon_cheesygrin::icon_cheesygrin::icon_cheesygrin:
I have a co-worker here from Russia for 2 months to help during our busy season. I am also helping to improve his English. If what you wrote in Russian was their typical good bye, then yes that is what I meant. With my Russian friend I poke fun with him saying their good bye almost sounds like what I wrote you. So when ever I am done with a certain job, I use that expression but with my English spin on it.
It is fun sharing with him our cultural differences. Now he knows a steak sandwich isin't a sandwich you eat with your hand, while a salisbury steak is not a steak.
I see his enjoyment in learning our culture equivalent to us like when we travel to China. Although, I am sure, our ladies are the better substitute then a fellow man would be.
I am very glad that you have found success in your last endeavor. I remember early on that you had problems with some fellow members and wished to leave this site. Instead you endured, and now we can all share in your achivement.
I salute you my fellow comrade, and with one other member, then we can toast with a glass of vodka. My co-worker from Russia told me that it is tradition that for vodka to be drunk, then you need at least three people - you can never drink with only two. :blush:
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AHA !!!
NOW I know where you were coming from Rhonald....the word you hear is "dosvidanya"....goodbye "till we meet again" :icon_cheesygrin::icon_cheesygrin:
What I sent was "Now let us be finished with this thing" !!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for your kind words....appreciated more than you will ever know
David
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....Get on to QQ or similar and dont attempt it without extensive personal communication...because it works !!! Of course, there can never be guarantees.....but you sure cut down the odds of failure if you can do this web-cam thing for a lengthy period.
The result of listening and reading all the advice was that I met a Woman whom I already knew, who I was familiar with, who I was comfortable with...there were no jagged edges, no falsehoods, no shocks or disapointments.
Our meeting and our time together became but a wonderful extension of our many hours on QQ together where we got to know each other very well. I was 90% in love with this Woman before I stepped on the Plane......it only needed a reality check on the "Chemistry" before we both knew it was right.
The end result is beyong anything I could have dreamed of...I know we will both be very happy together .
Copy paste that into my story, I could not have written it better! Congratulations David!
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and then there is Frank he got very lucky meeting his
lady blindly and it looks like they will be married soon
but i agree for the most part it is safer as David said to
try and get live talk and web cams before you go and as
many as you can
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and then there is Frank he got very lucky meeting his
lady blindly and it looks like they will be married soon
but i agree for the most part it is safer as David said to
try and get live talk and web cams before you go and as
many as you can
ttwjr32
I agree.. the live web cams are the way to go.
I know for us - they cut down on the feeling of being far away and increased the communications greatly.
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Metooap,
Absolutely it is the only way to go and for the life of me i dont
understand why more dont do that. You share so much more
with each other when doing this. How is the process going for
you and your lady as far as immigration? What city here in china
is she in? Maybe when she has here interview in GZ we could all
meet or if you cant be here my wife and i could show her around
and have dinner with her.
Ted
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Metooap,
Absolutely it is the only way to go and for the life of me i dont
understand why more dont do that. You share so much more
with each other when doing this. How is the process going for
you and your lady as far as immigration? What city here in china
is she in? Maybe when she has here interview in GZ we could all
meet or if you cant be here my wife and i could show her around
and have dinner with her.
Ted
Ted
She is from Handan.
We are just starting the process.
Thanks for the offer to be with her and show her around.
I will let you know. I know if I can be with her to go through the process, I will be there. We have been keeping records, receipts etc., and that sort of thing. Is there any tips you can give us about the process? Also how long did it take you?
AP
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sent you a pm on this AP
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Hi All
I was browsing through the many photos from my Chengdu trip and I came across these from my favourite eatery in Chengdu.
For those of you who have a hankering for "real" Chinese food.........drool away !!!
