Funny Stuff: How to Shop in Small Town China

Most of the shopping done in small towns in China happens in markets like this.  This is the source of great humor.

Shopping Market in Southern China

To me, used to shopping in the US where everything has a price tag on it and either you pay it or you don't, this place was very mysterious.  There are no prices on anything.  You have to haggle.  Haggling seems like a great pain to me buy Minxi obviously really enjoyed it and I decided it was a lot of fun.  Here's how it works.

Minxi's Guide to haggling (as interpreted by me)

1.  Walk up to the object you are interested in and inspect it carefully.

2.  Scowl as if you've discovered the object is actually made of old cheese.

3.  Walk away.

4.  Come back.

5.  Ask the stall owner how much they want for the object.

6.  Scowl and walk away again.

7.  Come back.  Shake the object.  Offer less than half the original price.

8.  When the shop keeper protests, tell them you saw another one just down the street for even less.

9.  Speak with the owner very quickly in Chinese, still shaking the object.

10. Walk away.  Tell your fiancee that you're doing well

11. Go back to the shop keeper.  Tell him you will take that one for the current price but only if you can get a second one for the same price.

12.  Pay the man and walk away intensely pleased with your purchases.

I didn't really see the point of doing this but, after watching her shake suitcases, tourist junk, hand bags, and clothes, I've got to agree that it's kinda fun. 

Casinos in Macau

Macau is a set of islands West of Hong Kong that was the main Dutch settlement in Asia.  It, like Hong Kong is now back under Chinese authority but it is also a special economic zone.  Macau is the home of a great many casinos.

Access to the Casinos in Macaus is by bus or taxi.  Also many casino on the islands have their own shuttle buses.  Niether Minxi or I are gamblers but we did stop by several on our tour bus and went into one just briefly.  Be aware, gambling in Asia is much more black tie and martini than gambling in Las Vegas or Atlantic City.  There is a dress code and it is enforced.  The games you will find in Macau are similar to the ones you find in the US.  Minxi and I spent about 5 minutes at an  electronic slot machine.  I functioned exactly like the ones here in the US only all the print was in Mandarin so I didn't really have any idea what I was betting.  I went in with about $40.00 US and came out with about $60 so I guess it went alright.  I got a whole row of little animated kitty cats and called it a day.

If you are looking for a place to gamble, Macau is your island paradise.