miscellaneous rambling

over the past weekend I was returning from a big hike in the mountains. We had awesome weather, and great vistas. It was a successful hike because we all returned safely without injury as well.
On the way home I suggested we stop at the "snake kiln". This is a tourist spot in central Taiwan, and the kiln was once used in manufacturing bricks and other household items back in the early 30's and 40's.
I had visited the kiln years ago, and remember trying to make my own Tokkuri ( sake flask), in the DIY section of the site. I failed miserably.

One of the hikers mentioned he wanted to get some pottery to send home to Canada. I suggested to the group that we stop at the snake kiln for his sake ( and I also wanted to visit it again ).

The site has been remodeled and includes alot more history, artifacts, and English explanations. I learned some things on this visit to the kiln as well. While the others had a coffee, I was shopping through the gallery with my friend and translating for him.

He had the equivalent of $20 CAD on him, and me about $80. I told him I'd lend him the money for anything he wanted to buy. I offered some help on what to purchase ( art consulting :) ) and I saw some guinomi ( sake cups) that I also wanted.
I began the bargaining processes, and it was determined that I could get him a 20% discount, and if I bought more, I could charge it rather than pay in cash. Cash is usually preferred.

I decided to get some cups because I needed to get some Christmas gifts as well. I told my friend that since I was going to have to charge it, he might as well get all his Christmas shopping done and just pay me back.

When we went to pay, I realized I did NOT bring my credit card with me over the weekend. I was super embarrased!! my friend however, thought I was being more than generous anyways, and that if I was still ok with it, just lending him the money so he can buy a teapot and 2 cups for his mom.

Then, the manager of the gallery said to me, " you can transfer me the money tomorrow by ATM"

"What?? What about the pottery? You'll ship it? " I asked.

she replies, "Just take it with you now. I trust you. Here's my banking information"

And so with lots of heartfelt thanks, and with the kindness of strangers, we left with our arms full of pottery gifts ( plus one guinomi for my collection )

This is the first time I've ever had this happen to me. I"ve been collecting pottery for some time now, and perhaps my sincerity in that came through to her. Whatever the reason, I'm grateful for the saving face, and my friend is grateful too. hopefully his mom will enjoy her teapot.