For those of you planning a visit and are yet to try these delights....maybe the photos will psyche you up to it :icon_cheesygrin::icon_cheesygrin:
Dont you just love those roasted roaches !!!......cant say the fried Centipedes were exactly my taste, but they assured me that they were a very powerful Libido stimulant...and the stomach cramps and nausea usually passes in a couple of months. :dodgy::dodgy:
BTW...the last photo is of a couple of "cuties" at the Panda Breeding Research Establishment...a very interesting day out !!
David
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looks interesting to say the least i stay away from this in GZ as i did
that once and got food poisoning lol
David i suppose that is your lovely lady?
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David...I thoroughly enjoyed reading your trip. You always write so well, and this trip log was no different. Congratulations to the both of you. I wish you both a long, happy, and prosperous life together.
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David i suppose that is your lovely lady?
Yes Ted...that's my "pocket rocket"...much prettier than the Panda !!!
David
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David,
I can't wait to get at the delicious looking food, so I can show the people there this really isn't food. :icon_evil:
I guess you can say that there is walking on the wild side then there is really walking on the WILD side. YUKKKK!!!!! :s
Tell us David? How much of that did you eat?
But then again having seen a aborigine or two this is not anything new to you.
Shaun
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Shaun
I can truly say, with hand on heart, that I tried everything !!!!
I dont say that I enjoyed it all....but after eating live witichetty grubs , honey ants, termites and Mangrove worms with Abbos here in Aus...whats a few scorpions, roaches and Centipedes !!!!!!
Lucky for me I have a stomach like a garbage can :icon_cheesygrin::icon_cheesygrin:
David
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David E,
All i can say is, ...Rather you than me!! It's one thing to eat that stuff to stay alive, and it's another to actually choose to eat that stuff. I'll stick to what's considered normal fare myself thanks!!! ...hahaha!!!
David....
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I to stay away from that kind of stuff to eat along with
some if the other unrecognizable things you see here in
GZ. but i will say if you like to experiment with different
foods then China is definetely the plae to be as there is
no shortage of it here.
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David,
I will try a few in your honor. I don't know why I am so squeamish about it. I have ate things in the past that people cringe at. Roasted ants, chocolate covered ants and grasshoppers, tripe, cow tongue, pigs feet, salmon intestine pate (can't really remember what they called it), and a few others. But dog is out of the question.
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Hi Scott
Thanks for the kind wishes.......I am a fortunate Man to find this Woman, she is a treasure :icon_cheesygrin:
It was a long and sometimes difficult road to travel, but persistence and self-belief got me through...PLUS a lot of help from all the Bros !!!
You are right of course, QQ makes the difference. I am convinced personally that QQ made the difference, the ability to see, talk with and interact at length with the REAL woman...not some translators idea of what "fluffed" version would sell more EMF's !!
Yes, we already are close to our next meeting, on April 16th we will meet in Singapore, I want to show her this City where I lived for some years and which I love almost as much as Perth. She has never been out of China and she is SO excited at the prospect of this trip. After Singapore, we will travel together back to Chengdu for a couple of weeks .
We have made plans to be married in China on my Birthday...June 8th, but she is stil getting opinions from the Witch Doctors about what is the most auspicious Day !!
I believe you are a Teacher Scott ?? so you may be interested to know that my Daughter is Headmistress at a school that specialises in ESL Students, so I have got mountains of teaching aids to help Ming with English. Instead of just learning vocabulary, she gets to learn a lot about structure of language and syntax...her English improves daily !! Our QQ sessions are mostly English for her...and Chinese for me..but I must admit she is learning about 10 times faster than me !!!
Best wishes
David
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David E,
Hmmmm, I think it more likely that Chinese is 10 times more difficult to learn ...haha!! Coupled to that, it's far more difficult to teach an old dog new tricks. It's just as we get older, we just find it more difficult to retain totally new imformation.....
David.....
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Or should it be..."the story continues ??"
I read with interest and pleasure all about Shaun's adventure....and many of us here know the sick, empty feeling when we wave goodbye at the Airport.
Some of us here know the elation of expectation when preparing for the SECOND visit !!!
