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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I love seeing people happily interacting with one another in person instead of isolating themselves with iPods or other solitary amusements! Our culture here is much more isolating.
ReplyDeleteThank you, lovely pics of ordinary people living their lives.
ReplyDeleteI'm very pleased that I decided to take these photographs, despite a rather negative experience when I was out and about photographing the week before. A great memory from my last week in China.
ReplyDeleteI love playing Mah Jong on the computer and have wondered if I could play with Chinese women. It would be fun to try even though I don't speak a word of Chinese. Good for you deciding to take the photos.
ReplyDeleteInteresting to see the Chinese people at play. I'm glad they were cooperative and friendly on that occasion.
ReplyDeleteIt's so funny seeing people playing it for real after playing it on the computer!
ReplyDeleteThat's true about photos: I was taking some the other day, not even of people, and someone in the background wasn't happy with it. I tried to tell them I was taking a photo of the fountain ...
ReplyDeleteRobert - That's why I'm glad I bought a telephoto lens! I have to say that it was only the one occasion in Shijiazhuang that people were unhappy with me photographing, generally people were quite excited, or at least happy, for me to take their photos.
ReplyDeleteI'm so pleased to have found your blog - very much like the style of your photos and, although I've only had time to scan some of your posts on this visit, they look interesting.
ReplyDeleteI'm wondering if you came across people playing Wei Che (Go) while you were in China? It is popular in Japan but originated in China.
Also - Xiangqi (Chinese Chess). We have a set of Chinese Chess and play it sometimes.
3sc - Glad you enjoyed your visit! Yes, I wanted to bring a Go set home actually but I didn't have enough room. I saw people playing chinese chess and checkers a lot, although never really worked out which was which!
ReplyDeleteGreat photos! I used to love playing Mah Jong with my parents!
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