When you visit China you learn that most cities seem to have a product theme. Some cities have lots of electrical supplies, or wood carvings, or silk or plumbing supplies, or socks or tea, or Bai tie-died material, or ceramic beads. Only exception seems to jade and pearls – you can find those in most cities. Anyway, back in 2004 I bought some beads at the Great Wall and used them to make ID tag lanyards and necklaces. Since I have returned to China I have kept my eyes open for more beads to bring back and keep my little fingers busy for any idle time I have. I had no luck finding ANY until this Yunnan trip. I was worried I would never see them again so I went a little overboard. The pushy ladies in the markets sure loved me. So hopefully everyone will want a Katie-made lanyard or Chinese accented necklace when I return.
