Harbin Dongbei, NorthEast China

[Tony Stark]

Originally Posted by Mekatulia

One more thing to add is, based on my experience with the Russia Customs, at least for Blagoveshchensk and Khabarovsk, I personally think I am the first person holding a Singaporean passport to pass through via land/sea port route because the Custom Officers spent a hell lot of a time checking the authenticity of my passport. Or maybe they have not seen a Singaporean PP before and therefore decided to take some time studying it. The Custom Officer asked me a few other questions like what's my occupation and what am I doing there... etc.

Similarly from the China side in Heihe (黑河) and Fuyuan (扶远), the Chinese Custom Officer took great interest and caution in the immgration checks, especially that the Custom chop will state the entry point, which for me would have been entry via Macau / Zhuhai. The Custom Officer in FY even commented that I enter from almost the most southern part of China and exiting into Russian from the most northern part of China...

My overall comment about these 2 Russian town would be, I kinda like Blago.... better, even tho I find it quite a mouthful to pronouce it, and a hassle to even spell it properly. Khabarovsk gives me the feeling that it doesn't quite welcome tourist. Finally, I have verified for myself the rumours about Russians not fond of smiling and personally, I believe it is true.

Thumbs up for the add on info and adventurous spirit!

[Mekatulia]

Yanjiao (燕郊), I believe, is just a general term fir the outskirts of Beijing, which is already considered Hebei (河北) province, the word 燕 represents 河北 which is commonly found on the car number plates.

EZ met GT around 8pm, and GT drove to one of the bath house. There is a huge communal bath area, and you can get a body scrub using a towel done by a guy. I decided that is definitely not for me.

There is also a resting area where you can get a foot massage, shoulder rub or even a pedicure (修脚). GT explained to me that due to competition, this particular joint offers the foot massage service for free if you take the standard service (大保健). GT tried to get a pedicure first but the masseuse insisted that he has to complete the standard service first before getting a pedicure.

Standard service = 1 bonk. Because of the clamp down, all the gals are now housed in a secret section behind a secret door in a discrete corner room. This will be the arrangement before 10pm. Once after 10pm, the gals are then allowed to parade in the resting area. I guess this is a sign of respect during this clamp down period.

There were about 20+ gals then, with another 10+ currently working. I would rate the selection there anywhere between 4 - 6.5 on a scale of 10.

In the first round, GT didn't see anybody he liked, so he suggested to me to wait a little while more and I follow suit. After 30mins, I guess GT couldn't wait anymore and decided to go into the secret chamber again. This time, GT found his pick, and I just picked one whom I can visually accept.

We were led to another section of the building with partitioned rooms and there is where the job is to be done. I would rate the place at most 5 because it really looks run down. Well, at least my gal used another clean bed sheet to lay over the bed, otherwise, I really can't imagine doing it at the joint under such conditions.

The only reason this kinda bath houses are extremely popular with residents both in Beijing and Hebei is because it is really a cheap bonk. My bill turns out to be only RMB 198.

Originally Posted by Huzige

...

Beijing to Heihe

We left HM unplugged and traveled to BJ to meet up with our two local cheongster friends, Guangtou (GT) and Laoniu (LN) – both are the “new rich” & divorced – and therefore shared our cheongsters’ interests. I took the opportunity to catch up with many old friends, while I let GT took EZ to get him “initiated” to a typical cheong-scene in northern China – the bath-house. They went to a place outside the BJ city limit and popular with the locals in an area called Yanjiao.

... to be continued

[waikeekee]

Originally Posted by Mekatulia

Yanjiao (燕郊), I believe, is just a general term fir the outskirts of Beijing, which is already considered Hebei (河北) province, the word 燕 represents 河北 which is commonly found on the car number plates.

The only reason this kinda bath houses are extremely popular with residents both in Beijing and Hebei is because it is really a cheap bonk. My bill turns out to be only RMB 198.

Hey Guys;

I really salute you Gentlemen. Excellent stories and absolutely marvellous in synchronizing you FR. Can't wait for the next chapter to follow.

I can't believe you have found such a cheap place for a bonk. It is something like kena 4D. Wished I know you guys, Your friend EZ and me are in the same plight, I also found myself unemployed and unemployable.

Please continue.

