We are VIP

During our 3 month stint here in China I like to say that Mallory and I have become quite the locals here in the area around her school. The guards all know us, the hotel lady, and even the shop owners right outside the gates. A little shop we visit nearly daily is owned by a little lady we like to call “Thelma.” She just laughs and says hello every time we stop by. Two shops down is the “tong shui” place. It’s a little place to get nice, cool fruity dessert type things. And then at the end out on the street is a man who makes these great little burrito things. It’s like pancake batter smeared on a griddle. An egg is cracked on it and smeared over the pancake/crepe thing. Then some seasonings and veggies are thrown on, followed by some brown sauce and some crunchy little tortilla chip things. This is all rolled up and put in a bag ready for enjoyment for only 2.5 yuan. A great deal!!

Well last night Mallory and I went out for a burrito and we realized our true VIP status among the local shop owners. The burrito man is only out for business in the evenings and it seems to be quite a popular treat among the students as there is always quite a crowd standing around waiting to get one. But on this particular occasion, Mallory and I strolled up and the VIP treatment began. First, we could tell we were getting something special because as he was making the burrito he began to put cucumbers on it. This is something special that typically isn’t on the burritos. We make a special request for it. So we just walk up and the fact that all the people are out there waiting is nothing at all, we are moved straight to the front of the line. We get our burritos made especially to our likings and we get them fast! Then, we asked the man how much we owed him and he began rambling in Chinese and waving his arms! He would not accept our money! So not only did we get excellent service but we got it for free! How’s that for treatment? J I must say, we are going to be a bit sad to leave all this behind us! I have a feeling this red carpet treatment isn’t something we should get used to!