Life in the longtangs: Chicken delivery

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One of the many things we like about living in apartments in a Longtang (those classical Shanghai lanes) is the chance to spy on our neighbors - especially when they engage in activities we thought had all but disappeared.

Until a few weeks ago we were convinced that the French Concession was a fairly urban place. However, this chicken delivery shows us how rural habits die hard. Once the chicken had been sold, the salesman butchered it and cut it up, all in the backyard.

Even though some of us may be squeamish vegetarians, it's hard not to be fascinated by this slice of more traditional Chinese life.