Over the weekend, we honored the ancient tradition of going post-Christmas shopping, setting out for the leather market in Haining, a couple of hours’ drive from Shanghai. We really didn’t know what to expect, and I thought it might be akin to the yarn market — outdoor stalls, cats and kids roaming throughout.
No way. The snowy parking lot was jammed with cars and buses. It’s a huge, modern complex. Where to begin? Bags and clothing?
The shoe wing? 
Reviewing all possibilities on the map, we thought maybe we should check into the hotel.
Opting for Pelage Finery (only the best for my guys),
we headed to the escalator.
So many shops, all with different stuff in almost-familiar brands!
Son Christopher got a Piraida leather jacket for his new life in California,
and John got a Gabbanie (not modeled),
while Alex selected a bag, shoes, and a belt.
Here I am, keeping toasty in a down-filled “Mexican” jacket.
Time flies. I was forced to forego the fur wing, only getting a quick look at some of the more outlandish fashions,
And sadly, we didn’t set foot in the Bundesrepublic Deutschiand.
(We are certain that there was no Bundesrepublik in 1828, and pretty sure that there never was a Kaiser Abdul Hamid!)
But there’s always next year! By that time, the high-speed train will be up and running and we could make Haining in 20 minutes.
