Newspapers today probably read, "Tempers flared today as the foreigner accused respected local businesswoman of trying to cheat him on popsicle purchase." The dialogue went something like this, as I approached the smiling, laughing proprietor, who was obviously having a wonderful day before I ruined it:
Me: "I'd like to buy [this popsicle]."
Her: "That'll be 1.5 kuai."
Me: "Really? It's not 1 kuai?"
Her: "No, it's not 1 kuai. It's 1.5 kuai everywhere. I'M NOT TRYING TO CHEAT YOU. IF YOU DON'T WANT TO BUY IT, DON'T BUY IT."
Me (handing her 2 kuai): "Ah, I'm sorry. Really, 1.5 kuai is okay."
Her: "1.5 KUAI IS NOT 'OKAY'. IT'S THE PRICE. ASK ANYONE. ASK THAT OTHER WOMAN SELLING POPSICLES. I'M NOT A CHEAT."
Me: "I mean, 1.5 kuai is really good! I'm sorry! Thank you very much!"
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
Geez Drew, can't you just leave the locals alone for once? Popsicles is a tough enough business without you crazy foreigners asking the price of things.
This one had me laughing. Wish I could've been there to have seen that woman.
Post a Comment