Text and photos by Mary L. Peachin
August, 2015 Vol. 19, No. 11
Beijing’s Panjiayuan outdoor market was crowded that weekend morning. Aisles were crammed with shoppers who were busily bargaining for jade bracelets, silk material, artwork, cloisonné, and a myriad of other goods. Any query was responded by a simple means of communication, the thrust of a calculator showing the “asking price.” Handed the device, it was appropriate to haggle or counter, and then walk away. Typically, if the vendor wants to make the sale, they will follow you. Beyond the confines of our St. Regis hotel, little English is spoken in Beijing.
Needing a bathroom break, I wandered into the restroom. Perplexed, I pondered as I straddled a sloped ceramic tile. Which direction should my feet face? Unlike previous experiences, this local version or “hole in the ground” toilet actually flushed. This eliminated most of the odoriferous aspect to the experience.