By Stefan Kleyn on Wednesday, 09 April 2008
Category: Sulene van Schalkwyk

Buying "mielies" on the streets of China

CHINA - Written by Sulene 

What a joyful experience... 

Buying "mielies" on the streets of China, who would've thought? First, you need a friendly smile!  But that is not hard to give or to receive in a city where very few people have ever seen a bunch of foreigners sitting around with huge backpacks on the street corner.

Second, you need to show that authentic deep interest to what this peculiar old man with his big round glasses are pushing around in his little cart.

Third...  Choosing the one you like best!

Fourth, you negotiate the price.  Off course all of the above happens in unique dialect called you-speak-chinese-i- speak-afrikaans-and-we-just-make-sure-we-laugh-alot-and-nod-often-and-point-and-use-many-facial-expressions-we've-never-even-thought-of-using...

Finally!  With a crowd of giggly spectators who are equally desperate to communicate with this new phenomenon (the foreigners) in town...

...you find one very happy old man and one even happier Sulene whose days were both made in a matter just a few minutes!!!

Anyone with toothpicks??

Till later

Sulene

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