This place called Metzingen in Germany

As described at www.metzingen.de :
Note: Text highlighted in red = applicable

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"A bargain hunter’s paradise" – “Capital of the stingy” – “No distance is too far for the hunter” – “The Japanese take over Metzingen” – “When a city turns outlet center…” – “Factory outlet boom in Metzingen” – “Outlets with new storefronts“. These are only some of the comments made by the media in describing the character of the shopping city Metzingen.

But how does the city itself comment on this issue? Factory outlet stores have developed along with the history of Metzingen with a very own special ambiance. There are significant differences in comparison with giant factory outlet centers. Our outlets stores are located in the attractive and lively inner city, which has a lot to offer – and they are absolutely top when it comes to price, value, and quality!

Germany has the “bargain fever“. When you go shopping, you compare prices. That is why we place great emphasis on what already is commonplace in America, France, and England: Factory sales. Factory outlet stores will tempt you with large discounts on high quality brand name articles. Metzingen, the capitol of German factory outlet stores (“we are very proud of this title“), is located in the beautiful, scenic Erms Valley about 30 km south of Stuttgart.

***This place is every girl's paradise..even mine! I say 'even mine' because I am not an 'every girl' haha..see those who know me well would know that i don't like shopping. I am a targeted shopper- i hit the shops when i need something and i go straight and get it. I don't like to shop aimlessly and i don't like crowds.

The bona fide goods were irresistable- although i wouldnt say they were cheap, they were definitely cheaper than retail prices and very worth it for their quality, design and brand! I bought a dress from Hugo Boss, 2 shirts from Polo Ralph Lauren & some bags for the lovely ladies at home. -Rubs hands together and smiles gleefully- The price of the Hugo Boss dress for example, was slashed from 299 euros to 64 euros!!! Don't forget we can get the tax returns as well! [Mummy don't worry! Finances still under control! haha]

The plan was originally to shop from 11am to 8pm, but by 5pm we had made all our purchases and to prevent collateral damage to our pockets, we decided to leave for Stuttgart (30km away, might as well go and see see)-it was fantastic. So far, all the places within Germany that we've been to have all been really happening...

Presenting the 'I'm craving chinese food like nobody's business' side of me...

the picture of all the sushi on the poster won me over...i think the 'eat all you can' & 'buffet' words won Bk and Mac over? Not very sure...hehe

This was not some half-past-six pseudo restaurant trying to serve up oriental dishes ok. Its the real stuff. Just like the goods we bought from Metzingen. Can you see the black fungus, steamed fish with ginger slices, tofu, lotus roots, prawns, sotongs, spare ribs, liver, ma2 la4 huo3 guo1 tang1, red dates swimming in the soup...??!!

The dimsum really got me. The guys immediately called me over to where these precious oily beings were sitting in this tray waiting to be picked up..by me of course. It was indeed an.....emotional sighting. I nearly concussed when i tasted the chilli...like...it wasn't sweet for once!!! haha!

I think the owners were really annoyed by us- think we brought down their profit margin by quite a bit that night...I faintly remember seeing the ears of the lady owner suddenly twitch when the restaurant's otherwise peaceful atmosphere was pierced by some hokkien: "mai4 tu2 liao4" (from Bk to Mac), which literally means "don't dilly dally anymore". Do you know that when this lady staff was clearing our plates when we were done, she actually said "gou4 le3 mei2 you3?" which means "HAVE YOU HAD ENOUGH?" (yes with capslock).

Bk reckons that the standard of Chinese service is the same everywhere...and since we paid 15 euros for the chinese food...it wouldn't be complete without such service...you know...its part of the whole Chinese experience we're talking about here right...haha

Ok so now I should talk about our main mode of transport to Metzingen and back. Bk's 2 friends in Zurich- Li Hao & Lydia rented a car so the 5 of us shared the cost to drive to Germany. It was much cheaper than taking public transport! The Autobahn (expressway) in Germany has no speed limit. Really! The 'recommended' speed is 130 kph! And contrary to popular belief, its not a picture of speed anarchy when you are on the autobahn because the roads are well maintained and the signage is clear...everybody's just living their lives on the fast lane...literally..