The small shop was full of flowers every kind, in colors one could have never imagined of existing. Daffodils, tulips, lilies, gladiolas, carnations, orchids, and, of course, most people's favorite, roses were everywhere, on the floors, in fridges, on the walls, and in buckets. There was barely room for the customers to walk around. The flowers' scents filled up your nose with such a freshness that you could easily imagine standing in a meadow somewhere in the Alps, breathing in the essence of the virgin Earth.

Noi and I had said our farewells at the airport in Bangkok. I detest airport farewells. I get emotional. The month in Thailand had gone by all too quickly. And, I was not looking forward to England for many reasons. But, I knew my stay there would be brief. I was sad to be leaving Noi. But, we had got to know each other well. Our future was looking good. The trip had also resulted in us finding the house at Kanchanaburi. I could look forward to my return and settling down in that area.

China has long been known for its wonderful ability to copy products. In March this year there was a national 'awareness day' during which people were told to consider the implications of buying 'knock-off' products. Copying products is almost part of Chinese culture itself.

The rest of the remaining month soon passed. Why do happy times seem fleeting? Yet, bad times seem to linger. I had to make plans to leave the villa in Kanchanaburi. Noi and I both knew the time was fast approaching for me to fly back to England. She understood the reasons why I had to leave. I assured her I would return as quickly as possible. Certainly, once I had attended to outstanding business back there.

Spring Festival in China is a tradition that involves the biggest human migration in the world. People from all over China head home to visit their family. Many of those young people who are still single are filled with dread, instead of excitement, at seeing their family again. They must face the wrath of their parents and grandparents for not being married.

For those new to my blogs, this article is a continuation of the story that can be seen in the link below.  For the sake of continuity, it might pay newcomers to read the previous blog, before starting on this current one.

For a Western man interested in Chinese dating, his becoming a member of CLM is as welcomed by many Chinese women as a portion of fried chicken is by the poorest people of Africa.

On ChinaLoveMatch.net our members are at many different stages of relationship with their Chinese or Western partners. Maybe you met your new Chinese woman or Western man a few days ago here on the ALM or CLM dating site, and you’re just starting to get into a serious romance. It is equally possible you met your true love months or even years ago on one of our sites, and you’ve already started living together; perhaps you’re already married. Or you could be anywhere in between those two extremes.

Rabbit? Duck? China...the country that allegedly got its name from the very first emperor, Qin (Chin) Shi Huang. Its Chinese name is 'Zhong Guo' (Zhong meaning 'middle' and Guo meaning 'country'). A fascinating country with a fascinating history, and even more fascinating people.

“If all the year were playing holidays/To sport would be as tedious as to work.” --Shakespeare