[Mekatulia]

My experience of Dongbei (东北)

Fuyuan (扶远), according to GT and LN, is the most north-eastern town of China. Apparently, the provincial governemnt of Heilongjiang has listed Fuyuan one of the top 10 towns to be promoted and developed for tourism. The Russian and Chinese governments has apparently entered into an agreement to jointly develop an area in FY into another SEZ (Special Economic Zone). With a railway station coming soon in FY, that will significanly ease access and increase the number of people visiting FY.

LT, EZ and LN decided to explore the town abit after arrival. I forgot what was the reason that GT decided to call it a night early. And so the 3 of us hailed a cab and asked to be taken to those places that offers some happy ending (找些乐子). The driver took us to 3 different joints. There selection was really limited and none of the gals really gave us the "oomph". Rather than to go through motion, all 3 of us decided to just skip it and call it an early night. After all, for LT and EZ, we still have a long journey ahead.

If you ask me to compare 黑河 and 扶远, I kinda like HH better. One of the evenings in HH, we had bbq and beer for dinner, something that I personally quite enjoyed.

Well, after having been to HH, FY, Blago...(布市) and Khaba (哈巴), these 4 cities situated along 黑龙江 or Amur River, I can claim that I have seen the other side of the shore from both sides now.

[Mekatulia]

Hi Tony Stark, thanks for the encouragement, don't believe I have met you yet becos I keep an extremely low profile.

The motto of LaoTie and Erzi's travels has always been based on adventure, so much so that we do have our fair share of stumbles during our travels, although the experience of LT manage to cushion some of it.

I kinda agree with you on one of your previous comments - Big cities too commercialised. But these days, certain not so big cities are also becoming very spoilt and commercialise - just look at CP.

I believe not many have seen CP the way it was before, and can never imagine how kampong it was, not like now... Oh well, I guess I was lucky enough to experience that before it was being corrupted like now... haha

Originally Posted by Tony Stark

Thumbs up for the add on info and adventurous spirit!

[Mekatulia]

I did not find the place, I wouldn't have if not for a local Beijing friend - GT. He was the one who took me there.

EZ = ErZi (儿子), altho techically we are friends, but actually I am EZ = 儿子

This is the adventures and travels of LaoTie - 老爹(LT) and ErZi 儿子 (EZ), father and son of the African Dysfunctional Family (ADF).

Originally Posted by waikeekee

Hey Guys;
....

I can't believe you have found such a cheap place for a bonk. It is something like kena 4D. Wished I know you guys, Your friend EZ and me are in the same plight, I also found myself unemployed and unemployable.

Please continue.

[Sinoview]

Originally Posted by Mekatulia

The motto of LaoTie and Erzi's travels has always been based on adventure, so much so that we do have our fair share of stumbles during our travels, although the experience of LT manage to cushion some of it.

Long time no see bro.

Certainly this seem more like an adventurer trip.

For yr LT, he has run out of fun places in PRC already....U too ?

We should catch for kopi together when we r all in town...since u guys go PRC much less recently....

Very Nice FR......for the adventurious travelers. Well done.

[Mekatulia]

Hello Sir,

Yes, long time no see, all are very busy, and I hope that's good news.

No lah, it's not exactly me and LT run out of fun places, infact the essence of our adventurer spirit is to continue to look for fun places!

And I paraphrase from somewhere "To boldly go where no man has ventured before..."

Would definitely love to catch up sometime, I reckon maybe until mid-Sep then have some breathing space then... now is damn busy...

You take care!

Originally Posted by Sinoview

Long time no see bro.
...
For yr LT, he has run out of fun places in PRC already....U too ?

We should catch for kopi together when we r all in town...since u guys go PRC much less recently....

Very Nice FR......for the adventurious travelers. Well done.

[Tony Stark]

Originally Posted by Mekatulia

I kinda agree with you on one of your previous comments - Big cities too commercialised. But these days, certain not so big cities are also becoming very spoilt and commercialise - just look at CP.

I believe not many have seen CP the way it was before, and can never imagine how kampong it was, not like now... Oh well, I guess I was lucky enough to experience that before it was being corrupted like now... haha

Yes smaller towns like CP have also turned commercialised. Guess we have to seek out those rural places. China is so huge I'm sure there're some treasures out there waiting to be uncovered.

Originally Posted by Mekatulia

No lah, it's not exactly me and LT run out of fun places, infact the essence of our adventurer spirit is to continue to look for fun places!

And I paraphrase from somewhere "To boldly go where no man has ventured before..."

