——— street gifts for children in Pyongyang The restaurant will meet The old acquaintance of Zhao zhao at the first meeting
Document a journey from my life in North Korea! The bits and pieces of the time I used to spend time with the North Korean girl compose the North Korean picture in the memory.
An unforgettable trip to North Korea that takes you into North Korea up close...............
The landmark of downtown Pyongyang, the North Korean Triumphal Arch
Children on the streets of Pyongyang...
Cho accompanied me to the barber shop downstairs from my apartment and completed my first haircut in North Korea. The local fashionable hairstyle, I feel a little awkward.
When we walked out of the barbershop, the sunset reflected the streets of Pyongyang. There are more pedestrians on the road, and the seemingly awkward hairstyles blend into the crowd, seemingly without any sense of violation.
Today is the weekend time, Xiao Zhao does not have to rush back to the unit to work. In the few days when we returned to Pyongyang from Hamhung City, she always rushed back to work every day, and she was busy until she could go home late to rest, and today she could finally relax and rest.
We crossed the street in front of the apartment and turned the corner to the main road in downtown Pyongyang. I made an appointment with Xiao Zhao to have dinner together in the evening, we came back for such a long time, we have been busy with Xiao Qian's return to China, and today quan should treat Xiao Zhao.
Although Xiao Zhao agreed to eat together in the evening, he made a request to me, and I needed to follow her to a restaurant farther away to eat, and she was reluctant to go to a nearby place.
I was on a business trip in North Korea, and after work, I invited Xiao Zhao to dinner, and she would always think about it for me, and every time she would take me to eat in a relatively remote section of Pyongyang, the surrounding foreign-related restaurants were highly expensive, and we rarely went in to eat.
We followed the pedestrians down the street and walked into the underground passage at the intersection of Pyongyang. The underground passage is open in all directions, and it is particularly cool to walk inside, and in the hot summer, the passage attracts many locals to stop here to cool off.
A few local children were playing here, and when Xiao Zhao and I passed by them, one of them stared at me curiously for a long distance, until we walked up the steps, and they dispersed.
Underground passages in downtown Pyongyang
Zhao and I walked out of the underground passage again and had reached the other side of the road. The roadside shop next to the street has opened for business, mainly selling noodles such as steamed buns, and there are various breads on the counter. As we passed, there were a few locals waiting around the shop entrance to buy something.
"Let's buy some bread here, I'll come over and they won't sell it to me." I stopped Xiao Zhao and motioned for her to accompany me over to buy something and then go to dinner.
"Yes! If you want to eat, let's go buy some and go. Xiao Zhao responded to me and stopped.
We walked behind the locals in front of us, and the two salesmen in the store were still busy taking out the freshly baked buns from the pot, and the smell of pasta was fragrant. I've been in North Korea for so long, and I haven't eaten such a steamed bun in a long time.
When the salesman was bagging the people in front of the queue to collect money, several North Korean children who had been playing in the underground passage ran out and stood on the side of the road from a distance to watch. They should have come out to play, hungry for the sake of wanting to eat, afraid of being shy, and could only watch with their eyes and not leave. A few little guys whispered to each other and looked over to this side.
I pulled down the corner of Xiao Zhao's clothes and motioned for her to look at the local children. She whispered to me that when the child came out to play, he should be hungry and might not have the money to buy something to eat.
"Otherwise, let's buy more, and then you'll give them to them, and I'll look at them pitifully."
They watched us buying something in the store from a distance, and they must have been particularly envious and wanted to eat. In the eyes of several children, I seemed to see my own figure.
I spent my childhood in poverty, with parents who were authentic peasants in the countryside. All day long, the life of a cropper who ploughs at sunrise and rests at sunset. The grain harvested in the field can basically solve the problem of food and clothing.
Every time there is a big market in the town, the tempting pasta on the market will always make the two of us brothers look at each other, and we want to eat how to eat the tempting buns in the market, which will be an incomparably luxurious treatment, but in childhood, we have never had the opportunity to fulfill our wishes.
I usually play with my childhood playmates in the same village, and every time I can see the fried cakes in the cabinets of their homes. At that time, I thought very simplely, and I felt that my family could eat a bite of fried cake, which was the rich life in the village.
Street shops in Pyongyang
That kind of taste that is eager to wear, a few North Korean children may have more experience. At this time, their eyes were looking intently at the noodles in front of them, and their hearts were eager to eat it.
"How much bun do we buy?" Xiao Zhao's voice pulled back my thoughts, the people in front of me had already left, and now there were only me and Xiao Zhao left.