I never was in that situation before, but now I am !!
Such a different set of emotions and expectations. I feel like I am going home, and not setting out on a perilous journey.
I leave Perth on Friday pm and will be with Ming for about 2 weeks. We have made arrangements to meet in Singapore, and we will get a chance for her to have a good look at a "Westernised" Asian Country...I bet the shopping will appeal to her.....my Credit Card no doubt, will be suffering from RSI if she gets her way !!
We then will travel to Chengdu together and off again on the endless round of family dinners (wonderful "aint it !!). This time, I have no need to get all wound up about "how will it go, what will it all be like, will this woman and I get along"...we have already got over those hurdles.
Now we have a fresh set of challenges, we need to really get to know each other as people, we have made giant progress over the past 6 months and I am confident that this next phase will only add to our happiness.
We have a set of "we must do this and that again, like last time"...favourite places, favourite restaraunts where we enjoyed our time together before.......its a totally different scenario from the first meeting...and a lot more to look forward to.
At the moment I am shopping for some expensive lingerie for her...they cant get real authentic designer label stuff without paying an arm and a leg !! Would you believe, I have NEVER done this before in all my life.......and I had no idea it was so complex !! there are dozens of measurements that the Shop people want to know...some of them quite intimate :dodgy:....but I will persevere....its quite bizarre talking to buxom young chicks in shops about the finer details of exotic Ladies Lingerie :icon_cheesygrin::icon_cheesygrin::icon_cheesygrin:...I could get used to it !!
David
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Returning is wonderful. i remember going back to GZ the first time and it was indeed like coming back to a familiar place, a kind of home from home.The pace of the city, the things to do and see, I didn't feel so intimidated by place. Coming from a country where a skyscraper is anything over 10 stories high, GZ hit me like a run away train the first time!
Its a lovely feeling sitting in the plane, knowing what the airport is like, you know where you need to go, what you need to do, and best of all you know exactly who you are meeting and what to expect.
The wonder and trepidation of the first visit isn't there, just the wonderful feeling of joy that you are about to meet your princess again.
Have a wonderful trip and keep us updated!
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At the moment I am shopping for some expensive lingerie for her...they cant get real authentic designer label stuff without paying an arm and a leg !!
David
So David, is there a "Made in China" on the label. I was told by Xiuru this morning on our web cam talk, "you are not to buy me clothes as you do not understand the size". Which is ok, as I told her, I prefer her without clothes anyway. And she already has the "Made in China" label. best of luck on your trip. Will be back in country end of May. buzz
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Hahaha Buzz
Did you not know that fancy lingerie is not to be worn....it is to be placed at the end of the bed, in case of fire !!!!!!!!!!!
Sister -in-law told me that Ming would love some genuine French or Italian lingerie, that was NOT made in China...and this is how it began.
Now, I dont have any problem shopping for a new power drill, or radial arm drop saw .......but I never knew how complex it was to buy female undies. After all, we Men got it easy...one size fits all !!!
I am told that I need to know 8 different measurements before they can get it exactly right....who knows all 8 ????...not me for sure...
David
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Hoho David,
Wait til you see how many new malls they've got on Orchard Road! It almost seems that the Singapore economy runs on new malls, casinos, new MRT lines, and expensive lingerie :icon_cheesygrin:
Would be great to meet you here, I see ETA has been delayed 3 days? Well, Dave C is leaving today.
Cya later,
Larry
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Hoho David,
Wait til you see how many new malls they've got on Orchard Road! It almost seems that the Singapore economy runs on new malls, casinos, new MRT lines, and expensive lingerie :icon_cheesygrin:
Would be great to meet you here, I see ETA has been delayed 3 days? Well, Dave C is leaving today.
Cya later,
Larry
Larry
Do you want to catch up on Saturday 17th ??
