Paying It Forward

The shopkeep who loaned my fashion forward spouse a somewhat more practical pair of kicks for the treacherous hike ahead. This self-proclaimed Buddhist, a dealer in precious stones and jewelry made from them, refused any sort of payment for the temporary footwear; she was also generous enough to offer us a ride back to our Bus Route stop for the return leg into Beijing.

Despite her genuine protests, I slipped her a 50 Yuan Note as we departed her vehicle.