"Just buy twenty dollars." I took out a piece of rmb worth twenty yuan and handed it to Xiao Zhao, signaling that she had bought it all.
"Are you sure you want to buy so much?" You should be able to buy a lot, and you can't eat it. Xiao Zhao looked at me in surprise and confirmed again.
I nodded at her and asked Xiao Zhao to tell the salesman inside that he would buy so much.
Xiao Zhao was also shocked when he told the beautiful salesman inside that he wanted to buy the number. Usually, they should not have sold so many buns at once, and today they saw Xiao Zhao say that he wanted to buy so much, he must have been particularly surprised.
"They said there wasn't so much left now, and it would take a while to have it." Xiao Zhao listened to the salesman inside and said to me.
"It doesn't matter, you can take the others, let them take it." I told Xiao Zhao that it is also possible to buy others, and there is no need to buy buns, and steamed buns can also be purchased.
Then the salesman handed us two food bags filled with steamed buns, and I led Xiao Zhao to the side of the road next to the store and stopped. Signaling her not to hurry up first, I also handed Xiao Zhao a bag of buns in my hand.
"Didn't we send these back to the apartment first?" You've left it all to me. Xiao Zhao asked me puzzled.
I took the handbag in Xiao Zhao's hand, smiled and said to her, "I bought these things and didn't eat them myself, did you see a few children over there?" ”
Xiao Zhao followed my gaze and saw a few North Korean children still watching us in the distance. A few of them saw us looking over, and there was no fear on their childish faces, and they still looked at us with a straight face, and did not shy away from our direct gaze. To be precise, they are looking at the pasta we bought in our hands.
"What's wrong? You wouldn't want to give them these to eat, would you? Xiao Zhao seemed to understand my thoughts.
"Yes, I'm here waiting for you. I used to worry that they would be afraid and afraid to take it. Or go on your own, and give them a few little friends in the past. I said to Xiao Zhao, motioning for her to give them the pasta we bought.
The innocent child of north Korea
A few local children, seeing Xiao Zhao go over to greet them, were afraid at first and did not dare to go over. It wasn't until Xiao Zhao handed them the steamed bun in his hand that the tall boys timidly took it and immediately ate it in a big mouthful.
After the other children around him saw it, they walked to Xiao Zhao's side and each took one to eat. Then Xiao Zhao gave each of them a few, and after several children saluted Xiao Zhao, they ran away happily.
When Xiao Zhao returned, there were still a few buns left in his hand, and he walked all the way over happily and handed them to me.
"I've left you a few buns, so you can take them home and eat them."
"Keep these for yourself." Take it home to eat in the evening. I put the steamed bun into the small Zhao bag I was carrying.
I was thinking of continuing to give Xiao Zhao a handbag, just like a boy in love in China to a girl to carry a bag, I have not yet gone out two steps away, Xiao Zhao quickly took back the bag in my hand, lifted it herself, and told me her own bag, how can I be kind enough to let me carry it all the time.
I laughed and told her that when men and women go shopping together in China, it is often seen that boys will help girls carry their handbags, which does not matter.
Xiao Zhao felt very incredible after listening to it, and said how to let a man carry a woman's bag, how embarrassing it should be. It's definitely not okay here in North Korea, and the local men won't be willing to help them carry their bags.
Later she heard me say that in our country, girls are tired of shopping, and the boys who accompany them sometimes walk on their backs. Xiao Zhao was envious after hearing this, and boasted that Chinese girls are so happy, and they will certainly not have such treatment here.
"Just now, how did you think about giving the noodles you bought to a few children, and I told them that you gave it to them, and they are very grateful to you." Just scared of you, didn't come over and thank you. Xiao Zhao mentioned again about the pasta she had just delivered.
I told her about my childhood, and when I saw the expressions of the children here, it was as if I saw my original self in them.
It's just that when I was a child, I wasn't as lucky as a few of them today, and someone could give them something to eat when they were hungry. Although a few steamed buns are not valuable, maybe a few children will have them at home, but in my opinion the meaning is very different.
Children's innocent childhood will think that they live in the environment of the times, and there are many people who care for them. Today's inadvertent actions may be deeply imprinted on the hearts of children, affecting their future life path.
"Today, you make me look at you with astonishment." I didn't expect you to have such an enlightenment. I suddenly realized that I liked you more and more. Xiao Zhao stepped down the viaduct crossing the road and smiled back at me.
"It was a very small thing, and besides, I was already fine." Isn't it particularly good, otherwise how could you like me? I smiled in response to Xiao Zhao.
"Praise you twice, you really take it seriously." Xiao Zhao blushed, whispered a rebuttal to me, and then walked forward quickly.
