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These friendly local women worked at the Tibetan cafe (Gesar Restaurant) located near the market in Xiahe. They kept us well fed with remarkable vegetarian and apple Tibetan mo mos (dumplings), greens and tree bark tea.

Read more about our visit to Xiahe, China.

aldo_castellanos Finally! A picture where an adult is smiling genuinely. Is it my impression or people just don't smile or laugh as a result of cultural etiquette? I started from your picture posted last and worked my way into this one, and what I found was mostly sad, serious or stern looks. I have been to places with a difficult history, and poverty, but yet the people still smile naturally. Is hospitality here the norm? Let me know your thoughts. Posted: February 16 2008

uncorneredmarket Good questions...that made us think. We ate at this cafe several times, so these young women were used to us and were very friendly. When I asked to take their photo before we left town, they became all serious on me (the photo we didn't upload). Then they started giggling because I was trying to get them to relax and was making jokes...which is when I took this photo. We found that the normal expression on faces in public in China was one of seriousness, almost looking like concern. It is true that life is difficult for many people, especially for those living in the regions, but I think the serious look is more from cultural etiquette. When we would ask to take a photo of someone, the person would normally put on a stern look, as if that's what they were "supposed" to do. Chinese people are hospitable, but it's not as warm as in some other parts of Asia. Posted: February 16 2008

Uncornered Market

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