Got my Kindle two months ago from Taobao (the older version). It came in the original box and it works like a charm. I was able to register it with Amazon without a problem...so let's not assume that all sellers on Taobao are crooks and criminals. Most of them make millions selling on Taobao and don't really want to have their reputation tarnished. Yes, there are a few crooks around, but with a bit of research you are able to find reputable sellers.
A lot of Taobao sellers pre-sell hot products...so that is why the Paperwhite was available before it was released. Obviously it will be shipped once the seller has it in stock. Again, a bit of research is needed before jumping to conclusions.
Finally, I've bought a lot of items off Taobao (including an iPad and various other electronic gadgets) and never had a problem. You have 7 days to try it out and if you're not satisfied, 100% refund.
They did care about my visa when I rented in Beijing. We got in touch with them before we arrived and booked the car over the internet. They asked me to scan my Chinese driver's license, my passport and visa. After that we got a call from the head office saying we couldn't rent because my visa would expire within 2 months. They said this is company policy and they couldn't do anything about it. Then my wife just rented the car on her license instead (she is Chinese).
And, yes, they also told us that we need a Chinese credit card. We were renting at the beginning of 2012 so rules might have changed...better just call them up and ask.
BTW: if you rent early you can get amazing discounts...we paid an average of 80 RMB / day in Beijing for a Ford Focus, automatic transmission. Very good deal I think. And if you can drive stick the price can be even cheaper if you book ahead.
The above company your best bet. They are like a Chinese version of Budget or Avis. Pretty good customer service. Just make sure you have a credit card (they require a deposit which can only be paid by credit card) as well as 3+ months left on your Chinese visa (last time tried to rent a car from them in Beijing and had only 2 months left on my visa...they wouldn't do it). Finally book everything early through their website and you can get a discount as well.
Been going to the Lost Garden for a while and never walked away disappointed with the food. They make the best pizza in Kunming and possibly all of China. Good sandwiches as well. Can't really say anything negative about the place, except that the kitchen is closed on Mondays.
Go there for the food and the atmosphere...and if you are travelling in China, I hear the rooms are quite comfortable as well. Plus, as probably the only establishment in Kunming, they actually have good English speaking service...imagine that!
People who whine about this place being far away have to realize one fact: not everyone lives close to Wenlin Jie. Yeah, I know, hard to fathom, but that is the truth. As someone who resides in the north of Kunming, I find this a very welcome addition to my neighborhood.
Overpriced? Really? Where else are you going to get a half a pint of amazing beer for about 15 RMB (BTW: it's on tap, not in bottles). Oh, and the burgers, where else in Kunming are you going to eat an amazing burger for 40 RMB? So, yeah, if you think this place is expensive you don't know what good eating and good drinking means.
Anyway, enough of the rant. Amazing place, amazing burgers and amazing beer. Only bad thing: service, takes a while for them to make it up to the second floor, even when the place is empty.
Great little place. Don't know about those other comments, but we didn't experience bad service when we visited.
Had a very nice pizza, freshly squeezed orange juice and took home a few loaves of freshly baked bread. So far this has been my best dining experience in Kunming and will be coming back for more. Food is simple yet delicious and made from excellent ingredients. Well worth a try.
