I dreamed a thousand new paths… I woke and walked my old one.
-Chinese Proverb
-Chinese Proverb
After settling into life in China, I’ve had time to sit down and think about my experiences thus far. It’s difficult to weed out which events lack significance to the rest of the world, because to me, they all seem inimitable when compared to my prior knowledge of things.
One thing I’ve found great pleasure in, is bartering with the local shopkeepers. Shanghai, like many non-western cities, is comprised mostly of shops that overprice their goods with the expectation that customers will bargain the price down to something more reasonable. When callow foreigners, thrilled with the seemingly low prices, willingly pay full price, they miss out on one of the most enjoyable Chinese cultural experiences.
Picking up some Chinese phrases is helpful in the bargaining process, and in doing this, I’ve been able to work out several deals that would have been difficult had I been a completely naïve foreigner. Though it’s been fun finding steals in the local markets, there is one negative side to the whole thing. Being blatantly American has brought me nearly unending grief. Wherever I go I’m accosted with cries of “Hallo! Have a look sir, DVD, watchbag, Rolex, you look!” Oh the dreaded “watchbag.” I’m still in the dark as to what a watchbag would look like if it existed, but I would go to great lengths to avoid ever looking at that monstrosity.
The pestering wouldn’t bother me if it wasn’t coming from every single shop I pass; strangely enough, I think I’m even getting used to the harassment and have started tuning out all but the most persistent solicitors.
I may have already mentioned how hazardous it is to be a pedestrian in Shanghai, but I just discovered an astonishing figure. Everyday in China, 600 pedestrians are killed in street accidents! Since my discovery, I’ve made sure to look both ways the entire time I’m walking across an intersection.
Today was Christmas in China, and what a novel event it was. In the States, everything is decked out in ornaments, lights, and holiday cheer, but here in Shanghai, people don’t even blink for Christmas. Life goes plowing on without even a hiccup. It was great to be with part of my family, but difficult to not be in a familiar atmosphere. No tree + no stockings + no lights = disappointment.
I’m quickly running out of steam; no matter how many times I say that I’ve beat the jetlag, it comes back to rear its ugly head. Until next time…Merry Christmas!
2 comments:
A very literate read, I enjoy your writing, Mark.
I've always wanted to barter. We did a little bit in Europe, but I'm ashamed to say that being (relatively) young we we're the typical naive American travelers. It's good to hear that your goings seem to be more successful.
I think it's interesting to see how other cultures celebrate Christmas, but I'm surprised that they don't do much in China. On the other hand, I think if they celebrated as we did, it would be utter chaos, even more so than here in the States.
I hope the rest of the trip is great for you!
I can relate to your comments about bargaining. When we were in Mexico I got some "cute gringo who speaks Spanish" discounts and was able to barter some good prices. We found that one way to get a good deal on something is to pull out all the money you have left and allow the shop owner to take it or leave it. :)
Last week I had some painful moments of really missing the family and our familiar holiday celebrations. Mike and I took some stockings with us to help it feel more like Christmas, and we did have a great time but it was still different.
I can't wait to read about more of your adventures!
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