We are staying at the Orchard Hotel....maybe have dinner or something ??.....I would like to find a good Malaysian Restaraunt...promised Ming she could try Nasi Lemak !!!...(and Gula Malacca)
David
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Could be worse David..... could be all one size...TENT SIZE...HAHAHA
-
I am told that I need to know 8 different measurements before they can get it exactly right....who knows all 8 ????...not me for sure...
David
This is the fun part. Go to a Victoria Secret Store. Pick out the best dressed lady in the store. ( one that works there is best) Then just tell her what you want. Point to the other customers in the store and say, she is that tall, find one whose legs are similar, body frame, hair, arms, and such. before you know it, you will have the whole store involved in your project and you will have the time of your life. ( in a store that is) So just take a deep breath and walk right in, the second and third time you do this, you will be a seasond veteran. Now send a picture of the cloth and if you figure out the 8 measurements, please share both. buzz
Or you could ask on the ladies post on this forum for help. but i prefer the "hands on" approach.
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David,
I hope the trip exceeds your expectations.
Shaun
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Mate although I have only been once...I am sure this trip WILL exceed everything you are looking forward too..Good luck my friend.
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David, I hope you have a great and memorable trip. Every time I read your thoughts it brought back mine at that time in my relationship with Gina.. It sounds like you got a good one. And those of us who have been fortunate are waiting for you to join the married ranks. Good on ya mate. Your trip is just beginning now. Am really happy for you.
Oh and the baby issue is not dead, dont for a minute believe it is. it is a scary thought and I never thought I would try for another child but she has me convinced now that it is the right thing to do. You will probably cave in to, because these women are not to be denied. Have a safe trip.
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Jim...(and all)
Thanks for your good wishes, I know this trip will be even better !!
Jim, I am getting the constant (but oh so subtle) messages about having another kid.....so far I have skillfully avoided a "yes or no" response, but I know full well that I must soon deal with this very important aspect of our relationship.
I know that Ming regards having a child together as something perfectly normal, natural and ineveitable !!....but it was never in my mind to go down this track...until now !!!!
As I said before, I could get sneaky and go and get the "snip" and thus fix the whole problem...but I shy away from such a deception...I need to deal with it "head-on".
I am wondering what would be the consequences if I said an emphatic "No"............anyone got any advice ?? I'm a bit out of my depth with this one :huh::huh:
David
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matter of opinion David5o im only 54 and if my wife could have children i would.
all just a matter of opinion and individual desires and wants
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Monday 26th...back home again after my second visit !!!
Ming and I met up in Singapore, she had never been out of China and was very excited to be going to a foreign country. She was a bit intimidated by the prospect of all the rigmarole to go through on her own, but many detailed briefings on QQ seemed to do the trick and she made it Ok.
She was quite a celebrity on her flight, because the Singapore Immigration Forms had to be filled in in English. She had a queue of about 30 people wanting her help with the forms !!
How great it was to meet again, all the emotion and affection was still there and we were like a couple of teenagers !!!
For 3 days we did all the touristy things and my credit card got a hammering as I expected...but this Lady spoils me in so many ways it was a pleasure to do something in return for her, so she got a load of western clothes, shoes, bags and cosmetics. Normally I hate shopping but this was so different, it really was fun and we had a lot of laughs.
She was so taken with all the Lao Wei's in Singapore, she had never before seen a Muslim Woman all covered up, or and African/American, only in the movies, and she was fascinated by blonde women !!
She just wanted to sit on a bench and watch the World go by...she seemed to think that I could instantly recognise every persons ethnicity, so had to make up lots of stories on the spot !!!
She was keen to try many different Western foods, and we did the lot...including Pizza !! But I was tickled to discover that her favourites were smoked salmon, Wasabi , croissants and cheese and Chocolate Mousse....for breakfast....YUK !!!
After "doing" Singapore, we tracked off to Chengdu and I splurged on an upgrade to Business Class for us...that was special and we "lorded" it up for a few hours on the plane. I get a lot of pleasure from her sheer delight in all these new experiences....does my heart good !!
