Where the Hell is the Levi Shop?

Truth is, I am one who is not really good at directions nor reading maps. Oh don't give me that look, or you can, it's like I care, LOL! But yes, I've been lost countless times not only locally but also abroad. Some were funny, others not so.

First experience that came to mind was one in the metro city of Guangzhou in China. It was this weekend and I felt the wanting to explore. Usually, I have one or two of my girlfriends (colleagues) go around with me. On that particular summer Saturday, I intentionally went out alone with a purpose to buy a pair of jeans by Levi Strauss. I've seen the shop during our prior visits but didn't buy because I know my friends would question my choices so I decided to go by myself, lol!

My destination?

The shopping district called Beijing Lu (Beijing Road) which is always buzzing with plenty of people and establishments, re: shopping, food places, entertainment centers and what have you. Normally, I would take a cab and try my best to tell the driver where I wanna go. Of which some would comprehend, others would ask "shénme?" (What did you say?) and then look at me via the interior (rear view) mirror like I was an alien which can be really funny.

Anyhow, I took the subway. It's cheaper and also faster. It was a lovely day and really warm so being a summer person, I was loving it. I even bought a cute umbrella which I used while I walked along the streets for my lil window-shopping spree. I still have that umbrella to this day.

Time seems to fly fast that day and before I knew it, afternoon came and I'm yet to find the Levi store. Then I was hungry so I went to the first fast food place I saw which is called "KungFu" and had my fill. Went out afterwards to continue with my quest.

Beijing Lu has plenty streets, intersections and alleyways and I've been strolling for like eternity when I noticed the unfamiliar territory I brought myself into. "I've never seen this spaces before" I thought as I looked around. There wasn't any sign of a metro station even. Street signs are in Chinese characters and finding one who can speak English in that place is sort of a miracle.

I stood there trying to recall the landmarks of where the shop is but my befuddled brain couldn't even remember. Checking my wrist watch, it's still 2 in the afternoon. Good! But where the hell is the Levi shop? I was cursing under my breath when someone spoke in front of my face. A young man was saying hello. He was trying to get me into their nail shop.

And how dare him laugh on seeing my tiny and short fingernails! Even promised they would look pretty after he's done magic on them. "Oh, zhēn de ma?" (really?) I asked with my crooked tongue trying hard to speak Mandarin. Because I was tired from all the walking, I welcomed the idea as a chance to rest my feet while getting a bit of pampering so I agreed and got myself entering their nail saloon.

On getting in, he excitingly told all the other staff I'm an "alien" which got them very curious, gathering around me while I was getting the manicure. They were asking lots of questions to which very few I can comprehend and give answers too. If there's one thing I've noticed living in that city was that some people tend to be very friendly when learning you aren't one of them especially when you speak at least a little of their language. Others would avoid you like you have some kind of an incurable disease, lol!

Anyway, with all buzz and the attention I was getting, I had forgotten about my little dilemma of where exactly I was at that time until 40 minutes later, when the manicure was done. The guy who did my nails had very tender hands and was very careful not to hurt any of my skin. In the end, I was quite satisfied and they had me buying some of their nail products (nail brush, polish and what else).

On getting out, I had a little debate with myself whether to continue with the Levi quest or just call it a day and go home. I chose the latter and took a cab back to my apartment. I didn't dare share the story to my friends for I know they'd tease me hard.

This is my little story in response to being lost in a foreign country which is one of the questions on the Weekend-Engagement concept by Galen.