CAEXPO: A tour of Southeast Asia

Reporter's log on CAEXPO    

A walk around the CAEXPO exhibition hall in Nanning, South China, is like a tour of the 10 Southeast Asian countries, as visitors can see and taste what each country has to offer.

The fragrance of Thailand's basmati and perfume attracted many of the female visitors, while the booths for Kopi Luwak from Indonesia and black coffee from Vietnam drew coffee-lovers.

Bird's nests saw a rush at the Malaysian Pavilion, while mahogany furniture topped the order list for the Laos exhibition staff.

Miniatures of the trademark buildings from each country are appealing to photo takers, and exhibition staff clad in traditional costumes added to the attraction.

It was interesting to watch a sales staffer who does not speak Chinese bargaining with a Chinese buyer who does not speak English. The two parties used a calculator.

I paid for a cotton dress at a Thai booth after bargaining, when a woman saw and wanted one at the same price. I explained to the salesman in English as the woman watched us without understanding. "It's like I am traveling abroad. My God!" she exclaimed.

Visitors select items at a Vietnam stall during the CAEXPO in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang aotonomous region, Sept 5, 2013. [Photo/Xinhua]