Chris Ziich

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  • in reply to: Errr need human interaction #56631
    Avatar photoChris Ziich
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    only in dreams

    in reply to: Playing Frisbee #56182
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    There’s a group that plays on Friday afternoons, around 5 I think, on the Sichuan University campus near the north gate.

    in reply to: Fencing? #55502
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    There’s a crossfit gym kind of near Sichuan Gymnasium called Bomb Gym (http://www.dianping.com/shop/95279885).

    Right outside the gym there is a fencing school. I’ve seen kids in class there in the mornings. Not sure if people fence there casually though. That’s the only fencing I’ve seen in Chengdu, but I’m sure more places exist.

    in reply to: LBGT scene #55496
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    Try Underground pub in JiuYanQiao. It’s the longest standing LGBT friendly bars in the city and is frequented by English speakers.

    in reply to: International Mail Driving Me Crazy #55433
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    Any mail that I have sent to me from the US to China has both addresses: Chinese Characters and English/pinyin combo.

    I believe that the only parts of the English address actually used outside of China are the country and zip code. Once they see “PR China” and 610000 for Chengdu, I don’t think they actually care about the street address which can be in pinyin or English translation (RenMin South Road or RenMinNanLu).

    Once it reaches China, local logistics start using the Chinese address.
    Of course also include your phone number, while also indicating it’s your number with 电话:########### though this does not necessarily mean you will receive a call. This is how I’ve done it for years and have even been able to receive postcards from the US.

    in reply to: Interesting Read Related to Biking #54727
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    That looks intense. Now I’m thinking if that kid could do it, so can I?

    Thanks for sharing.

    in reply to: Some Z-Visa Details Unclear #53791
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    Thanks for sharing. Sounds like a pain.

    in reply to: Taxi which can carry my mobility scooter #53757
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    If you use the 滴滴打车 app you can try to get a larger car. If you specify 专车, you can get an SUV or minivan. Sometimes the regular 快车’s are hatchbacks or large sedans.

    in reply to: What Did You Buy to Feel at Home? #53339
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    Chinese mattresses are made of rocks.

    I could have gone the route of purchasing a whole brand new mattress, but that would be impractical because you never know how long you’ll stay in one apartment or city and transporting a hulking mattress around isn’t easy.

    One of the best purchases I’ve ever made was a memory foam mattress topper off of taobao for 350块. It was delivered to me and had a chemical-y smell to it at first but it aired out in month or so. I’ve been sleeping on it for 3 years now and it’s heavenly. It cured my sleep apnea and even my Chinese girlfriend who’s slept on Chinese mattresses all her life prefers it to hers. I recommend going with at least 5cm in thickness.

    in reply to: Going Out in Chengdu? #53253
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    Fair enough. I like Berlin Haus for its daytime to early evening appeal. You can actually meet people and have a conversation. It has a laid back atmosphere which was what OP was asking for. Both Berlin Haus and Hakka are currently closed along with the others part of the recent crackdown.

    Commune is popular because it probably has the cheapest drinks in the city (definitely at least watered down alcohol). I group it together with Savage Bar, Helen’s, Wow Bar. Usually busy, cheap fake alcohol, and awful music.

    Machu Pichu 2 hasn’t been mentioned yet and that’s a bar that’s sometimes busy with lots of locals and has a regular jam session night and folk music performances. Definitely worth checking out since options are limited this summer with the crackdown going on.

    Hugos is also popular among locals with a large craft beer selection.

    in reply to: How Much Should an Apartment Cost? #53206
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    It’s about right for a well-furnished newer studio apt in that area. Older ones can be found for less than 2000.

    http://cd.58.com/chenghua/chuzu/j1/?PGTID=0d3090a7-0006-bfe1-9b2f-ed159c989f72&ClickID=2

     

    in reply to: What Did You Buy to Feel at Home? #53204
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    That ice machine/waster dispenser looks like an amazing purchase. Here’s the link to buy one on taobao in case anyone else is interested:
    https://detail.tmall.com/item.htm?id=18568922082&ns=1&abbucket=13

    Tools are also great to have.

    I like to walk around the house barefoot in the warmer months because it feels cool to the touch and smooth hardwood floors are oddly satisfying. But I don’t like my feet getting dirty. Chengdu is so dusty and dirty that the floors get really nasty in about a week. Plus I have a dog now that sheds. I got a small vacuum cleaner (https://item.jd.com/1690674.html) and a quick pass over all the floors makes them feel prestine under foot.

    in reply to: Going Out in Chengdu? #53170
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    I would advise browsing around Chengdu Places 

    Be aware that several of the listings here are now closed.

    For restaurants, if you’re visiting Chengdu and you’re not eating the local food, you’re doing it wrong. Sichuan is a major Chinese food capital with more delicious foods than you can sample in one short trip. I recommend checking out http://chengdufoodtours.com/ to experience as much of the Chengdu food scene in one day as you can. Request Anita, a local guide. She’s super delightful.

    As for laid back bars, I think the best places to meet people are Berlin Haus, Jah Bar, the Underground (a popular gay bar). Other popular bars are McElroy’s Irish Pub, The Range, Beer Nest, or Dave’s Oasis (I own this bar; that’s why it’s bold. It’s probably the closest to the center of the city – TianFu Square if that’s where you’re staying, come see me and I’ll help you find what you want.).

    As for clubs you can check out the LanKwaiFong area for Jellyfish 2, Cocktail Revolution for more foreigners in a typical commercial club setting, or a bunch of different Chinese clubs to experience an interesting hired Russian girls dancing on stages and Chinese people playing dice games or staring at their phones amidst loud bad techno music. Also there’s megaclub, Space, to see rich Chinese men poor beer on models with fresh plastic surgery, featuring the worst EDM played by the most famous DJs you’ve never heard of. NASA is also nearby Space and you’ll find many of the younger hip Chinese locals there.

    in reply to: Average Salary in Chengdu #53078
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    I’ve worked at Chuan Da. In one car park you’re seeing a lot of seriously expensive luxury cars (BMW 7’s / Range Rovers etc.). The professors are notorious for the “supplementary” incomes they earn.

    are the supplementary incomes “gifts” in exchange for favors or are they from something else?

    in reply to: Average Salary in Chengdu #53041
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    Also notice that 50% of workers make less than the average.

    in reply to: Seeking Advice re: Meeting People/Dating #52951
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    I know for a fact that there have been at least 5 marriages that have resulted from people meeting at Dave’s Oasis bar. It’s a stretch, but you could check it out.

    in reply to: News in Chengdu on BBC #52922
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    There was a video circulating of this guy getting chased down, beaten, and his wrists cut resulting in a bloody scene in the chunxilu taikooli area earlier this week. Though, I haven’t seen it myself. Could just be a rumor.

    in reply to: China's 直播 Live Broadcast Phenomenon #52728
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    Quit your day job, Rick. Let’s get some makeup on you and the baby and move into my zhibo house. We’re going to be rich!

    in reply to: Cakey Butta Still Open? #52712
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    The shop has closed but they are still making cakes. Wechat id: cakeybutta

    They deliver now.

    in reply to: Selling iPhone 7 Plus 128gb #52678
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    Obviously not an iPhone 7 plus

    Please post photo of actual phone with a handwritten sign with your forum name, the date, and a shoe on your head within 24 hours

Viewing 20 posts - 1 through 20 (of 1,094 total)