It took me a few weeks between noticing these Mah-jong tables and plucking up the courage to go and take photos of them. Eventually my fear of being shouted at and generally made to feel unwelcome was overcome by knowing how annoyed at myself I’d be if I went home without getting some photographs of it.
And I needn’t have bothered worrying. The woman who ran the tables was delighted to have me snapping away, pointing out the best angles, and eagerly poring over the results. Although she wouldn’t let me take a photo of her, as she said she was too ugly! But never mind, as I’d sneakily taken one of her earlier – she’s in the last photo wearing a black and yellow top. 
She even offered to show me how to play, which had to decline as I don’t think my Mandarin was up to it, plus I’m not particularly good at or interested in games. The owner and her friend roared with laughter (in a nice way) when I told them ‘I’m very stupid at this’, and I went on my way after lots of smiles and thank yous, feeling full of the joys of living in China.
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