Haha yes the explorer spirit. I do that sometimes whenever I have more time and resources. It's the process of seeking out unknown places that gets the adrenalin pumping.

[Mekatulia]

Mis-adventure in Shenyang

It takes some research, reliable network and friends, time, effort, and money to go on an adventure, source for places to have fun. Sometimes things might work out, but many a times, things don't turn up as planned. Below is an account of an adventure which LT and EZ took, which I (EZ) personally think didn't turn out quite as expected, but due to our gut feel, probably sharpened through the years of experience dealing with China MMs, has managed to soften the impact.

LT and EZ landed in ShenYang (沈阳), capital city of LiaoNing (辽宁) province. LT had to fly out to another place for some serious business meetings, and on the last night, LT and I decided let's be adventurous. I suggested to go KTV then, we deserve a break after our long trip and now with SY being our last stop.

LT did some research and rummaged through his old notes to see what choices do we have. Seriously if you ask me, I would prefer places like the BBS or commonly known in the southern parts of China as Falang (发廊). I do enjoy sauna occassionally but one thing I don't like is the ISO procedure, I always request the MM to skip those unnecessary stuff. As for KTV, I think we got to set our priorities right. My priority is to get into the pants of MM, it may sound blunt, but at least I am honest about it. Going to KTV, spending money on the drinks, is just part of the process which if possible, I would want to skip that and just get right to the main action.

LT got back with a phone number of a KJ and the name of the place which was recommended. However, it turns out that the phone number is already not in use. The name of the joint was 金色年华, and it was just further down the street where our hotel was. And so, we decided after dinner that, we just walk in to the ktv then. But little did we realise that the 金色年华 has 2 joints, and the one near our hotel is the family ktv type. We almost wanted to give up and seems like we are not going to get any action tonight.

Our next course of action is to either go to another recommended ktv called 音乐虫 or to go the pub street and hava a few drinks. We hailed a cab and off we went. We passed by the western part of the city, and presumably that's where the 音乐虫 and the pub street was. Our hotel was slightly more central, at the city center.

We alighted at 音乐虫， but we realise, it is another family type ktv (量版式)! bummer. So were ready to give up and decided our last course of action is to just to have a few drinks at the pub street. We hailed another taxi and off we went.

When we pass thru the west side of the city, LT commented that he once stayed there, and that time, while wandering around, he popped into a ktv with a big hall with performance. Along the way, we saw the sign pointing towards the side road, and the name of that KTV also happened to be 金色年华！

Suddenly we were thinking... could it be there are 2 金色年华, and we happen to go to the wrong one? Anyways, LT picked up a conversation with the taxi driver trying to sound out what's the local scene like. When we reach the supposedly pub street, it was... empty... and we were puzzled. Then the driver said the pub street has long gone, 1 year ago! We told the driver to head back to 金色年华 which seems to be the right 金色年华, suddenly the thought of having some action was revived!

When we arrive, ah ha! That looks more like it, there were 知客. We walked in, enquired about the cost, seems ok, and we were brought to the room, taking the lift going up to the 5th floor of the hotel.

We didn't waste anytime and start to get straight into the main reason, got the mummy to start bringing in the girls. The pickings for that night, in terms of quantity was low, due to the recent clamp down and also it was a weekday nite, so quite a number of gals decided to take leave. Quality wise, i would say it was 4-6.8 on a scale of 10.

LT picked a cute lil gal type, i picked one that i thought looked the best among the group. All I can comment is, these gals are just super seasoned. Definitely have been around, and drink alcohol like water. Personally, I was a bit pissed off by my gal towards the end, as I began to realise the game that they were playing. My gal keep pushing for the drinks to be bottoms up. They probably knew that since we are from outta town, the chances for us coming back will be slim, so low chance for return biz. So they decided to make as much a killing as possible.

The other thing is, normally, the mummy doesn't get the tip, because normally they would already take a cut from the gals. However, towards the end, or late into the nite, the mummy stayed in the room, while most of the time she was nowhere to be seen. When we decided to call for the bill and began to settle the tips for the gals, my gal quickly handed her portion to the mummy and asked for another 200 tips. That kinda pissed LT off.

It turns out to be an expensive night, with drinks coming up to about RMB 900+, and RMB 200 x 4 = RMB 800 tips for the KJ, 2 gals and 1 mummy. The going rates at this joint is suppose to be 2/5/8 i think...

