sale

Qiamen Gate, Beijing

What's the policy on opening umbrellas indoors, or on the subway? I haven't figured it out, and to be honest, here, no one seems to care. There's the poof-poof of fabric catching the air and a crowd watching the umbrella telescope itself into a microscopic object.

I cringe every time it happens, not because I'm superstitious but because the umbrella flares out centimetres from your nose. You might expect it to close quickly but the ever intrepid salesman must twirl it before your eyes. Now look at the inside, don't you see the quality? Oh it's quality alright. Made in Korea. Look right here sir. Now touch that fabric. Not China made. No siree, and he scoffs a little. China? He closes the umbrella in a flash. Whadda ya say? Two thousand won. No? And he turns with a flourish. Now test here and see... His voice fades a little as he turns leaving the umbrella in my hand, perhaps hoping I'll change my mind after I feel it and open it myself.

keep your head up

In light of things, particularly - Dan - your leaving on this trip. Let Ted Hawkins keep you company this time.

Put a candle in the window
Cause I feel I gotta move
Though I'm going going
I'll be coming home soon
As long as I can see the light

Pack my bags and let's get moving
Cause I'm bound to drift a while
Though I'm gone, I'm gone
You don't have to worry about me
No, as long as I can see the light

Guess I've got that old travelling bone
But I'm feelin' I'm leaving alone
But I won't won't be losing my way
As long as I can see the light
Won't you play that thing for me right now?

Cause I'm going going

-Ted Hawkins