Nike or Converse?

Most places I have been in China have been fairly traditional. Thousand year old temples, street food vendors and small fruit markets are a norm while walking around Hangzhou. However, there is a spot in Hangzhou that I like to call "Times Square." Even though it is no where near as beautiful or magical as New York; it still has the same feeling. Here, you find the super expensive stores, fancy restaurants and the most innovative technology. I knew China was modern but I guess I didn't expect to see the stores like Nike, Converse and other American known chains. 

Prices are about the same at most stores as you would find in America. A pair of red converse (that I desperately wanted) at the Converse store costed about 300 RMB which is about 50 US dollars. i priced some shoes ad Adidas and they were about the same as stores in America as well.

Nothing says America more than baseball! China loves America, Americans, American sports,...anything and everything American. When I walked into the MLB store, I was asked to take a picture with some students who were trying on some New York Yankee hats - they were shocked that I was in the store. 

This past week was May Day Break - imagine any busy gathering of people and times it by 10,000 people. West Lake, known all throughout China as "Heaven on Earth," had an insane amount of people flocking to the shores. At times, I had to literally walk with the group of people in a mass mob. It felt like a cow in a cattle heard. Weird! 

West Lake on May Day Break - 80 degrees with 80,000 people