Since 2003, I have been hearing about this place called "Yiwu" from my business friends in Singapore. And Scott and I even got some cool stocks from this place back in 2005. I was told this is the world’s wholesale capital. You can get almost anything here. Most of the things you see and buy in the retail shops originated from this place. (Of course, that item you bought could have passed through 2-3 middle-men’s hands)

I was "warned" by Echo and Francis that 1 day isn’t enough for Yiwu. Well, I have been to many wholesale centres in Beijing, Shenyang Hangzhou and Shanghai. How "big" can this place be, I thought. 

We (Tracy, Echo and myself) drove for 3 hours – passing Jiaxin and Hangzhou – before we reached Yiwu. The minute Echo’s car entered the parking lot, I saw an endless stretch of trucks and cars. I cannot describe the size of this mega-wholesale center. It is almost like our Singapore Expo, Hall 1-6 AND 5 floors up! A local told us that there is an estimated of 25,000-30,000 shops in Yiwu. Guys, it is BIG!

We saw toys, lifestyle products, household items, electronics, car parts, accessories for women, gifts and premiums, craftworks, festive items (xmas, cny) and more! These wholesalers are nice, they welcome you to take photographs of those items that you are interested. Most wholesalers don’t provide you with catalogues or samples that you can take home. So, it is important you have to snap those items you want. Pick up their namecards and record the prices. You may call them back anytime to find out more.

Now the $$$ – Things in Yiwu are generally 500% cheaper than those you see in the retail shops. For example, a 1-foot tall lava lamp will cost you about S$60 at Parkway Parade. It is only selling at S$6 here. (minimum quantity: 50 pcs). A foldable bicycle costs about RMB1,500 in Shanghai, the same model costs only RMB400 (no minimum order!).

Guess I am going to brainwash more friends to accompany me to Yiwu. Kalinda, Meijie, Felicia, Gareth, you guys should come along too! Next time, we should book a hotel room for 2-day stay. Time to book a few containers!

(Picture: A truck carrying cages of pigs, on the expressway to the slaughtering house)

(Photo Taken: Shanghai Home – Worker cleaning the windows in my estate)

Duuk and Juliana gave me "Titan" (left) on my 30th birthday back in 2005. I took such great care of him. I even brought him to Shanghai to be my housemate. "Titan" is my first Robosapien and he does pretty cool moves. He even helped me to discipline Elkan when he was 18-month old. Elkan was so naughty back (he just master his walking) and he was exploring the whole house. In order to "block him", we put "Titan" at strategic spots. Elkan was terrified by the sounds and movements and he never dare to go near "Titan".

This worked for a couple of months. It is more effective than saying the traditional "you naughty, later policeman come and catch you!" (Cos’ you can never find a policeman at home to frighten your kid.)

Anyway, Elkan kinda outgrown his fears for "Titan" this June. He realised that I am the evil mastermind behind "Titan". You see, "Titan" is a remote-control robot. And Elkan realised that the remote-controller is the cause for those frightening moves. And in reality, "Titan" is more like a kitten. And now, Elkan takes over the control and is abusing "Titan" (walk "Titan" to bang the wall, over the edge of the stairs etc).

I need a new robot. And here comes the new 2007 Robosapien "RS Media". I have to fly to Hong Kong to buy it (cos not many Asian cities are carrying this model). You can imagine how difficult for me to hand-carry it back.

"Autobot" (photo right)  is a smart robot. It has sensors and is able to roam freely on its own. It has eyes to avoid obstacles and ears to respond. It has a camera and can record video and sounds (with playback function). It can be programmed to guard your house (triggering alarm when distrubed). It has night and UV vision that can detect the slightest sound and movement. One of the best features is it can stand up on its own (automatically) – if you push it and it fell flat on the floor. And it has a woofer that can really yell and shout!

And looking at its size and brain, Elkan is going to have a nasty surprise this October. No remote controller, kid. See how you beat this one!This is going to be a heavy-weight baby sitter.

Haaa…monster kid and evil daddy. I am planning to get "Autobot" to guard my snacks, magazines and Xbox 360.

We sailed, dine and watched fireworks at Disney Land. I had one of the most amazing dinners in HK. Sailing out of Hong Kong Island, I was mesmerised by the beautiful city skylines. The night cool breeze and the choppy water made this such a memorable journey. Together with 30 others, the "Aqualuna" brought us out to DisneyLand where we dine under the fireworks.

It was such a relaxing and dreamy boat ride. The night sky, the cool breeze, the lightnings, the city skylines, the fireworks, the high-sea-sickness, the soft couch, the candle lights, the drinks, the cheers, the laughters and all the camera flashes  – it all intrigued your 5 senses beyond any description.

This is one moment when you wish you have your loved ones beside you. And friends to cheer your night.

(Photo: "A Wall of Worlds Apart". Ritz Carlton, HK)

The weather has been really bad for the last 2 weekends. Typhoon, hurricane, rainy storms all over the world (especially in Fujian, Taiwan and Hong Kong). I had a really nasty flight from Shanghai to Hong Kong last Sunday. Really bumpy!

I went to watch the movie "Transformer" this afternoon and guess who I saw?!
Yao Ming! Wow..it’s so good to meet him in person. (Just hope he is not sitting
right in front of me later..)

Finally, after 4 weeks in Shanghai, Elkan and Feli left for Singapore once more (2nd time this year). It wasn’t as bad as the last one. At least this time, little Elkan has 2 uncles to play with. Yogi and Desmond coincidently were in town this week and 4 of them happened to be on the same flight back. Elkan didn’t even shed a tear this time. His parting words were "Daddy, go shopping ah, Elkan go. I love you. See you. Bye". With that, he paced in with the ice cream cup I bought for him.

(Yo Desmond, thanks for baby-sitting that litte terror on board. Haaaa…Good Luck!)  ~ The house is so quiet and empty once more.