Nope, my name is not Andy.

Well, yesterday (Halloween) was a trip to my favourite store. Yes, I went to Costco, and it was a little taste of home to see Kirkland brand snacks, and trays of muffins, and of course electronics. I want to thank Dave and Shannon for arranging to have their computer monitor die when I entered the country. I am not sure how they knew that I was craving some western style electronic shopping, but this whetted my appetite for a little while. Although, I hear there is a computer alley, somewhere in the city.

Well, since the scooters were full of stuff, and I did not yet have a chance to walk around the city, I decided to trust my GPS and walk back to the apartment on my own. I was pretty sure I could find my way back, but about 10 minutes into the walk, I realized I should have taken a cell phone, and maybe the full address, (in English and Mandarin). I thought I was in pretty good shape until I turned, and I was heading away from where I was supposed to, then again, could I really trust the GPS, I am a guy after all. I think I added a few extra blocks to my route, but I eventually found my way back.

I have to wonder, exactly how much we westerners appear to the locals over here. I never expect to be mistaken for someone else in Canada or anywhere for that matter, but I guess if it is going to happen anywhere, Asia is where it is likely to happen, since all us "weiguoren" or "gwai lo" look alike. On my little walk, (need to find shade), I was a little startled to hear "Are you Andy", (I feel sorry for Andy, since obviously he looks like me), ;-). I think this little unexpected usage of English threw me off, since shortly after, I made the wrong turn. Although, I am not sure if I even had to make a turn, since I think I found the spot where I turned, a block or two from the apartment.

I was a little worried that Dave and Shannon had gone back and looked for me, since they were not in the apartment when I went up. Once again, "I should have taken a cellphone", well I decided to wait outside the building for them to come back after looking for their wayward guest. Once again, my hosts have been very helpful in providing fodder for my stories, but not necessarily involving me directly. Which was especially thoughtful since I don't think 2 motorcycle (scooter)accidents in as many months would give me the confidence to get back on my bike in the springtime.

It seems that the Costco bags here, do slide on the scooters deck, and while Shannon was adjusting it back into place after it had fallen, she was rear-ended by another scooter. Fortunately, neither she or Liam (their son) were injured, although their scooter took more damage. The other guy was not as lucky, as he actually fell off his scooter onto the grassy median, but his scooter was not damaged, so it all comes out in the wash. We now have to take the scooter for repairs, and my hosts have decided that it might be a good idea to get local driving licenses, instead of IDP (International Driving Permits).