What do these seemingly unrelated items have in common
other than their obvious similarity in shape?
They are the two prized possessions I bring back to China with me and
beg others to use as filler/packaging peanuts if they are so kind to mail
something to the Middle Kingdom anyway.
A dear friend of ours unfortunately left China in the spring
to relocate back to Iowa. I nearly wept
when she offered her gigantic plastic tub of tampons to me just hours before we
said goodbye. You think I’m joking. Honestly.
As I unpacked the colorful array of wrapped cotton tubes beneath my
sink, I was overcome with what I can only describe as the deepest gratitude and
love for my friend. I sure will miss
her, but she couldn’t have expressed her friendship in a more meaningful way.
Needless to say after the monster gift of tampons, I
didn’t need to bring back many from the States this summer. Which allowed me to pack even more Sharpies
than expected. Fine Point. Ultra Fine Point. Chisel Tip.
Look it up, they exist and I love each of them equally. Black, lots of black…but also the color
packs. I got them all and they will be
used and appreciated each time I replenish the supply in my classroom and
around the house. Check any drawer in
our apartment and you’ll find one. They
are so handy and helpful. Having my
fingertips brush across a pointed, juicy (full of ink) Sharpie in the dark
depths of an abandoned corner in the art room is always sure to brighten up my
day. The one clipped on my smock is
vital to everyday art teacher survival and almost as important as the one in
the kitchen drawer next to the forks.
So I know what you’re thinking. Of all the things in all of the world that I
could miss from the States while in China the past 2 years, this is all I’ve
got? My answer…yes. You mean tampons and permanent markers don’t
exist in China? Kind of. Yes, there is ONE brand of tampon here, but
it can be hard to find and not of the quality or type that is likely
comfortable for any woman. (Sorry
gentlemen for the topic, but it matters.)
As for permanent markers, yes China has them and I have bought all
types, colors, and brands. They
typically end up not actually being permanent and washing away into a muddy
smear when painted over or washed…or when uncapped in the moment of shear joy
to use for the first time, they disappoint by being nearly out of ink or
completely dry…jipped again by the friendly old lady at the art store! Sharpies are reliable, bold, and above all
else, PERMANENT.
To review our summer holiday, we spent awesome time with
family and friends, ate some good Mexican/Thai/American/Spanish food, and drank
plenty of microbrew beer. I packed
pretty much nothing but gifts to give away when we came to the U.S. and
returned to China crossing my fingers that the stern Chinese customs guy
wouldn’t confiscate my bag full of tampons and Sharpies…the only thing that
stood between me and another harmonious year in China.