We had no problem with language, her English has really improved with the many hours we spent on QQ and learning English. Again, I am totally impressed at the way she has learned so much...what a woman.
Chengdu was an endless eat-through with the family, lunches and dinners every day, Mahjong sessions for tiny money and a lot of scotch drunk with her Dad and her Uncles. Dad and Mum have learned a few words of English, but we still manage to converse in a mixture of English, Russian and Chinese. I must admit I have been forced to unlearn my Chinese, because the Chengdu dialect is totally different to what I had spent a lot of time learning.
On another note...I was very close to settlement on an apartment, with Ming as the owner and me as an "interested party", but the recent moves by the Chinese Govt about property purchases made me realise I might be buying at the top of the market..not a good place to be !!. So at the eleventh hour, Brother in law was able to get me out of the deal....I am sure he greased a plam or two, but now I will wait for a little while because property prices are tipped to fall up to 20% in the coming months.
So in summary Guys...a delightful second visit which completely reinforces what a treasure I have found...we both look forwrad to the future with great excitement and anticipation.
A few photos for you all are attached.
Cheers
David
[attachment=2054][attachment=2055][attachment=2056]
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David,
It does my heart good to see the two of you enjoying each other so much. I am happy for you. May the joy that the two of you feel grow to greater heights in the future.
So glad you had a wonderful trip.
Shaun
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DavidE,
You're spoiling her !!! With you, Ming has the world at her feet. All her friends are/will be jealous after hearing about this recent trip. Ming has found a jewel to take care of her for the rest of her life.
But I can't blame you because I do the same for my wife. Sometimes I have to stand back for a minute and think to myself ... Don't spoil her too much, she's always going to expect it.
Glad you had a fun time.
-
sounds like a wonderful trip this time nice to hear that and the pics are nice
-
Great trip log David. It was a pleasure to read. Thanks for the nice pictures as well.
-
Excellent read and Photo's David . It took long enough and many Trips for you , but it finally paid off .. not just for you but also for Ming .
Funny too , you mentioning going Shopping with these wonderful Women . Just today , Qing drove us to a Store for some Make-up and other Ladies stuff . So what happens , I find myself looking in the Nail Polish Isle and picking Polish for her . After I bring her some I liked .. she say's .. " You are a good shopper " . Of course I ate this up with a big smile . I find myself loving to be with her , even through this .. for some Men would be punishment . It's just being with / near them is like Heaven . So I know how you feel at this point in the Relationship . Some things are Priceless .
-
We have made plans to be married in China on my Birthday...June 8th, but she is stil getting opinions from the Witch Doctors about what is the most auspicious Day !!
Hey June 8th is the same birthdate as my son Craig. Great men sharring same days :fi_lone_ranger:
Thanks for sharring the pictures of your last trip. I bet your heart did sing a pouring song of Love - once so poor but now enriched :heart:
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maybe the title should read now------ "chengdu- the story continues"
Arnold-- just dont start using it lol!!!!!!!!!
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Episode 15 !!!...the countdown begins
Life is good these days, we chat away on QQ every day, her English improves dramatically now, she has got the basics and the structure and we can get into some interesting debates about words, meanings and grammar. Got stuck a bit today trying to explain the difference between Ache, Sore and Pain !!! But it all turned into a big laugh anyway because "a pain in the a#$" transcends all translation logic !!!
She has mastered "she'll be right"...."no worries"...."see ya cobber" and a lot of "Australianisms", but I must admit they sound strange with a Chinese accent, but so very cute !!
Wedding plans for 8th June are in progress, got the venue fixed, the photographer and cars organised , she has ordered her dress (a Chongsam actually) and we are haggling about the menu and the booze Department ;D ...I'm a bit worried about the roast Frog, but I am told it is an essential part of a Wedding feast !! We have to have 18 courses so I am told...but I put my foot down and banned roast scorpion :-\
We are both working hard on my speech to the multitude of family and friends, which I dearly want to deliver in flawless Chinese !!!!....she is a tough Teacher and she wont let me loose with Chinese words unless it is perfect !!