Mid way through the nite, I have already made up my mind not to take my gal for any further action, I guess that is the saving grace. Same for LT, he commented that he knew if he were to take his cute lil gal, that would probably be the start of a disaster. Towards the end of the nite, his cute lil gal turned out to be quite a gold digger, kept pestering LT for more tips, for supper, etc. LT, being experienced, earlier on has already faked drinking too much and pretend half unconscious.

LT tried to hint to me to carry on singing, trying to extend the time of our departure so as to get rid of the mummy in the room, but I didn't exactly get what his point because by then, i was quite pissed by my gal and just wanted to leave.

If this is the modus operandi in northern China, I guess i won't be coming back for further exploration. Well at least, I learnt a valuable lesson that night.

[diecockstanding]

Good FR Bro.

I frequently visit Shenyang cos my girl is staying there. Too bad I don't have any chance to move around for "private entertainment". But my girl told me that the 澡堂 and 浴室 have 小姐。One of these days must go there and verify.

[Tony Stark]

Even China veterans like you guys also get embroiled into bullshit situations. Makes me feel better with my own mis-adventures.

Below I'll share my own SOPs and tactics in dealing with bullshit/tricky situations.

Originally Posted by Mekatulia

Mis-adventure in Shenyang

Seriously if you ask me, I would prefer places like the BBS or commonly known in the southern parts of China as Falang (发廊). I do enjoy sauna occassionally but one thing I don't like is the ISO procedure, I always request the MM to skip those unnecessary stuff. As for KTV, I think we got to set our priorities right. My priority is to get into the pants of MM, it may sound blunt, but at least I am honest about it. Going to KTV, spending money on the drinks, is just part of the process which if possible, I would want to skip that and just get right to the main action.

Same here I prefer BBS or Sauna. If time permits. Start hunting early from 12pm onwards. This way you get a good head start and can look for replacements if things don't go your way. You're in control of the situation and time.

Usually KTVs only start from 6pm onwards. Like you said a waste of time and money. Nonetheless we can still go to KTVs to search for gems but we must not be desperate. Be prepared to evacuate when situation gets tricky. This I'll touch upon later on.

Originally Posted by Mekatulia

We didn't waste anytime and start to get straight into the main reason, got the mummy to start bringing in the girls. The pickings for that night, in terms of quantity was low, due to the recent clamp down and also it was a weekday nite, so quite a number of gals decided to take leave. Quality wise, i would say it was 4-6.8 on a scale of 10.

For unknown KTVs I may want to test the waters first by sitting at the main hall. This is of course if you do not want to sing karaoke. The idea is to minimise the damage without getting chopped. I'll look around to have a feel of the girl quality. If girl quality sucks I'll leave after one drink.

Originally Posted by Mekatulia

All I can comment is, these gals are just super seasoned. Definitely have been around, and drink alcohol like water. Personally, I was a bit pissed off by my gal towards the end, as I began to realise the game that they were playing. My gal keep pushing for the drinks to be bottoms up. They probably knew that since we are from outta town, the chances for us coming back will be slim, so low chance for return biz. So they decided to make as much a killing as possible.

Ok these type of girls I detest the most. What I may do if I'm super pissed off is I'll subtly hint the girl if she's thirsty for alcohol? Ok let's up the ante and drink something else. 服务员 or DJ 来来来! I want to order some whisky, chinese wine, vodka, etc. Even though these liquors are fake. The girl will get the f*cking idea that it's time for neat drinking baby. Unless she's a hardcore drinker then too bad this doesn't work. Nonetheless they get the drift you're ready for trigger action.

Originally Posted by Mekatulia

The other thing is, normally, the mummy doesn't get the tip, because normally they would already take a cut from the gals. However, towards the end, or late into the nite, the mummy stayed in the room, while most of the time she was nowhere to be seen. When we decided to call for the bill and began to settle the tips for the gals, my gal quickly handed her portion to the mummy and asked for another 200 tips. That kinda pissed LT off.

Again this type of bullshit mummy can also tekan with my above tactic same with those thirsty KTV girls. Bam, bam, bam, bam, bam, bam. Bottoms up. Very soon the people in the whole room will avoid you at all costs. Do it with an evil look. If they pester your buddy. Go over to him and suppress fire for him. Bam, bam, bam again. LOL.

