I’m So Sorry!

July 29

Today is my last day here in China. I was home alone for the morning as the health inspector made a visit to Dr. Wang’s clinic forcing her to be there. I ventured out to have a walk around the courtyard for a bit, when I grew a wild hair. I walked out the gate and into the small market area near the apartment complex. I wanted a cold beverage. Particularly one that does not necessitate first boiling it. I picked up my favorite Chinese beverage that is some kind of white grape juice, maybe? I can’t really tell based on the picture but it’s delicious. Then I took a gander around and stumbled upon what might be the greatest of my purchases this entire trip.

Underwear.

Not just any underwear but a couple pair of briefs with a picture of two cartoon whales on the side and the words, in english, “I’m so sorry” next to them. Really?!? The underwear are apologizing? At first I found it quite bizarre but then it hit me how appropriate it is to have your underwear apologize on behalf of yourself. Sold.

I walked up to the cashier with my box of underwear, size large in order to compensate for the fact that I am not a tiny asian woman. I smiled at the lady behind the register as she rung me up. She looked at me and spoke something in Chinese with the box in her hand. I put my hands up in the universal sign for “I don’t speak that language.” So she pointed to the box, then pointed to me, and I nodded assuming she was asking if they were for me. Then she shouted something over her shoulder to the girl in the back who came out with a different box, same style. Size EXTRA large. Awesome.

I laughed out loud, thanked them in Chinese and left the store with my big black ass, leaving my pride and 16 Yuan on the counter.