| LAMMA ISLAND, Hong Kong -- Real communications problems rarely arise for Lamma’s substantial non-Chinese minority. Most of the credit goes to the Cantonese folks who routinely demonstrate their English-speaking skills.
But unusual situations, like this winter’s long stretch of chilly weather, can lead to misunderstandings. Recently, an English-speaking customer entered a store in Lamma’s largest village.
“Do you sell hot-water bottles?” she asked in a shivery voice.
“Yes, over there,” the proprietor said, pointing.
The customer looked and shook her head. “No, that’s bottled water.”
“Yes.” The proprietor pointed again.
“No, I’m asking for hot-water bottles.”
“You want just bottles, not the water.”
“No, hot-water bottles,” the customer specified. “You fill them with hot water and put them in bed to stay warm at night.”
The proprietor looked extra perplexed. No transaction ensued.
Hot-water bottles appeal in cold spells, and bottled water on hot days. Logically, Lamma’s shopkeepers stock bottled water, but rarely hot-water bottles.
Early in the big chill, cartons with the words “Electric Heater” towered from many of the rubbish bins. Several cool weeks later, some of the worked-to-death heaters poked above the same bins.
Even Lamma’s pets coped carefully with the cold. On most days, the local dogs presented canine fashion shows, wearing multi-colored jackets or sweaters to strut along Main Street.
Indoors, even the most independent-minded cats curled up together to share body heat. In many apartments, feline heaps covered the sofas and beds.
The humans who sleep surrounded by cats enjoyed a significant advantage. Together with animal partners, they huddled under blankets and needed no hot-water bottles – yet another benefit of pets.
Better than hot-water bottles,
cats share beds on chilly nights.
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