Grand Opening

 

 

 

 

Last year, a HUGE pit was dug across the street! I wish I had a picture of this pit, but I didn't think to take one. I had no clue what was going on.

Eventually, the pit was covered and a new public "square" (it's not really shaped like a square) came into being. Lots of people exercise there in the mornings and kids like to ride skates and skateboards around.

There have long been two entrances to the underground area, but no one knew what was going on. Rumors of a market opening were common, but as month after month passed by, nothing ever happened.

However, on October 1st, the doors were flung open! Indeed, a new market had been finished and shops were setting up for business. When my husband and I walked down there, though, there was a flurry of activity of movers bringing merchandise in.

Now, a "market" in China is typically not just one corporately owned store. It's usually a zillion stalls, often with people selling the same thing as the stall next to them. I wonder how any of them make any money. However, it's always fun to see what's available, as sometimes, you do, indeed, find a unique item.

On Friday, the market had its grand opening. Talk about LOUD! They lit off strands upon strands of 10,000 piece firecrackers . . . simultaneously! And if that wasn't enough noise, "cannons" were set off . . . extremely loud cannons! (M-80's?) THEN, more firecrackers were lit! The noise was just incredible! This was done at both entrances of the market. There was a lion dance, two bands and street dancers. It was an amazing sight (and sounds!)

The litter left from all those firecrackers was pretty amazing as well. When one guy started to pick up the trash and toss it into a box (last photo), the strand started to explode again! After that, no one picked up anything!