Even though we were in Beijing on a weekend when the fabulous Panjiayuan Market - known as the Dirt Market - operates, I showed great restraint and didn't go, still in mourning over the table I had to leave behind on the last trip because it was too heavy to carry through China. If this had been the end of this trip, we definitely would have visited and bought something

The Yashow Clothing Market in Sanlitun District is another one of my usual stops while in Beijing for cheapy, cheapy clothes, shoes, purses, suitcases, coats, jewelry, toys, electronics, and the list goes on and on.. Once again, I always come away with a purse and the last purchase from last year is still sitting on my shelf, never used. China makes fantastic and beautiful copies. There are five floors of almost anything a person could buy or want and we usually walk away with something. In anticipation of heavy shopping, an extra roll-up bag was tucked in the suitcase, but not this trip. I really, really, did my best and spent hours looking, trying on, fending off the cute and persistent salesgirls who cry, "Lady, you are killing me..." when you bargain down the price, all in vain.