Weekend in Guangzhou

Spent a great weekend in Guangzhou like a typical tourist. My friend in Guangzhou invited me over for the weekend and planned a 2 day-2 night itinerary, filled with activities. We chilled out over supper and beer, visited tourist spots, shopped till we both literally dropped, enjoyed conversations over dinner and wine and even climbed a mountain. Thanks K, for making me feel so welcome and for all the meaningful conversations we had.

This was my first trip to Guangzhou. This city gives me a more "at-home" feel. I realise it's the people, the language, the way items in the shops are laid out, for instance, and of course, the food. I was standing outside a shop selling incense and items for prayers and for a moment, i forgot that i was in Guangzhou for the shop looked exactly like what i would find at home. During our grandparents' time, most of the immigrants to Singapore were from the southern part of China, and hence, certain practices were replicated. It's this kind of familarity.

I recalled how my dad told me about his experiences when he went back to his ancestors' hometown, Shantou, and how he enjoyed the food there. In Guangzhou, i had the funny feeling that i was physically close to the old hometown. Indeed, when we checked out the map, we estimated that Shantou is about 6-8 hours' drive from Guangzhou. I would like to visit Shantou one day.