Laugh And The World Laughs With You..

Beijing, China (2006)

During my stay in Beijing, I happended to meet a great guy called Andrea from Italy. His English had the famous Italian accent and he basically was a fun & funny guy to hang out with! We were also part of a larger group that scaled the Great Wall of China for a 5 hour trek. After the tiring trek, that night I suggested to Andrea that we try out the famous Chinese massage which was available at a parlor near our hostel. However, by the time we had dinner and finished chatting and hanging out with the others, it was late. We decided to try our luck, and it was 1am when we were called in for the massage.

Now I must give a general explanation of the ambience in the massage room, which was at the back of the parlor that handled everthing from manicures to foot massages. There was soft lighting, with two flat beds side by side complete with the area to put the face into (I hope you get the picture) and both of us lay there on our bellies and two chirpy Chinese girls came to do the honors. Though it was very late for them, it was an absolutely excellent one hour massage session. They stretched every inch of leg, limb and back and by the end of it all, both of us were totally relaxed! But more than that, the session was an eye-opener into the life they led.

From their limited English, we learned that the two were 21 and 22 years of age and had been working there for few years. They both were not from Beijing, but another place a little far off. They worked in the parlor from 10am to 2am (around 16 hours), 7 days a week, all year. No weekly offs or leaves except during the Chinese New Year. The good thing was that they happily admitted that even with such a gruelling schedule, they were not mistreated or abused by their boss, and were happy to work as work was their life. They sometimes listened to music during work hours and that was their only passion. However, I was shocked by what came next. Inspite of being in Beijing for so long, they said that they had never been to the Great Wall yet! Apparently, they never got the time though they wanted to. And I had already seen it before them!

Both Andrea and me were silent as they said all this. Of course, there are sadder tales than this around the world that one hears. But this was one of the few cases that I had myself come face to face with. I had a knot in my throat, perhaps Andrea did as well. Mind you, they were not complaining to us, they were just happily opening up a bit coz we were friendly towards them and we were initially making a lot of silly jokes so I presume they were just comfortable with sharing..

All through this, the massage was going on non-stop and in sequence and tandem, and one of them suddenly thought of brightening up the mood and suggested that we sing a song for them! After the initial resistance and surprise, it was fun! Andrea started Italian opera songs with the full accent at the top of his voice, driving the girls into a giggle frenzy that soon turned into crazy laughter, and when it was my turn, I started belting out trashy Bollywood tunes and songs for them! Soon it was total mayhem as our backs were being pounded and songs were being sung by all.. The girls sang as well, I must admit they had great voices and though I dont understand Chinese, it was lovely. Of course, the funny thing was that between the 4 of us, none of us understood the others songs. Best of all, their boss let us create a ruckus in there as we were the last customers there and no one else was in at that time! :)

Around 2.30 am, we were done with the massage but what was more important was that me and Andrea had given the girls 40 minutes of simple fun and the chance to express themselves - something that they normally werent used to. As we left, they went non-stop with a sweet "Pleese com ageeeen"..

I couldn't help feel a little bit better after making the girls laugh. Andrea also felt the same. It was a small gesture from our side that had paid off in a big way, and as we walked on, we were thankful to God for our better lives.

I said a little silent prayer for the hardworking, sweet girls as we walked into the cool Beijing night.

An evening in Cairo..

Cairo, Egypt (2005)

On my last evening in this historial city, I was admiring the view of the beautiful River Nile in the heart of the city (see picture on the right) when an Egyptian guy standing next to me (also just looking out into the river) started a casual conversation. The usual questions, the usual introductions took place and he told me he was a student of art and had a small gallery nearby. We chatted a while more about general stuff, his English was pretty good and I must admit he came across as a well educated and well informed guy. However, time was running out. I had to get some lunch before catching my train, so I had to make a move and said so. He insisted I pay a short visit to his gallery which was "on the way" anyways. I was suspicious but thought I'd play along for awhile, after all, what is life without a bit of risk, aye?

What started off as a "short walk" to see his pieces of art ended up as a walk that would never end, it took a full 45 minutes. After the first 15 mins I knew this was a scam, but inspite of me wanting to leave he just would not let me go and persuaded me to atleast "SEE" the place. It was not dark, and we were still in the heart of the city, and I still had an hour to catch the train so I thought I'd oblige, sacrificing lunch for the moment. But of course, my pockets were zipped and sealed as I knew what was coming!

He takes me to this shop (not gallery) at the basement of a building in a run down street. The place is in total darkness but with all the shopkeepers inside standing idle, and as soon as I step in all the lights go all on and suddenly everyone is smiling and offering me a zillion things to buy and see all at once. It took me a few moments to gather myself.

I smiled and greeted them back, my senses were all alert by now and simultaneously ignoring the works of "art", the "fine" papyrus scripts and what have you that was being offered from all sides. I did notice that all these items were outrageously high priced though, compared to the prices in the regular markets.

I told my new "friend" politely that I had kept my part of the deal, I had indeed "seen" his place, but now had to leave. Immedietely I heard cries of, "No, you have to buy, you come here to buy!" and a couple of arms grabbed mine trying their best to not let me go.

Before anyone could object anymore, I wrestled myself out of the place, my pace just a little quicker than what it normally is.