One Child Policy Homeschool

• February 27, 2008 - Shopping from Street Vendors

I recently decided to walk to the grocery store. I wanted to see if it's faster to walk since the bus takes a very round about route to get there. It took 32 minutes to walk, but that was including quite a few stops to take photos. So, I think it's a tad bit faster by bus, but not a lot. Anyway, walking afforded some exercise and some "mother culture" time (via my photography hobby).

I realized a theme for most of my photos that day-- street vendors.

I've blogged about these vendors many times before, but I still find it fascinating that you can buy such a wide variety of things as you walk along sidewalks - everything from clothing to rat traps. I threw in a couple of "service" providers as well since they were on the street too, making money from those walking by.

baskets

books

veggies

get your shoes shined (that's my leg!)

miscelaneous junk

close up of the junk -- nail clippers, pins, toothpicks, tape...

and more junk -- socks, hair bands, hair clips, pantyhose, back scratcher...

cherry tomatos

get your fortune told

a close up of the fortune teller's wares

fresh flowers

And once my shopping was done in the supermarket, I did take transportation back home with all my purchases. It's uphill most of the way home. :-)

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Comments

• February 27, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Anonymous

You know I love these pictures of everyday life. I will probably never travel abroad, so I am living vicariously through you!! :-)

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• February 28, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Kinley

I sooooooo enjoy the pictures you post. I makes everything come alive.

Kristy

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• February 28, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by madiantin@blogspot.com

I concur with the other posters; your pictures of daily life in China are wonderful. It's an insight into a world I'll probably never be able to see irl.

Did you get your fortune taken? =)

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• February 28, 2008 - AMAZING

Posted by kkzemadamson

Jimmie, I Love your pictures. It's so amazing how two people from different parts of the world can connect. I don't have a camera yet, but when I do look out. With Gas prices here in America we'll be riding our bikes everywhere. Thanks for sharing.

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• February 28, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by SmallWorld

So awesome. Thanks for sharing!

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• February 28, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by drewsfamilytx

Such variety of goods and people! I would be interesting to hear their stories... the people behind the stuff. Hey, it would make a great book for you to write!

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• February 28, 2008 - Thanks for making the world a smaller place.

Posted by HarmonyArtMom

As I was looking at your photos, I realized how similar the scenes are to Chinatown in San Francisco. I always enjoyed walking up and down, smelling the strange smells, hearing the language, and seeing so many different items for sale that you wouldn't normally see in the market. I know living in that environment day after day is different than visiting for the day but it still makes it seem more familiar. :)

I love the flowers. Thanks for sharing,
Barb-Harmony Art Mom

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• February 28, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by solidrock

Such beautiful pictures of daily life. I love it! Thanks for sharing. Em is thrilled to see the real thing. Blessings.

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• February 28, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by jenn4him

What an interesting walk you had. Have you shown us your grocery store yet? I can't recall.
Jenn

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• February 28, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by noahsmom

Do many of the vendors assume you will buy something? Just asking because of experience walking around in Mexico and not only stationary vendors but small children selling things just come up to the Americans ... as if we are all made out of $$$ ... so again just curious. And if you don't buy something from each one, do any get upset?

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• February 29, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Keri

I love seeing the pics of vendors.
I like the fresh flowers the best!

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• February 29, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by 4sweetums

It is just amazing how much shopping you can do on the street there. My sister in law and husband look like they are being transfered to China later this year. It should be a real adventure for them.
Blessings,
Dawn

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• March 1, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by blessinghill

Love those cherry tomatoes and flowers!

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About Me

~^~Homeschooling my only child with a somewhat Charlotte Mason approach and a healthy dose of lapbooks, crafts, and field trips. ~^~Showcasing my photography hobby by sharing images of life in China. ~^~Why "One Child Policy Homeschool"? I happen to have an only child, and I live in China. It is just my attempt at a witty name for the blog.