Alvinology goes to Shantou – Day 3 of 5

On the our third day in Shantou, we went to Puning City (普宁市) in Jieyang (揭阳) in the morning. Rachel and I got to ride in one of the VIP’s BMW, thanks to my boss, Chim Kang.

The first activity for the day was to head to one of the local government’s banquet hall for another opulent feast. Nicholas, Rachel and I decided to skip this banquet as we were still full from our heavy breakfast at the hotel. We also wanted to take a breather from the straight-laced official itinerary.

The three of us explored the local market nearby and were captivated by the vibrant sights and sounds. We bought some local tidbits to bring home and then had a simple lunch at one of the street stalls. It was just porridge with some vegetable and meat dishes, but it felt good to eat normally for once.

We were on a street with lots of mobile shops

Loud music and catchy displays were ubiqutious to all the mobile shops

Somehow, this Ronald MacDonald sees to have more oriental features

Chicken and rabbits waiting to be slaughtered

We bought lots of quirky flavour potato chips

Potato chips we bought because of the funny brand name

Close-up of our meat and vegetable dishes

After lunch, we went to the Puning Overseas Chinese Secondary School (普宁市华侨中学) for a tour. The Singapore Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan (新加坡潮州八邑会馆) has contributed funding to this school and some of the members in our group were happy to witness how their money has been used for a good cause.

The Chinese really like slogans - even on buildings — The Chinese really like slogans – even on buildings

The lux cars from our entourage, parked at the school basketball court

Rachel and I enjoying lollies we bought from the tuckshop

On the important of speaking Mandarin — On the importance of speaking Mandarin

Another signboard encouraging students to speak Mandarin

A dedicated hall in the new building to showcase the school's achievements — A dedicated hall in the new building to showcase the school’s achievements

Next, we headed to the Puning Chinese Medical and Herbs Market (普宁中药材市场) to check out the wide array of traditional Chinese medicine and herbs found in Chinese medical halls around the world. Other than the ubiquitous herbs like Lingzhi and Cordyceps, there were also rare items that are not commonly found elsewhere. Rachel and I were fairly disturbed to find a shop which specialises in deer products – all the way from the antelope to the deer’s penis.

Minature representation of the entire compound

There were rows and rows of medical shops like this

Nicholas and Rachel outside one of the herbs shop

Deer tendons, with the hoof still intact

We then took a long ride to a gigantic house owned by a rich Singaporean Teochew oil tycoon. We did not get to meet this tycoon, but there were caretakers and gardeners present who are responsible for the house’s upkeep though no one seems to be be staying in it.

There, the tycoon had made arrangement for a few truckloads of firecrackers for our group to play with. We were also all presented with a large box of preserved plums and Shantou oranges each.

This was the first time Rachel and I have come so close to firecrackers and so many of them at a go. The sound was really booming loud and you could feel a tingling pain in your ear drums after a few minutes. The sea of red left behind as residue is beautiful, but probably a pain to clear up later on.

One of the two door god that greeted us upon entering the house

Setting off firecrackers to herald our entourage's arrival — Setting off firecrackers to herald our entourage’s arrival

Me walking away as the noise started to get deafening

Here’s a video recording of the lighted firecrackers:

[youtube url=”http://www.youtube.com/v/0C9nWqjWHjY&hl=en_US&fs=1&”]

Rachel and I standing amidst the firecracker residues

Picture of Nicholas from the second floor - the house is really big — Picture of Nicholas from the second floor – the house is really big

Me peeking out of a window on the second floor

Next, we headed to China Jade Capital (中国玉都), which controls more than 20 percent of the jade market in China. It’s the biggest in China and has a large amount of Burmese jade. As we are not familiar with jade pricing, we did not buy anything although we were quite impressed with the beauty of some of the white and purple jade pieces.

Inside one of the main building in the Jade City — Inside one of the main building in the Jade Capital

We had dinner at Temeisi Hotel (揭阳特美思大酒店) which seems to be helm by a famous head chef. We were quite hungry this time as we had a light lunch. Hence we were able to eat quite a bit.

I ate two pieces as Nicholas do not eat abalone

With Ms Chong Pit Lian, CEO of Jetstar Asia — With Ms Chong Phit Lian, CEO of Jetstar Asia

After dinner, we headed back to Meritus Shantou, ending our official itinerary for the day.

Nicholas’s cousin came to look for him that night. His cousin is a surgeon and a very friendly chap. He offered to take Nicholas, Rachel and I to a nearby massage centre which is frequented by the local medical community. I did not take any pictures of the massage centre, but the services and facilities were really excellent.

Rachel went a seperate room for ladies. The three of us guys went for a sauna first before getting a good massage. We then joined Rachel in the resting area where they actually served us porridge with some light ingredients.

After the meal, we took a quick bath and changed. Nicholas’ cousin then kindly drove us back to the hotel. It was nearing 2am. We felt really guilty as he still has to work the next day, but at the same time, touched by his hospitality.