HFU HF Underground

General Category => Huh? => Topic started by: myteaquinn on March 30, 2020, 2328 UTC

Title: Slow boat from Sweden?
Post by: myteaquinn on March 30, 2020, 2328 UTC

I've heard the term "slow boat to china". But I ordered some AA batteries from IKEA today with an estimated delivery date of April 22!

Title: Re: Slow boat from Sweden?
Post by: redhat on March 31, 2020, 0119 UTC

I got a similar result trying to order toner cartridges for my printer...yikes!

+-RH

Title: Re: Slow boat from Sweden?
Post by: Pigmeat on March 31, 2020, 1230 UTC

I went to my favorite Chinese restaurant once and ordered Kung Pao Chicken and a Coke. As soon as the waitress went to have the drink orders placed, our food was on the table. When I remarked to her about it, she went,"We're Chinese,we work fast."

Title: Re: Slow boat from Sweden?
Post by: myteaquinn on March 31, 2020, 1513 UTC

Kind of explains their population explosion.

Title: Re: Slow boat from Sweden?
Post by: Fansome on March 31, 2020, 1724 UTC

Back in early January I ordered a battery from a Chinese company. I heard nothing about it until I wrote to them in early March. I got this reply a few days later:

'Hi
So sorry for my delay reply.
We were affected by the epidemic after the Spring Festival and we were not able to return to work in time.
Now we had come back to work,And we will send out the parcel for you soon.
Sorry again.

Best regards. "

The battery showed up last week, about 2 1/2 months after I ordered it.

I had expected to have to just write off the $20, but they came through. In general, things from China almost always show up, eventually.

Anyone know what "Spring Festival" is?

Title: Re: Slow boat from Sweden?
Post by: cj468 on March 31, 2020, 1822 UTC

"Anyone know what "Spring Festival" is?"

Another name for the Chinese New Year.  There is also an "Autumn Festival" to celebrate the harvest later in the year. Like most Chinese festivals they are based on the lunar calendar so (western) dates vary. The Autumn Festival is 1 Oct this year.

Title: Re: Slow boat from Sweden?
Post by: Pigmeat on April 03, 2020, 1246 UTC

My cousin worked in China from the late 80's to the mid-90's. He learned that "rough weather" meant the flight crew had to drop low enough to see the train tracks.

Title: Re: Slow boat from Sweden?
Post by: myteaquinn on April 30, 2020, 2336 UTC

Well the batteries finally arrived this evening. The package was ripped open and taped shut with packing tape. Oh and half of the batteries are missing. I guessing some time on the phone with Fedex and Ikea to try and resolve this.

Title: Re: Slow boat from Sweden?
Post by: Ct Yankee on May 01, 2020, 0006 UTC

"Anyone know what "Spring Festival" is?"

I have a daughter-in-law that is a Chinese national.  She has told us stories about the incredible about of travel that is involved in Spring Festival/Lunar New Year.  Here is a story from Business Insider from this past January detailing the beginning of this year's celebrations.  https://www.businessinsider.com/chinese-lunar-new-year-photos-largest-annual-human-migration-2020-1