This is China: Shopping in the City

Ahhh... the Chinese shopping experience. Let's put aside the fact that I can't understand a darn thing any of the salespeople say to me or that I can't read what the products are- all of that is a given. Y'all are familiar with Wal-Mart, right? Of course you are, you are Americans. Well, most of the stuff you buy at America's favorite savings place is from China. Guess what? Now the people who make the stuff for Wal-Mart get to enjoy the other side of the Wal-Mart experience. Yes, Wal-Marts are now popping up all over China's cities.

But they aren't just enjoying cheap clothing, towels, alarm clocks and groceries, they are also getting fancy department stores and designer boutiques also. Below: Maybeline set up a large display outside of one of the nicer malls, complete with makeup specialists, large kiosks and a tart with a violin.

But don't get swept up in Guess, Jaspal and Chanel too quickly because grocery the sidestreet market will give you whiplash as it reminds you that you are still in China. Damp streets, peculiar smells and animals in all stages of life await you. Below: A lady "hacks" up some foul; what you don't see in this picture is the cages inside her shop filled with live birds and others being plucked by family members. Talk about having a bad day, how would you like to be in a cage with 7 other chickens watching this lady go to town on you cellmate.

Duck, duck, GOOSE! Stay tuned for more.