Caught Bus 18 from HongQuan Lu/JinHui Nan Lu near the bus terminal (closest metro: LongBai XinCun)
Empty Road to Costco
Welcome to Huacao Town
RT Bus Stop – People Riding Line 197
The less direct 189. The TV provided helpful tips about Kidney problems.
A quiet street to get off the bus.
Am I in the right place? Two elderly ladies walking by showed off their Kirkland Cod Liver Oil and directed me to the right path to go. No need to follow the sign.
Zhujan Road, here I come!
Pilgrimage through the Desert.
The New Road.
The Entrance. Pretty Quiet.
No easy access to the washrooms, so head up stairs. Tiny washroom is inadequate, resulting in lines.
Heading down, resulted in a 30 minute wait in the parkade. The lady next to me with the fan, was becoming increasingly popular.
Down the escalator and head into the store.
Inside was a maze of mostly empty shopping carts blocking access down the aisles. However as most people were not too interested in appliances, it was fairly smooth. In the food sections, it became more difficult.
I met some suppliers who were struggling through the aisles and as time progressed got to see their food items -sun dried tomatoes, olives and British cheeses. They were amused by the idea of visiting Costco as a tourist.
I found some samples – Ka Va Lan Whiskey. Why was there no lines for single malt whiskey?
Paper Towels! No need to fill my suitcase anymore.
Shanghai Product
Oxford Blueberries! Almost the same prices as Canada!
The Lines to the til were almost at the back of the store and my mission for this store was to obtain the treasured bags. So I headed to the front to locate a friend.
Passing the cafeteria, which too was experiencing lines, I was disappointed by the offerings and prices.
After waiting in line, I was able to send greetings to my friend.
As I headed outwards to the store, I found the exits were blocked. Security was inundated with people seeking an exit, which was provided by heading upwards.
I spoke with a staff member who had removed his tags (I had recognized him while entering the store) who explained the ‘fire hazard’ issue. After a short time, the doors opened. The security was overwhelmed with the push to enter the store. I just waited and than exited when it was clear.
On the south side of the store, I noticed people were heading down the escape stairs – good thing I didn’t go upstairs. At the bottom, security was trying to prevent people from pushing their way up the escape stairs.
I headed across the road, to the offices, to see if another friend. However they weren’t available.
So I headed to the main road. People were hanging out trying to catch taxis, while security ate meals under trees.
There was a stream of people walking towards Costco and cars on the road were backed up
At the highway intersection, the police just established the road block.
A block away a family was still trying to find a taxi.
After my long walk I needed some refreshments. After some misadventure at Burger King, I was saved by some Wuxi Chocolate milk.
Inside the adjoing mall I found Yasmine’s and got a nice tour of the facilities. However just as I was ready to order the kitchen closed.
While I was there, I was introduced to ‘Baozza Neighborhood network’.
Heading back to town, I snacked on a Meatbar, survival ration.
