Guangzhou: I Loved You, But We're Through.

[Barry Kuphal]

I actually adore Guangzhou! The food here is absolutely to my liking; I consider myself to have a ‘Hunanite stomach’ (let me whisper this, Hunan cuisine is famously spicy!), so Guangzhou is like heaven for me.

However, this being my third visit, it's safe to say that this trip wasn't as fun as the first few. With that in mind, I would like to share some lessons learned:

• Avoid randomly finding travel companions online (‘companions’ are those you play with, mainly referring to temporary team-mates).

  • I initially arranged to meet up with a girl, and she mentioned her friend would join too. Later on, an unrelated male picked us up. He was somewhat approachable but not very compatible, with a rather rigid personality.
  • To be honest, many boys inviting girls to travel together may bear something ulterior. When traveling alone with unfamiliar people of the opposite sex, it's extremely awkward.
  • Caution: Fortunately, I'm quick-witted enough and took precautions. For example, I would look at their ID, take a secret photo, and keep it handy. Safety first! Traveling with strangers, especially those of the opposite sex, requires vigilance.

• Don’t pack too many people into your traveling group, or ensure there’s a responsible person in charge of planning and making final decisions.

  • With more people involved, it's just chaotic, one wanting this way, another that way—everyone's opinion clashing, leading to difficulties even taking a break back at the hotel.

• Try avoiding hanging out with couples, otherwise, you become the intrusive light bulb! (‘Light bulb’ is slang for someone who feels redundant and is simply filling up space among others, illuminating everyone but staying in the dark themselves, haha).

  • Are you going on vacation for fun, or watching couples savor love? (‘Eating dog food’ is a web term used by singles to sarcastically address situations where they witness couples expressing love).
  • When there are too many people, often nobody listens to your ideas. Even if you've painstakingly mapped out a plan, they can be easily disrupted. Some might not feel like returning to certain previously visited places, leaving the itinerary all over the place.
  • There are some places I truly don't want to revisit; I've been to each of them three or four times already. They're incredibly boring, but you still have to follow the majority's lead.

• One guy wanted to take our girls to the bar, well, that really got my goat! ('I really got my goat' is a humorous phrase among young people, conveying a slightly speechless and somewhat displeased sentiment, akin to ‘Thank you, but no thank you!’). I flat-out refused. My male companion had intentions of going but I stayed away instead; haha!

  • Caution: Girls, remember: when unfamiliar people invite you out for nighttime activities, especially visiting clubs or bars, remain vigilant, and don’t hesitate to decline.

To put it simply, my last few days in Guangzhou were anything but enjoyable.

Nonetheless, the only redeeming factor about this trip to Guangzhou was the incredible accommodation. I came to realize later on that choosing to stay at the hotel, sleeping soundly, might have been the better choice!