We arrive later at our destination station Caishikou, nearest station to Liu Li street famous for its calligraphy, stone carving and all types of supplies for the artist. My fellow traveller has this area on her wish list to acquire some brushes. Unfortunately comparing the land to our maps the area seems to have been removed from the face of the earth. All we can see are signs for the construction of a mansion complex, and there are construction activities all around. We walk on, too far, until we are within seeing distance of the next subway north, way too far. We retrace our steps and decide to ask a doorman at a nearby Marriott hotel for assistance. He points us in our intended direction. Once in the vicinity we decide to split up to find the correct alleyway. Big mistake. As soon as I turn the corner and leave my fellow traveller I see brushes hanging up in a window, and reams of paper in evidence. I deduce that this is where we need to be. I quickly return to the corner where I observe my companion walking away from me. I frantically wave my arms, and even whistle in an attempt to attract her attention all to no avail. I then decide to try and catch her up and bring her back to the correct route. (My fellow traveller has just read this account of the events and says this is not her recollection).
Anyway, we enter the first shop we find, no English spoken. Three brushes are selected and though a process of sign language and writing down prices a transaction is completed.
On leaving the shop my companion notices a 2017 calendar with a fire rooster picture on it, the significance being that my birth year, 1957 was also a fire rooster year. We wonder about purchasing the artwork, hand painted on paper and mounted on silk but when we are advised that the cost is over £100 we politely decline but the lady does not mind if we take a photograph.
There are also shops selling artworks at very high prices. At the entrance to some shops and alleyways there are birds in cages whistling away to each other. This is a very different area indeed. I spend some time watching men polishing stone along with some locals passing the time away.
We however must return to the hotel now as we are out for dinner tonight at a restaurant, Made in China, a rather unusual restaurant serving traditional Chinese food.