"Wait for me..." I also quickly followed Xiao Zhao and continued to walk forward.
Viaduct in downtown Pyongyang
I followed Xiao Zhao on the streets of Pyongyang without knowing how many streets there were, there were three such viaducts in front of me, and the restaurant she took me to today had not yet arrived. On the way, I was worried that Xiao Zhao was wearing high heels, her feet hurt, and I wanted her to take a taxi, but she never agreed. Always tell me that it will arrive soon, no need to waste money to take a taxi past.
In fact, I know in my heart that every time we come out together, she will always find ways to save me money, preferring to accompany me to walk more than to let me take a taxi.
Although there are many local taxis in the streets of Pyongyang, North Korea, it is rare to see locals traveling. Starting at two dollars and two dollars, it will still deter locals. Only a small percentage of locals who trade occasionally choose to travel by taxi.
Xiao Zhao, a group of urban white-collar workers who work in the unit, commute to work, and more will still choose buses with fares as low as five dynasties to travel, or take the subway where the unit issues ride tickets to commute to work.
In the streets and alleys of downtown Pyongyang, it is common to see long lines of locals at bus stops, waiting to catch the bus. Although there are many people waiting in line, it is rare to see the phenomenon of crowded queues, and everyone will get on and off the bus in an orderly manner.
Buses in downtown Pyongyang
I met Xiao Zhao for the first time
It's been more than half an hour since we came out, and Xiao Zhao is still leading me forward. At this time, it is already nightfall, the entire streets of Pyongyang are shrouded in night, I followed Xiao Zhao to walk under the gray street lamp, but there is really a bit of a romantic feeling under the moon before the flower.
Xiao Zhao led me into a remote alley. If I hadn't trusted her so much, I wouldn't have dared to continue following her at night.
We were far out of the range of apartments inhabited by outsiders, and the alleys were filled with locals who were out to cool off, and when they saw us passing, they whispered in each other's ears.
Xiao Zhao went alone to a small restaurant on the side of the road and asked me to wait for her to return on the side of the road. A few local men walked around me a few times, watching my scalp tingle, afraid that they would go over and question me, an outsider, how could I appear here.
Where we are now, surrounded by local residential buildings. In the sweltering heat of the evening, many locals come out and sit on the side of the road and shake their fans to cool off.
Xiao Zhao finally walked out of the restaurant at this time, shook his head at me, and the restaurant in front of him did not accept outsiders, and took me out of here again.
I ran away and followed Xiao Zhao out, and Xiao Zhao saw my nervous look and smiled. She signaled that I didn't have to worry, that there would be no problem with following her out, that with her following me, the others wouldn't embarrass me. It's just that she originally planned to go to the restaurant just now, and it was basically a failure.
She had eaten here with her friends before, and she felt that the taste was not bad, and the price was more affordable. Just thinking of taking me over today to taste the local cuisine, I didn't think that the restaurant would not accept outsiders to eat, which made her suddenly difficult.
"It's really not okay here, so let's find another place to eat." I said to Xiao Zhao, who was embarrassed.
Xiao Zhao nodded silently and led me in the direction of coming. On the way, she told me that in the direction we came from, there was another foreign-related restaurant, and she and Instructor Wu had been there once to receive outsiders for dinner.
Street view of downtown Pyongyang at night
I followed Xiao Zhao in the direction he was going, and by this time the sky was completely dark. We walked out of the residential area next to it, a section of the road in front of us, and the gray street lights couldn't see the road at all.
Xiao Zhao took a few steps forward and slowly stopped. I walked up to her and asked, "Why don't you leave, is it here?" ”
"It's not there yet, it's a little dark, I can't see the road, I want to go with you." Xiao Zhao said and reached out and took my hand, and followed me carefully forward.
The softness coming from the palm of my hand, Xiao Zhao is holding my hand tightly, sensing Xiao Zhao's presence at close range, and my heart is fluttering and jumping. It's been a long time since the last time she held my hand, and I always thought I would never have another chance like this.
At this time, Xiao Zhao is close to me and walking forward, I especially cherish the time alone with Zhao, hoping that time can be slowed down and feel the warmth of the moment.
A bright light gradually appeared in the corner ahead, and before we could walk over, there were already people moving. Xiao Zhao retracted his hand in the palm of my hand and walked forward quickly.
I was a little helpless to follow up, and the good times were always so short.
The bright glass door in front of him is the foreign-related restaurant that Xiao Zhao just said. There are several private cars parked at the door, which should be the vehicles of guests who come to dinner. Just a figure, a guest who got out of the car and came over to eat.
