The 'naughty' ladies, more tea and tourists, pictures in the park and dancing and milk tea with Seven.

So I now try to go for a morning walk before the temperature gets too much and the humidity crushes me.  Today I decided to go to a different area of town, and went a different route.  As I crossed the main road, there were a lot of officials it was hot.  I stopped and chatted and bought them some water.  I walked off down the street.  I crossed a small road by the fruit sellers and walked down the main road.  Someone shouted 'Hello!'  I shouted back and waved.  It was four 'aunts' ...women about my age, maybe a bit younger.

 I indicated that I wanted to come down to where they where and they pointed out the 'path'.  I climbed down carefully.  They were sat in a circle on those never-see-them-anywhere-but-china tiny chairs.  The brought a new chair for me.  I asked them if they were going to dance, but they said that their PA had run out of power.  We talked a little and they understood my Chinese, especially the woman on the right.  I sat there for about fifteen minutes and was even given an egg by the woman on the left!  Much appreciated as I had not had breakfast!  The woman second from the right made a tiktok video and I swapped WeChat with her and she sent it to me.  It looked innocent enough until my friend saw it.

 apparently the red subtitle means 'today I had a date with a foreigner', but there is some ambiguity over the exact meaning!  I'm sure yo can work that one out yourself! So I continued my walk and eventually nearly got home, but I was spotted.  The woodshop man saw me and invited me in for tea again.  I drank tea and played cards with his son.  Two big empty coaches arrived.  I asked why.  He said he had a deal with the tourist agency. I didn't quite understand that.  and I went home.  However later it appears that that was the pickup place for the tourists and they wandered his shop looking for a bargain.  Maybe next time I will stay and watch!  I went home and napped.

The woodshop

the tea ceremony table

I woke and saw a message from Seven, on of the pupils who had left school this year.  She said she was in Jiangkou and asked if we could meet.  I told her i would be in the park later that night ans we arranged to meet there.  I go to the park earlier than the time of our meting and sat on the wall watching 'stuff'.  Suddenly there was a shout and someone was wanting me to be in a photograph with their mum! and then with their mum and someone's baby!

I then met up with Seven, we bought some water, did a bit of square dancing and headed off for milk tea!

'pudding' falvour/style milk tea

Seven

Dried but soft pineapple pieces

JuJube dried

Lots of nice soft sweets that Seven bought for us to eat.

I always say it, but I've met so many warm-hearted people here.  They are so used to living in company and perhaps take care of me because I don't live in company.... the only foreigner!  Whatever the reason there have been so many kind people here.  Long may it continue!