Hitting the Streets

Scarves, hats, shoes, books, stationery, jewelry-hell they even sell puppies here. They've got everything you could ever want or need to buy a block from where we live. But it's not at the supermarket across the road. It's the road itself, or sidewalk to be exact.

While the cold snap seemed to scare off most produce and snack vendors, the die-hards remained hunkered down. If anything, the drop in temperature has had an inverse effect on the number of clothing vendors, pushing 1-2 dollar scarves and wool hats. But it's not just the daily necessities that are for sale (bargaining is a must). It's honestly everything you could imagine.

Yesterday, with the lingering memories of the 798 art district fresh in my mind (I taught my high school students about modern art, and brought in the pictures that I posted on this blog), I decided to support my local artists, and I bought a praying mantis figure made out of two matches and a few pieces of bamboo leaves (see below).



Next to my folk art friend was a large cardboard box filled with puppies. There was a huskie, a yellow lab-looking dog, a few of what I imagined were chihuahuas (or crazy looking Beijing rats) and a beagle. The vendor saw me crack a smile and instantly pounced. First in english: "Hello, small dog happiness, best price" then later in Chinese: "This one likes you (picking up the beagle by its neck scruff). He is strong and healthy. 500 kuai, best price". I was slightly tempted but the responsible adult kicked in. "Not today, but find him a nice home".

Then there was the endless stretch of scarves, coats and jewelry (NOTE TO READERS CHRISTMAS REQUESTS SHOULD BE POSTED IN THE COMMENTS SECTION OF THIS BLOG ANYTHING YOU WANT I CAN FIND ON THE STREET), the snack stands, the DVD cart, the book cart outside of the book store, and last but certainly not least, my homeboy: chinese beggar man.

Oh sure, he pretends to be crippled, but as I've found, whenever he singles out a foreigner (me) his back straightens up and he covers ground faster than an olympic 40 meter sprinter. We made eye contact briefly (rookie mistake on my part) and in a flash he was blocking my way, furiously shaking his tin bowl of change at me. "Not today friend, I spent all my money on this," showing him my praying mantis. "Waste (浪费)" was his only response as he turned away and locked onto another foreigner.

Capitalism meet China. I have a feeling you'll be lifelong friends.