Seasonal Fairs: Go Once, Then Protect Your Weekends

Hey — a longer note on Seasonal Fairs, as if you were moving onto my street next month.

Don't optimize this like a spreadsheet in week one. Get a workable version first. Polish after you've seen your real overtime pattern.

My blunt tip: One bag rule at markets.

Also: Host small before you host big.

Please don't keep falling into mistaking mixers for friendship. I've watched that one burn weekends and goodwill.

When you're here, you'll notice a language salon table. Let that be your reminder this is a living city, not a packing list.

If you only do three things

• Decide a default you can repeat tired
• Write the Chinese names / pins / chats somewhere searchable
• Revisit in thirty days — not every evening

The useful details show up in ordinary weather: rain, overtime, and the week you don't feel like being a high-functioning expat.

Copying someone else's routine from a different district and different job is how people waste their first quarter.

If it only works when you're energetic and the weather is perfect, it doesn't work.

Write me (or anyone further along) after you've tried one real version. Adjustments are easier with scars than with theory.

— someone a few mistakes ahead