- it's given me a starting point and I can take it from there.

I think I went to the great square seven story warehouse/showhouse place last time I was there, with the fresh fish market in the basement, three floors of millions of freshwater pearls, and a couple of floors of 'antiques' and crafts. I wasn't then alert to bead collecting, but this time will be a-hunting.

Last time I was there there were so many sales-girls swotting up on English, and they pounced on me with glee for some practice. Lovely friendly people studying hard to put tourists at ease for the Olympics.

I'll take my trusty digital camera and hope to include you All here on bead-related adventures.