As we pulled up, we saw them sitting around the fire they had built in an oversized tin can at the entrance of the parking lot. By the time the bus parked and we started to unload, they were swarming around the entrance of the bus. The minute our feet hit the blacktop, these five elderly Chinese women were waving their postcards, pop, and bottled water at us. Despite our repeated “no ‘thank you-s’” –in both English and Mandarin- they persisted. None of us bought anything.
We started hiking our way up Moon Rock Mountain. I was a little surprise to see that three of the ladies were following us. This mountain is awefully big, these petite ladies look awfully old, and those styrofoam coolers filled with ice and cold soft drinks look awfully heavy.
I couldn’t believe that they were going to make the entire forty-five minute hike in hopes that we would buy a pop or two at the top. But sure enough, they integrated themselves into our group and started the climb with us. In fact, a few of us were struggling to keep pace with them.
When we got to the top, despite the cool temperatures, we were pooped and thirsty. The ladies had guessed correctly. The kids bought up all their Sprites and bottled water.
We hung out at the top, took a lot of pictures, and then made our way back down with bellies full and coolers empty.
Tough work, but I guess it’s a living.
Even though I had just taken twenty pictures of Moon Rock, I bought a set of six postcards of Moon Rock from the oldest of the ladies before we climbed back on the bus.
-Jack
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