The Incident with the English Students and the Teahouse

Beijing first day, though I would take a wonder about and discover the place. I headed for the main shopping area WahnFangHui District.

Firstly I was looking for some new books and then stumbled upon the imaginatively titled "Foreign Import Bookshop" - probably a good place to look for English books I thought. The selection was pretty good though a little stunted, however I picked up another Rough Guide to Mandarin, Lonely Planet Thailand, Douglas Adams - Salmon of Doubt and Ghost Wars.

Making my way into the main shopping area, I got accosted by a so called English student who wanted me to visit an Art Gallery. After fobbing her off I continued my way, this would not be my last encounter with the Chinese "English Student".

Five minutes after setting foot in the mall (shopping arcade for the British) I was approached by another two studens. Of course because of my friendly manner I chatted to them for about an hour, they followed me about and eventually they started to talk about the art gallery. I said Ok and that I would go and see their work but wouldnt be buying anything as I didnt have room in my backpack.

So off we went, I was introduced to their teacher and had a look through the paintings, it was all very nice but like I said I wasnt going to buy anything. After a few more attempts they gave up and we wandereed about the mall again.

The mall is very impressive and it amazed me that all the shops were so stylish and very expensive, Audi, Rolls Royce and all the typical designer shops littered the mall. I bid farewell to the couple and thought that would be the last it.

Thirty minutes later, "Hi, where are you from?". Two girls started chatting asking questions they wanted to go for a drink and chat to practice. They tried to guide me to a tea room, (fortunately I friend Dick had been scammed and told me all about it - Thanks Dick!) I said that I didnt fancy tea and could we go somewhere else. Anyway we went somewhere else and as I sat down I realised that we were in another tea room. I ordered a coke and the girls had some tea and nibbles. We continued to chat and eventually it came time to leave, I was presented with a bill for 350 yuan (about 30 pounds). I told them there was no way that I was going to pay that for 2 cokes. They broke down the charges which included 40 yuan for 2 cokes, 100 yuan for some nuts and the rest was for the tea. I gave them 50 yuan and said that was all they were going to get. The owner then comes along and starts screaming at me in Chinese - trying to be very imposing. I calmly tell that she can scream and shout all she wants, she wasnt going to get anymore money out of me. (I dont think she understood). At this point I realised that the girls were in on it as they were being very quiet and not getting involved at all , I asked them to help which they didnt really. I put 50 yuan on the table and stood up the owner picked it up and threw it down like it was a piece of dirt, again shouted at me. As I walked past she grabbed me and then let go as she realised it wasnt going to help.

The two girls then paid 100 yuan each and the women still wasnt happy, I said to them dont pay and walked out. On the way down I asked them why they paid the money and told them that I was sorry that they paid.... I said goodbye and walked on.. it was time to go home.....