Leif and the carpet dealer in Xinjiang

[joecichosz]

I first met Leif on our first trip to China in 2001. I invited Leif and Eric (his roommate at the time) over to my dorm for a taste of single malt scotch, we soon became close friends. A few weeks later on a study tour in Xinjiang we came upon a day market and were impressed with the carpets for sale in a particular tent. The owner and his wife's eyes lit up when they saw a couple of foreigners approaching. Within a few minutes I had paid way too much for a couple of small carpets but still felt I got a deal...Then there was Leif. He had spotted the finest carpet in the tent and refused to pay a cent more than what he felt it was worth. At first the owner continued to hold that gleam in his eye but sometime during the hour it had started to fade. Leif haggled as I had never seen before. After two hours I suggested we go grab some dinner. Leif told me to go ahead without him. When I returned an hour later, Leif was having tea with the shopkeeper and his wife while still haggling over the carpet. I stayed for a couple of more hours and later, left Leif and his new friends and went back to our room at the hotel. The next morning when I woke up Leif was already gone. I found him at the carpet sellers tent...still haggling with a very tired shopkeeper. Later that afternoon after a marathon of negotiations Leif asked me to give him a hand with his new carpet. When I looked back, both the shopkeeper and his wife watched us tote it away. There eyes revealed not only relief but a strong measure of respect. Later when I asked Leif how he planned on getting such a large, heavy carpet home he smiled and said "there's no weight limit on flights from China. I just need to get a good deal on a new bag". But thats another story.

[philklaboe]

Hey Joe this is Phil, I met you a bunch of times in Eugene. I remember hearing that story many times and it makes me laugh every time. Leif really loved that carpet and was so proud of it. Sometimes when he had a few (12) beers he would role up in it like a burrito and sleep in it. " this is a real nice carpet" he would say "I don't even need a blanket" and then 5 mins later I would hear his fog horn snoring! man could that guy snore! that is another story... I have had the privilege of sleeping on it many times as well...and it really is a fine piece of art! So many great memories....I know he is at peace. I will never ever forget Leif! He is such a great person. This whole thing has been very hard to get my mind around. If you are ever in Oregon...give me a email and we can go shoot some pool! its philklaboe@yahoo.

Phil

[joecichosz]

Phill,
Thanks for the note. I remember the burrito carpet thing... and of course the snoring that cut through earplugs. I will see you sooner than later I'm sure. Leif would have wanted us to hang out and shoot a few games of pool. I'm down.
Your Friend,
Joe

[Moon]

Hi Joe, found a picture of you and Leif, that's our Hongzhou trip together in 2005.

Love, Moon

[joecichosz]

Moon,
Thanks so much for the photo. That was such a fun trip. I miss you both. I will talk to you soon.
Your Friend,
Joe