Caution: This story contains references to feminine hygiene products.
Every now and again a gal on the road finds herself in need of a tampon. Such was the case in Beijing. I started my tampon quest looking for a pharmacy. Chinese pharmacies are identified by a large green cross on their signs. They differ from American pharmacies in that they are smaller stores and the products are behind locked, glass doors. You have to ask a clerk to retrieve the items you want.
I approached two younger women clerks, in white coats, behind the counter and in my best mandarin said “nihao, wo xuyao” (Hello, I need a…..) and held up a wrapped tampon from my backpack. They both gave me a quizzical look and motioned for me to hand them the tampon - which I did. They both examined the tampon with great care turning it over, holding it up to the light and viewing it from all angles as if it was a precious and exotic art object. This struck me as a bit strange - it was just a tampon after all. I had expected them to simply take me to the feminine hygiene products isle. There was a lot of discussion between the two ladies - none of which I understood. They handed me back the tampon looking a little perplexed. I pointed at my abdomen saying “yue jing” (or something like it) which means menstruation. One of the women jumped up and cheerfully gestured me down an isle where she handed me a large bag of cotton balls. I smiled and said “mieyou” (no). She then handed me a sanitary napkin the size of a brick - I smiled, shook my head and and said “mieyou” again. I thanked them and left, walking back to my little hutong (neighborhood) hotel. I just assumed I hadn’t been clear with my question.
I wanted to be ready for my next tampon request so once back in my room I looked up the mandarin word for tampon - which is “miantiao”. One of the young women at the hotel spoke fluent English and I asked her where I could purchase tampons. She said that they had those downstairs at the front desk and she would call down and get some for me. I went down stairs to the front desk where another young woman, also fluent in English, handed me a box of Q-tips. At this point I was beginning to wonder if there even was such a thing as Chinese tampons! In my very best mandarin I said “miantiao” to which the desk clerk said “Yes! Noodles! How would you like them cooked? I’ll get them for you”.
I simply could not help myself and broke out giggling. “Miantiao” is the same word for noodle and tampon. While spelled the same, the pronunciation and inflection is completely different. When I pointed out the words in my phrase book we both had a good laugh. So much for my Mandarin!!!!
I finally did find tampons - there were only a couple of boxes at the local grocery store. They are not a popular product with Chinese women.
Ladies - if you are planning to visit China – bring your own tampons or be prepared to eat noodles!