Originally Posted by Mekatulia

Mid way through the nite, I have already made up my mind not to take my gal for any further action, I guess that is the saving grace. Same for LT, he commented that he knew if he were to take his cute lil gal, that would probably be the start of a disaster. Towards the end of the nite, his cute lil gal turned out to be quite a gold digger, kept pestering LT for more tips, for supper, etc. LT, being experienced, earlier on has already faked drinking too much and pretend half unconscious.

LT tried to hint to me to carry on singing, trying to extend the time of our departure so as to get rid of the mummy in the room, but I didn't exactly get what his point because by then, i was quite pissed by my gal and just wanted to leave.

Maybe it's a good practice to have an evacuation plan before a mission starts. Communicate via sms in the room if you need to be tactical.

I may also engage a BBS girl to bring to the KTV and act as my "bodyguard" cum "medic". Discuss all the SOPs with her before mission starts. This is a little complex. Will discuss further if needed.

Also at any point if any bullshit happens and after through peaceful requests/negotiations and things still cannot be resolved. Then it's WAR time! Some examples would be.

-Get real angry like incredible hulk.
-Throw the microphone on the table.
-Throw a few glasess, aluminium ice buckets (loud sound effect) on the floor.
-Smash up the fruits or whatever.
-Readers please suggest. I need some new and creative stunts.

DO NOT GET INTO PHYSICAL ASSAULT AND DAMAGE EXPENSIVE GEAR AND FURNITURE! THIS IS TO COVER YOUR OWN ASS!

Please remember that this is all an act to let them wake up their idea that the shit has hit the fan and you're a crazy bastard.

Originally Posted by Mekatulia

If this is the modus operandi in northern China, I guess i won't be coming back for further exploration. Well at least, I learnt a valuable lesson that night.

I believe this can happen anywhere in China not just Northern China.

There're many times that I've observed the KTV managers, mummies and staff trying to pull off the chalking up the bill stunts but I just keep quiet as the party is not organised by me. So as not to embarrass the organiser or guest. But if it's a party organised by me then it's a different story.

Sorry if any readers feel I'm an extremist. I've to admit I'm an asshole should anybody forces me to be one. Hahahaha.

[taxi69]

Originally Posted by Tony Stark

But if it's a party organised by me then it's a different story.

So when u organise,can i join?Like 2 c u perform leh!

[Tony Stark]

Originally Posted by taxi69

So when u organise,can i join?Like 2 c u perform leh!

You're always welcomed my bro. Just watch out for my schedule.

I got "BUY 1 GET 2 SEATS FREE" again on my flight back to Singapore two days ago.

[Huzige]

Originally Posted by Tony Stark

Bro Huzige,
Wow thanks for the detail write up on Sanxiang! Deeply appreciate it.
Your work must have brought you to many interesting places. Cheers!

Pleasure is mine, but this old fart is slowing down although still believing in working hard but playing harder – just to make sure I stay ahead.

Originally Posted by Mekatulia

With the introduction made by LaoTie(LT), this is my supplement to the account of our trip to Far East Russia, from the ErZi's (EZ) persepctive.

Wah, EZ – so on – arrived at midnight and you were posting early in the morning. Thanks for providing the extra meats. I am continuing my write-ups, but memory is failing me some what.

Originally Posted by Sinoview

For yr LT, he has run out of fun places in PRC already....U too ?

Bro – you should join us for some of these trips, instead of hanging out in the same area. China is big. After our northern expedition during the summer, I think we will be ready for the southern expedition during the coming winter - there are many interesting places further south of CP. And we need to do our own 西游记. I was in Kerle in Xinjiang last year and saw streets of BBS, but couldn’t do any thing as I was with my lady friends.

Originally Posted by Mekatulia

The name of the joint was 金色年华.

EZ, this should be 金碧辉煌 – the mummy card also translated it as “Glorious Brilliang” And there will be a 3rd 金碧辉煌 starting up soon – heard from the MM that I was sitting with that night that this new joint will be more of the bath-house, presumably with “value-add” service.

Originally Posted by diecockstanding

But my girl told me that the 澡堂 and 浴室 have 小姐。One of these days must go there and verify.

Absolutely true – these are the standard sop in Dongbei – you just need to check which are the ones offer the “value-add” services. Been to a few, but it is similar to SNs in the south – but I’m not a big fan of such ISO-style services that I find somewhat mechanical.