More observations...

Some more chinique things.. (china + unique... go with it)

- Lines on roads are there for decoration. Today, while sitting on the bus navigating a round-a-bout, I noticed that the bus was driving over the top of the painted triangle with lines across it. Ya know, the one that separates the circle from the incoming roads and the lane for right turns. Yeah.... Just drove right over it between two cars. And then I took notice of the rest of the round-a-bout traffic and everyone was meandering where they will. Driving here in china is definitely a 'everyman for himself' attitude.

- Parking. People park everywhere. Drive up on a sidewalk and throw it in park. I was standing at the bus stop yesterday waiting for the 188 to take me home, and this car just pulled up next to me on the sidewalk, waited for the minor-est of breaks in traffic and proceded to drive away. He must have been parked on the sidewalk behind me somewhere. Then it hit me.... Do all cars have the clearace for sidewalks?? Now, some sidewalks are a meer 3 or 4 inches high.. But there are quite a few 6inch ones, and the occasional 7,8, or 9 in high ones. The taller ones are usually nicer and newer so perhaps the height is by design to keep cars off. More surveillance is required.

- Umbrellas. Today, Laura and I fit in with the locals because we were carrying umbrella. It was raining- seemed the logical course to follow. However, last week when it was 90 and slightly overcast most of the women were carrying umbrellas. It's to keep them out of the sun lest they darken their skin. The eBikes even have attachments to hold umbrellas while scooting around town. As for mua, I have been out-n-bout for over a week and I don't think I've added any color... Ack!

- I may have mentioned this before.... But the staring! I've grown mostly accustomed to it but the locals stare at me. Or, us I should say because Laura gets her fair share of stares too. It happens on the bus (particularly by old people and young men), people riding by on their eBikes while we stand at the bus stop, when we're walking about. An older gentleman hollered hello at us as we rounded a corner today, Laura responded with 'hello!' and he broke into what can only be called a fit of giggles.

It's quite the experience here for a sassanach, an outsider.

Until next time... zi gen! (goodbye)