Who would really have time for these things...sigh! There are too many people. The sales people are too aggressive. All in all a perceptible atmosphere of mayhem :-)

You want a 'Speedo' swimsuit. The woman asks for 680 yuan ($113). You laugh. She laughs. What now? Begin pleading, shaking your head, looking to the heavens, sighing, leaving long silences, shrugging your shoulders, and mumbling english vietnamese or any kinda imaginary language you could think of. Walk away. If you agree on a price before walking away, you are paying too much. If you cant get her to go lower than 100 yuan ($17), walk away. She will call you back and say 'ok 80' ($13). If she doesnt call you back, it means 100 yuan ($17) is her lowest price. Go back and pay it!

Its really interesting that Chinese take pride in their ability to haggle. Its a common topic to discuss in casual conversations...

It rained today. All of the shops were closed..only around 10pm. It was a strange feeling walking the jampacked streets earlier during the day but all so empty and quiet almost creepy at night.

Beijing 11/15/12