Around the People's Republic of China in 48 Days
Trip Start
Jun 17, 2004
1
10
Trip End
Aug 11, 2004
Lhasa,
China
Wednesday, August 11, 2004
"No Shoes, No Shirt, No Service" does not apply
I had once saw a man walk out of a store with just his boxers on, smoking a cigarette and walking his dog alongside a busy street in Shanghai. The reality is that it is so damn hot here many people go shirtless. It is very common to see people sleeping outside their shop shirtless or near the bridge above the cool river. Once, I even saw a man shirtless at the airport.
Streetlights, Street Signs, and Street Lines are Merely Guidelines
In China, traffic laws are seen as merely guidelines. For example, out of all the taxis and buses I have taken, I have had three taxi drivers and one bus driver run a red light as if they were colorblind. Taxi drivers will frequently drive on the opposite side of the road in order to pass slower traffic or drive in the middle of an island that does not exist. Remember, lines are merely guidelines here.
Nighthawks at the Diner
The summers in China our dreadfully hot and so it makes sense for people to hibernate indoor during the day. In the evening is when all the nighthawks come out to rejoice in the cool evening air. Every night the streets are filled with people of all ages eating at restaurants, shopping outdoors, playing mahjong and Chinese chess, or just plain socializing. In Beijing, elderly aged couples show off their ballroom dance skills at the local park while others choose to practice the ancient art of Tai Chi or Gung Fu. The young and the hip, however, like to spend their night dancing and socializing with their friends until the wee early morning.
China's "One-Spoiled Child" Policy
The children in China our growing up spoiled because parents can afford to spend most of their resources on their only child. Educators in China have coined the term for these little devils, "Little Emperor" and "Little Empress." As I spent one and a half weeks teaching in Suzhou I realize how spoiled some of these kids are. Many of these kids have no concept of sharing and I have seen them even yell at their parents which is something unheard of in a traditional Chinese household. I think China needs to go back to their "One Good Ass-Whooping" Policy. Just kidding!
Bum Rushed at Mickey D's
The Chinese people have no concept of standing in line. At any fast food joint (McDonald's, KFC, Starbucks) you will see a crowd of customers hovering over the counter tops. I once was waiting in line at McDonald's when a lady cut right in front of me. I stood there in disbelief only to watch another lady cut in front of me. From that point on I realized that lines do not exist here. So I elbowed my way to the front of the line only to be bum rushed from behind by a herd of foul smelling men. That is the price you pay for a burger in China.
No "Thank You's"
Don't expect waiters, taxi drivers, cashiers, or other service employees to say "Thank you" to you. It's just not the custom. A local Chinese friend of mine attributed this phenomenon from the aftermath of the Cultural Revolution. At first appearance, some Chinese service people may seem rude because they won't smile at you or say "thank you". Just remember it's probably because you smell really bad. Just kidding again!
A Million Thanks . . .
I'd like to thank all people that I have come in contact with in China and all my friends that have introduced me to their friends in China. I have made many friends along the way and had such a wonderful time here that I am already planning a visit for next summer.
I would also like to thank some people that have affected my life in ways they will never know:
Thank you to the two children that were begging for alms in Chengdu. Even though you had no legs and could only move around on a skateboard, you still were able to smile at me and call me "older brother". Thank you for showing me that with every struggle in life comes strength and gratitude.
Thank you to the taxi driver in Shanghai who yelled at me for not speaking Chinese to my Philippino friends. Go figure. You taught me that we all have our faults that we need to work on and that I do need to learn Chinese.
Thank you to the three Tibetan kids I met at the mom-and-pop store in Linti. You were all watching an 8-inch black-and-white television set and had your arms around each other. That moment was priceless. All I could remember was how happy and content each one of you looked. Thank you for reminding me that you do not need much in life to be happy, you just need a little love.
Thank you to all the mosquitoes that bit me for not giving me malaria. I am thankful that I could donate my blood towards the advancement of a civilization that has been here since the dinosaurs ruled the earth. Keep on trucking!
Lastly, thanks and praise to Buddha for showing others and myself the path. The rest of it is up to me.
"In the Buddha, Dharma, Sangha,
I take refuge from now until enlightenment,
By my practice of giving and other perfections,
May I become a Buddha for the benefit all sentient beings."
Peace,
Paul