Zhao and I just walked into the restaurant, and the waiter inside saw us at a glance and walked straight towards us. After a smiling hello, he led us into the restaurant lobby.
Korean restaurant
North Korea's inconspicuous appearance of the restaurant, the decoration inside is always unique. In front of the restaurant, the decoration inside is particularly luxurious, the chandelier on the ceiling above the hall looks particularly noble, and the colorful lights make the customers who dine here feel particularly comfortable.
Zhao and I were led by the waiter to sit down at the table against the wall, which seemed very clean. After Xiao Zhao consulted me, we ordered four dishes here: roast pigeon, roast lamb, and two other vegetarian dishes that cannot be named.
When Xiao Zhao ordered food, I motioned for her to order two bottles of Datong River beer. The beautiful waitress next to me told me that there was no bottled beer here, only bulk beer in large beer glasses on the counter, and Zhao and I each ordered a large cup.
The waiter put away the menu and left. After a while, he brought us two large glasses of cool Datong River beer.
"Xiao Qian went back, have you thought about her these past two days?" Beauty is no longer around, and I am not used to it. Xiao Zhao smiled and looked at me and asked.
"There is! There was nothing, nothing was not used to. Don't be fooled. I took a big sip of beer and responded to Xiao Zhao.
"Xiao Qian is so beautiful, you have been together for such a long time, don't you have a heart?" I don't believe it. Xiao Zhao didn't seem to want to let go of me and continued.
"How did you remember to say this today, didn't I say it?" She's the boss's daughter, and I can't afford to climb high. Besides, people don't necessarily look up to me. ”
"Xiao Qian should actually like you, I can see it." The woman's feeling is particularly accurate, she is so beautiful and capable, you are very well matched. Great for being together. ............”
Xiao Zhao opened the conversation box and told me about Xiao Qian. I don't understand how she suddenly talked about this today. Several times he wanted to interrupt her, Xiao Zhao still said a lot of things about getting along with Xiao Qian.
"In fact, before Xiao Qian returned to China, she told me something, do you want to hear it?"
When I heard Xiao Zhao finish speaking, I couldn't help but feel a little nervous in my heart. I don't know what Xiao Qian said to her at that time, but asked her:
"What did she say to you?" So mysterious? ”
"Xiao Qian told me that she went back to deal with things this time and would come back later." Before leaving, I usually come over when I have time to accompany you out and walk around, and said that you are very lonely here alone. You said that Xiao Qianguan didn't care about you. Xiao Zhao said quietly.
"She really is, how can I remember to tell you this?"
I didn't expect that when Xiao Qian was leaving, she actually talked about me with Xiao Zhao. I didn't know how to explain it for a while, and I had a hard time arguing.
Xiao Zhao saw my nervous expression and smiled. Then she smiled and said to me, just kidding me, don't take it seriously, she just wants to see how I will react after listening. I shook my head at her helplessly, Xiao Zhao had become a little bad now.
Before I knew it, I had finished drinking a large glass of beer in my hand. Xiao Zhao's order had not yet come up, and I signaled the waiter to bring me another glass of beer and drank it.
The dishes we ordered were quickly served, And Xiao Zhao explained the dishes on the table, and we ate them.
Taedong-gi beer in a North Korean restaurant
The time I spent alone with Xiao Zhao always felt very fast, and when the meal here was almost over, Xiao Zhao met an uninvited guest here, and after she saw him, the whole person became very unnatural.
Zhao and I were sitting in the restaurant hall eating, and a local young man walked out of the restaurant cubicle in the middle of the way. I was sitting face inside and inadvertently looked up at him.
He looked straight at Xiao Zhao's back, Xiao Zhao, who was originally laughing at me, felt my strange gaze, followed my gaze, turned back to look back at the person.
With a casual flick, she stood up directly and walked over to meet the man's cold gaze.
I stayed on the spot, a little confused, how the local man in front of me, the first time they met, was full of hostility towards me.
The man, after seeing Xiao Zhao, his eyes became much gentler, and he smiled and greeted Xiao Zhao. The two of them walked to the side...............
On the way back, I asked Xiao Zhao, who is the man we just met?
Xiao Zhao told me that he was the one who met in Xianxing. I really didn't expect that one day, I would actually be able to see Xiao Zhao's old acquaintance.
"Why didn't you accept that we knew each other, let me get to know your friends..."
"You'll see each other again, and he wants me to ask you out, to get to know you." Wait. ”
………………
At first, I was very reluctant to see him again, but then I actually saw Xiao Zhao's old acquaintance again.
There were a lot of stories between us in the middle, and we turned out to be good friends.
Will Xiao Zhao continue the frontier with him? Can they still recover like this? ............