Actually, no. I didn't feel greedy or selfish. I guess my polite British upbringing has taught me to ignore anyone who thrusts their face into mine to sell me something I really don't want. They were so annoying, I had no sympathy. I would have been more impressed with China's informal workers had they offered useful items or services (shoe polishing always springs to mind) to the local population.
Instead they prey on naïve tourists. The only hawker I felt sorry for was my guide when we were trekking the Great Wall. She did do fantastic, helpful things like chat to us, hold our hands when we were going down tricky terrain, take photographs of us, and offer to carry our bags. When she turned into a predatory hawker at the end, it was so awkward. We willingly paid far too much for a book of photographs each, then ran to the coach without looking back, and didn't look out the windows 'til we'd driven off.
And don't get me started on the people who used their disabilities and disfigurements to try and earn money. I have no idea what China is like in equal rights, but I'm positive that they should just get jobs.
Hmm. Maybe that makes me seem shallow. I guess I've never felt sorry for poor people. To much of Oxfam shoving it in your face between acts of The Simpsons desensatises you to it. The cat, on the other hand, my heart went out to.
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