For general information, it looks like the Wedding will cost about 45,000 RMB, that is for 60 guests and includes everything except the aforementioned booze !! We have decided to give Mum and Dad 5000 RMB as a special gift even though it is not really necessary for her second Marriage, but we both think it is a nice gesture...they dont have a lot of money and they can always use a bit of help there.
So for those of you thinking about a wedding and about the cost, we are at about 800RMB per person, and we havent cheapskated it. Our Wedding Dinner is at the Shangri-La hotel which is 5 star !! I am sure we could have spent much, much more than this, as witness some of the figures that have been bandied around in other threads, but we will have the Wedding we want for this sort of money. Just thought it would be of interest to prospective Grooms here to have an idea of real costs for a "normal" wedding.
I will update info as things evolve (and knowing my Ming, as things change !!!)
David
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So David , you'll have my 14 Course Dinner topped . I also practiced my Chinese Speach before-hand , but at the last moment gavbe up on it and Qing took over the Microphone to spare me embarassment . It's one thing to talk in front of your Lady , but another in front of a Croud . Anyway good luck with it and remember if Mama is in the Speach it's the first sound . hahaha
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I hear what you say Arnold !!
It was my idea to deliver a speech in Chinese and Ming was a bit sceptical about it...she did not wish me to look a goose in front of all these people. But I am determined to do it. I know she will hammer away at me to either get it exactly right or give it away !!
I dont know about the courses for the meal, I just go with the flow and do as I am told....if she said 25 courses, I guess I would just have to go along with it, but at least I get to choose part of it. I think a meat pie with peas and chips could be included somewhere...just to add an Aussie flavour to the proceedings (NOT !!!) :(
I am learning pretty fast, that these Ladies have a very firm idea of what is needed for these occaisions, Ming, Mother and Sister are tearing about doing everything, and doing it well I might add. So I just relax, pay the bills and go along for the ride !!
They truly are powerhouses of energy and application, nothing will be left to chance, everything will be organised to within an inch of its life (including me ). What a nice place to be in ;D
David
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I am learning pretty fast, that these Ladies have a very firm idea of what is needed for these occaisions, Ming, Mother and Sister are tearing about doing everything, and doing it well I might add. So I just relax, pay the bills and go along for the ride !!
They truly are powerhouses of energy and application, nothing will be left to chance, everything will be organised to within an inch of its life (including me ). What a nice place to be in ;D
David
Oh yeah ... one of those lovely qualities these Lady's have . Go along for the Ride , thats what I did in China .. but here she is following me and let's me do all the planning outside of the House that is . I can't complain about that .
-
Just when you think you have got everything fixed and running smoothly...watch some Bas$$$d come along and stuff it up !!!
As a very sobering lesson about language and the traps of translation, I can tell you all that I just survived a disaster by the skin of my teeth !!
Eternal thanks to Maxx for the 24 hour rule...saved my life.
Ming was very keen to have a gorgeous Cheongsam specially made for her as her wedding dress...I endorsed this 100%, because if anybody ever made anything more sexy and at the same time, elegant, for a woman to wear...then I havent seen it !!
I sent over a fair bit of money to pay for this "creation" and left her to it.
She mentioned on QQ some days later that her Sister thought that a gold bracelet was needed to complete this ensemble...and that her Sister would buy it....and what did I think about that.
Very nice, I thought, hooray for Sister, what a nice guesture and yes, that would be great !! (a bit of relief for my shell-shocked credit card ;D ;D)
2 days later I got hit with...sorry Honey, the bracelet was more than we thought, can you send some more money" ??
I almost exploded....and then took a deep breath and said I would work it all out tomorrow.
What had happened was a simple translation error on my part...I heard "My Sister will buy it" and assumed that meant "My Sister will pay for it"....wrong !!!!
