Market Madness

By Laura McLam

July 17, 2008

The Silk Market can be overwhelming.  The incredible mass of goods and aggressive salespeople alone can be intimidating.  But this must-have Beijing experience doesn't have to be all haggling and consumerism.  Like everywhere else I've been in this city people are generally interested in talking to foreigners. People ask questions about my experiences and offer explanations of Chinese history and customs. 
The Silk Market is only place I've been where all the Chinese workers spoke English, so there was plenty of opportunity for interesting exchanges.  One jewelry vendor told me in the past it was improper for a woman to worship a male god in her bedchamber so women would worship female Buddha at night.  Another woman asked me how I kept my skin so light.  I explained to her that people in America want to be tan and she told me we could trade (skin color.) 

I did anger several people haggling for the lowest price, but I left feeling satisfied with my purchases and proud of myself for capably navigating an environment that is the definition of foreign.