A little trip to the market

Twice in the past two days, Lisa's taken us off the beaten path, and each time we come back feeling like we know more about China than we did before. Yesterday we strapped Sophie into the hip hammock, and started walking the opposite direction from the French Wal-Mart that we usually head for when we need things. An hour and several side streets later, we were carrying grocery bags full of all the supplies we need, plus two bowls of fresh spicy noodles whipped up by a guy on the street.

Today, we jumped in a cab and 20 minutes later were in the next town over, walking around a market that I think few caucasians rarely see. We were mobbed everywhere, but we had fun and bought plenty of cool stuff. Lisa can negociate using only about a dozen phrases, and I think she earns the vendors respect that way. The whole day was fun, and Sophie couldn't stop staring at all the colors and people.

Some people in the group found out about our trip, and the next day had organized 6 taxis to come to the hotel and take us all back to the same market. And if the sight of one caucasian couple with a Chinese baby was astounding, imagine a parade of them. It felt something like being a rock star. I think the group got a good feel for this slice of "real" China, as opposed to the western-style groceries and department stores we'd otherwise been going to. Big ups to Lisa.