Let's set the stage

Traffic. What can I say about the traffic in China? The worst traffic you have ever been in doesn't come close to China. Where we see 4 lanes of traffic, the Chinese will see 6 or 7 lanes, maybe even 8! It takes a special person to drive in China: nerves of steel and a desire to be a NASCAR driver who believes in togetherness.

You see, traffic sign, lights, lane lines, directions are only suggestions. You can choose to 'obey' or even notice then or not. It is also required to stay within 12 inches of the nearest car, bus , truck or motorcycle. By the way, I mean 12 inches in all directions.

The motorcycle drivers amaze me. They will be weaving through crazy traffic with 4 people on the bike along with assorted packages.

Can you remember back to a time when pollution controls weren't standard equipment on cars, etc? That time is still now here. The blue-grey exhaust, with a slightly sweet burning petroleum smell, hard to forget if you grew up during those days.

Let's add into this mix pedestrians, bicyclists and push carts.

This is where I come in. The school that I teach in is in an older inner-city neighborhood. A little rough (I do avoid walking by the 911 Bar any time). The Head Master has mentioned that I should always be safe. I agree! Safety is very important when in a foreign country and you don't speak the language.

So, yesterday the school bought me a new bike to ride from my room to the school. Sweet! It's a blue Pantech with a bell (out of my way, walking people!) a basket (don't make fun, it's already came in handy bringing food/water to my room) and a book rack. Number of gears, speed you ask? Well, this horse will go as fast as my legs want to go!

Now we have to consider the traffic. The good news is that Xi'an has less traffic than Guangzhou. The bad news, the same guy taught everyone how to drive. (License? Auto tags? Again, merely suggestions)
I do my best to keep with the other riders and avoid the busses! All-in-all, it really makes a difference in the time spent walking back and forth from the room to the school!

You have to understand, teachers report at 8 am and work until 12 noon. We then break from noon to 2 (reporting back at 2) with class starting again at 2:30. The school day ends at 6. So, everyone leaves from noon 'til 2. Riding beats walking!

Again, can't see the blog so if you have a comment, jefhntr@yahoo.com.
see ya!