Learning the ropes

I have never been a fan of tea. Something about it just seems off to me. Why not just drink water or go for the harder stuff like coffee?

But I couldn’t visit China without trying the stuff. The first stop on my and KSPN2 news reporter Lannie Walker’s whirlwind tour Monday was the Central Lake Teahouse in Old Town Shanghai. There we sat and watched as a woman went through the traditional process of brewing tea, taking about 10 minutes pouring water over various teapots and cups before serving us. It was definitely more detailed than simply sticking a tea bag inside warm water. And I actually enjoyed the taste.

With four girls (Lannie and I had two tour guides with us), it’s hard to go anyplace and not do a little window shopping or in-store browsing. Old Town offered a great chance to get some cheap knickknacks. Lunch at a Shanghai-style Chinese restaurant was another interesting experience, as I continued to try to master the art of using chopsticks.

I apparently continue to scream “tourist.” As I listened intently to a tour guide at the Jade Buddha Temple—the most popular temple in Shanghai—I’m led to a special “one-time-only art exhibit.” I feel honored for the privilege and lucky I just happened to come to Shanghai at the right time. He pointed out some pieces and I rubbed a few Buddha bellies for good luck and good fortune, before the volunteer led me to an artist who uses only his fingernails and the side of his hand to create elaborate pictures depicting Shanghai and other parts of China.

I’m immediately impressed. Only five people in China can create such work, I’m told. I contemplate spending loads of money to buy a piece, as does Lannie. Then it slowly comes back to me that I’ve seen similar techniques displayed on streets throughout major American cities. I decided against the purchase and began to walk away, at which point the volunteer raced after me and asked my price. I gave him a number significantly lower than the original price, and the artist declined. By this point I wondered how valuable the work really was as I walk away for good, but not before the artist found it in his heart to give me a break and sell at my price. Too late.

Funnily enough, as I exited the “one-time-only” art exhibit room, I’m led to a gift shop where one can buy the cheap knickknacks that represent China—fans, dresses and posters with Chinese characters. I’m proud of myself for not falling for the trap, but a little embarrassed it took me so long to get there.