washi tape in Guangzhou! {somitape}

So after my lamenting yesterday regarding never finding any washi tape in China, my online friend Reyna went to work. She is the one that told me about the manufacturing company in Guangzhou. Well, she contacted the company again for me and when I woke up today I had an email from Victor of Somitape. It was our last day in Guangzhou and we’ve ventured all over the city exploring. So for final kicks, we headed to a new district in search of tape. Chris thrives on exploring new places and I really like pretty craft supplies. We are a perfect match.

Here is where the cab dropped us off:

We called Victor’s cell and he met us to help us find the showroom. The factory is located somewhere else. It would have been fun to get to tour the factory. Somitape deals primarily online and with distributors. They are the first washi tape manufacturer in China (I think or one of the very first).

After going inside, they led us up a little staircase to the most beautiful little room I’ve ever seen. I am thinking my studio needs a few of these displays.
I picked out 35 rolls of tape! I wish I could have filled a few suitcases full. How pretty is this room?! You can order tape online in small quantities or if you are a shop, you can do a big purchase. If you are ever in Guangzhou, China and want to visit – let me know. I will help you find the showroom.

This is Victor and Annie. They went above and beyond to let us come visit and shop. They were so kind to our family.
Thank you Victor, Annie & Reyna for a very fun way to end an incredible time in China!

After indulging in tape and some last yummy food, we headed to take a train to Hong Kong. This is our guide Helen. She was so wonderful…kind and caring. I asked her a million questions about Chinese culture and she was so gracious to answer them. She was with us when we met our daughter and she coordinated all the official stuff. We just showed up when she told us to and she did the rest. She is a huge part of why our trip went so smoothly and stress free. She will always be a very special part of our memories from this trip.
Crossing the border into Hong Kong…so crazy that last time I was on that train I wanted to throw up from being so anxious and nervous. Totally different experience having Little One in my arms and headed home.

We are now in Hong Kong…who knew Noah’s Ark finally rested here? Well, maybe not Noah’s actual ark, but it says it is built following the exact Biblical model and dimensions.  Totally random place to stay, but it is actually completely interesting. I know the photo below looks like something done with Photoshop, but that is really what it looks like. I’ll be sure to get pictures in the daylight to post later. There is a huge park and exhibits around the Ark, but we will have to leave too early in the morning to check any out. Bummer. Just so you know, Noah’s Ark has internet connection. I am writing to you from the top level…we have a little patio to watch the weather from…smells better on the deck than inside.

Photo from tripadivsor.com, and the smell comment was a joke. The inside smells quite normal.

Next stop – Oklahoma and my family together!!!!