Muffin Cups & Paper Doilies

RB's first business lessons came from his mother's old friend, who ran Guanlin Paper Products, a major exporter of paper muffin cups and doilies.  RB was given an extensive tour of the factory, the machinery, and how the business operated.  He was also given 1 month of time to mentor and work in their sales department.

He witnessed clients from all around the world, arriving from Colombia, the USA, and Europe.  He even helped resolved a bungled order for a prestigious company in Germany, via Robbie, a blunt and not-so-tactful rep.

During his brief time there, he helped create a helpful Power Point slideshow for them to present to foreign clients, and set up a sales email in hopes of luring back old clients or finding new ones.  And he received lucky money.  This was his first exposure to sales retention and finding leads.

RB was well-liked by the owner, and was offered a full-time job, however, RB knew he had a bigger goal in mind and he moved on.  He left them a nice professional Power Point presentation for them to show foreign clients.

Noodle Houses

Chinese & Western Medicine

RB's liver hurt during his initial return, a bad sign about his tolerance for the food.  He knew he had to avoid greasy foods.  His family, duly concerned, brought him to a hospital, where he encountered an amazingly efficient health care system.  He got his ultrasound results within 20 minutes, and all his examinations completed within an afternoon!

The medical doctor, who was trained in the Western methods, suggested to him that he should provoke his condition, make it worse, and then put him onto meds that would help control his condition.  RB decided to think on it, since his keen logical sense told him this was an absurd idea.  Upon explaining this method, his sage little MM most adamantly agreed with RB.  No way.

Then RB was introduced to his mother's old friend, a Chinese doctor, trained as an herbalist.  This doctor told him that he could prescribe an herbal treatment, which RB had to drink once a day before bed.  It would not cure him, and certainly not instantly, but over time it could help keep his condition in check.  He gave RB enough to try it for a couple weeks, to see if there would be any improvement or any side effects.

Just to be safe, RB saw a second Western doctor, but this one merely cautioned against the unnecessary use of western drugs.  Once he started, he would not be able to stop the treatment.

RB decided to try the Chinese method.  He really did feel the effects within the trial period.  His pains were reduced, and of course, he became more careful about what he ate.

Canton Fair

RB next traveled to the city of Guang Zhou, and stayed with his favourite uncle.  RB had timed his arrival to China well.  He had hoped to check out the Canton Fair, a gigantic conference of major exporters of China, open for free to all foreigners.  This Fair ran for 3 week-long sessions in Canton.

He spent one day there, and although it was not his first visit, this was the first time he had the goal of finding a viable business plan within the year, possibly even 6 months, and viewed the Fair with a slightly more discerning eye.

The Fair contained endless rows of vendors - potential future business partners - and RB found himself exploring out of curiosity and wonder.  But he understood that this Fair did not offer him the answers he sought.  It was too large, and its vendors only served accordingly large customers.

He hadn't honed in on a target yet, but he was confident that he could locate who he needed when the right time came.  This was not the right time.

He was also scouting all around, keeping an eye out for neat products, such as the squeeze-mop and foldable table.

Coughing, but Home!

Poor RB was so tired from his jet lag, that his immune system did not take well to the sudden introduction of the smog.  He hacked and coughed, like he never did much back in Canada, despite the cold winters there.

But he was in good hands, the best, his mother's and together they returned to Shen Zhen.

Jet Lag

RB spent the first few days sleeping and spending time with his mother and aunt.  He slept in his aunt's teeny weeny apartment's spare room.  He just fit into the bed, without having to bend his long (by chinese standards) legs.

Due to the twelve hour time difference, his jet lag was severe and he found the chance to call MM during Canadian hours, since he could not sleep well yet.  MM was very happy to hear his voice, and they both felt the wonderful gift of instantaneous communication.  Maybe they weren't the far apart after all.

Arrival - Day 1

RB had a long flight, with a stop over at Seoul, the world's best airport to sleep in.  He sent a quick message to MM, and continued on his way to Hong Kong.  Upon arriving, he was greeted by his mother, his aunt, his brother (and possibly his sister too).  Although he was tired, he was also very happy to see his family.

That day, they feasted and also bought an extraordinary amount of Bird's Nest.  Surely, a wealthy omen?

The Journey Begins

RB began his trip on Oct 10, 2011, leaving Toronto, Canada for his birthplace, China.  Although he left his fiance, MM, with an emotional farewell, they both understood this was a voyage he must partake.  It was his trip to Mecca, his pilgrimage, his path towards knowledge.  And, he had one year to find his destination.

Lugging his large suitcases, full of vitamins, cranberries, seal oil, and a relatively small portion of clothes, he set off to live with his family, to explore China, to learn as much as he could about running a business, especially, one that could take advantage of the growing economic powerhouse of Asia, and the world.

Two Promises

At Pearson airport, Rice Bucket (RB) and Mini Munch (MM) fought back tears of sadness, knowing that they would soon be far apart for a long time.  They had already cried absurdly the night before.  First, when MM suddenly burst into tears when the issue of fixing the computer came up, for it instantly brought home how much she'd miss him when no one was around to help her with gadgets.  Second, when RB suddenly couldn't hold back either, upon reading her silly airplane card envelope titled: To the silly boy who dared to dream.

Neither wanted to open up so emotionally again, for fear of not being able to contain it, and also to avoid being so publicly open.  This trip was a private matter, after all.

RB did make two promises: he would return and he would support her in her future dreams, just as she was trying her best to support his.