Starfish and Kitsch

We went down to the beach the other day.

Saw lots of Chinese tourists and lots of seaside souvenirs.  Faith bargained for a few pairs of pearl earrings.  Asking price was 25 RMB for one; she walked away with five for 20 RMB.

Vendors stood by tables piled high with starfish, facing the carnival rides on the sand.  Few people were buying.  We were intrigued.

"How much?" Faith asked.

"Five yuan," said the girl.

"How to eat?" we wondered.

"Like this," she explained, as bending the arms away from the underbelly.

So we gave it a try -- Five yuan for a couple grainy, bland, brownish bites of starfish guts.

Worth it?  Yes.