Chinatown
I was in Chinatown for a little while today. I always like going there. Although Chinatown is located in the old part of Honolulu, it is still one of the few places where all of my senses become childlike. Everything always seems as if I am experiencing it for the first time. And while the sights are not all agreeable, nor all the scents pleasant, there is a specialness that can be felt. Even the shoving and pushing by the little old women becomes quaint.
While browsing the various markets and shops, I went into a Chinese herb store. An entire wall there has been built with shelves, with large glass containers resting upon them. Inside each glass container is a specific herb for a specific ailment. As I began looking at all the herbs, an elderly man came from behind a curtain and asked if I needed some help. For some silly reason, the first thing out of my mouth was to ask him if he had anything that would provide me blessings. He paused for a moment at my stupidity, and then he got angry. “Whatsamatter you? Dis not one good-luck store!” I knew what I had asked was stupid, and his response only confirmed it. I apologized about a hundred times and tried to get away before I embarrassed myself anymore.