Ni Hao! I’m off to see the Great Wall soon. Thought I’d post some Quick Hits about China.
- I’ve seen more VWs on the road than any other car. This is followed by Audis, Hyundais (most taxi fleets are VWs or Hyundai Elantras), Honda Accords, and a few unknown brands. I’ve seen a handful of Chryslers, Jeep Cherokees, Ford Focuses, and one Chevrolet. I’ve seen only one BMW and one large Mercedes-Benz, which seems rare to me.
- Anyone could drive in Beijing if it weren’t for all the other drivers, who are all out to kill you. The roads are fairly wide and neatly laid out in a way that makes sense. Driving is on the right side of the road. The signs include English and are very similar to those of Europe. The real issue, besides the crush of traffic from 30 million people, is that the concept of staying in a lane does not exist here. Drivers frequently make their own lanes, playing a game of chicken with those around them. Who gets a lane usually comes down to who is bravest. Death-defying lane changes not resulting in crunched metal or fatalities are usually met with nothing but a casual honk of the horn.
During my cab ride to dinner last night we sailed past a police car waiting to cross the intersection. Though he had his lights blazing, even he wasn’t brave to race through this chaos. Driving here right out of a James Bond movie.
- Yesterday’s snow rain and rain seem to be gone today, at least for now. A dusting covers the rooftops and nothing more. The rain also had the welcome benefit of cleaning the air and cars, all of all are covered in soot. Beijing has little visible trash but it is a dirty city thanks to the polluted air (and water). Our tour guide remarked at the economic progress which has occured in his country over the last decade, but said it came at a large cost to the environment. How true.
- There are people in Beijing to do everything! Imagine a task usually accomplished with one or two Americans and you may find twice as many Chinese doing it here. I chalk it up to the incredibly cheap labor. It has the welcome effect of never waiting on anything – the staffs at most places I’ve visited are quick to help you and seem friendly.
The government-run pearl store seemed to be stocked with bored saleswomen. If there are five people to help a customer that makes four others who stay bored out of their minds.
More after today’s tour. Time for breakfast!