After waiting the mandatory 24 hours, we sorted it all out....Sister got involved in the actual purchase because Ming has almost no jewellery and was very nervous about going to buy anything in gold...she worries she would get ripped off and end up with something very inferior...so she sent Sister off to do the deed.
Had I given in to my basic instinct and ripped into her for being a gold-digger and spending my money recklessly, I would have stepped right into a pile of you-know-what and possibly offended this lady beyond imagination. As it was, she had tried very hard to get my approval and permission BEFORE making a purchase...and of course, it was always my option to say no, had I properly understood what she was telling me in the first place.
I can only begin to imagine how hurt and shocked she would have been if I had got hostile about it all.
Just a small story that demonstrates the value of waiting for 24 hours !!...and demonstrates that you can never relax too much with translation asumptions.
David
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Good. David. It just shows how easy it is to get everything all messed up because if simple translation issues. The 24 hour rule has its purpose and is well served.
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She mentioned on QQ some days later that her Sister thought that a gold bracelet was needed to complete this ensemble...and that her Sister would buy it....and what did I think about that.
As all the married men will state, there's no shortage of gold jewellery on the wedding day. My wife was given gold rings, bracelets and necklaces from her relatives.
It's after the fact ... but I would have asked if Ming was going to get similiar gifts from her relatives ... then there would be no need to buy the bracelet. However, I would have assumed also that her sister was going to pay for the bracelet based on the dialogue.
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this type of communication error gets me in trouble sometimes too. My lady leaves out many key things in what she says to me. leaving me thinking one thing and her meaning something totally different. I do not think it is a translation error though, I think it is better to accept and learn that it is a difference in communication styles. English or Western countries tend to communicate all the information pertinent to the conversation. The Chinese or eastern custom is to only communicate the high points. leaving the other person to infer the meaning. This works fine in person when you are privy to all the side conversations. It does not work very well for understanding from thousands of miles away. I am fluent in mandarin and I still repeat what i think my lady is asking me, anytime she asks if i agree. In this conversation I would have repeated " so your sister is going to pay for the jewelry?" notice framed in a question. I have found at least with my lady that it enables her to freely respond that I am not to smart and no her sister is not going to pay for it and she is only going to go pick out the jewelry for her. This is once again only my take on communication with my lady and applying it to your situation. I am probably way off. I am used to that. lol.
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David I think you handeld that extremely well.I know when you get hit in the head with something like this it is extremely difficult.To remember the 24 hour rule.This can also teach us a lesson about listening real close to what are fiancee and wives are trying to tell us.I cant count the number of times.I have run into these kind of communication problems with my wife.My wife will say something.And I will think she is saying something else.
There is some good that can come out of this.The more time you and your fiancee spend together the more you two will.Get to know each other and understand each other.I have ben with my wife long enough now.That nine out of ten times.I can understand what my wife is trying to tell me.The first time.And we avoid allot of these kind of situations.Don't get me wrong it took a while for us to get to this point.With allot of bends and twists in the road.
Chong I'm thinking the wearing of the gold during the pictures and the Wedding ceremony.Is a regional custom.My wife didn't wear any gold.At are wedding party.And the two other weddings I have ben to in Janxia province.None of the brides wore gold.They even all went as far as taking off there buddha necklaces.My wife beleaves that only older ladies wear yellow gold.For my mother in laws 60th birthday.We bought her a gold ring.My wife's engagement ring and wedding band.And my ring are all made of white gold.My wife thinks that is the only acceptable gold any women or man should wear who is under sixty years old.
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Hi All
If you have been through the nightmare of Chinese drivers (especially women !!!) as I have....then imagine the damage they can do if they were in charge of something really big on the road.
Just to prove I have nerves of steel, here is a photo of me as a passenger being driven by Ming...ON AN ELEPHANT !!!!!!
I dont think there is a palm tree left standing in Phuket..and the Thais all ran for cover, and as far as I know they are still running ;D ;D
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Actually , Ming does look like she has it all under control . What's the Speed Limit there for Elephant's ?
Now there is something I have NOT done yet .