random thoughts

Random thoughts March 22
There are no p traps on plumbing, just straight drains. So there is often a little aroma. China has an aroma all its own. And we notice it less and less. Between the street vendors cooking, the raw seafood and air pollution, and inadequate sewer you can see (or smell) why all the aromas. Remember, there are more people here in about 6 square blocks than in all of Anderson County. If in line do not leave any space between you and the next person. You will quickly be cut off by someone. There is no such thing as personal space. If you try to be nice you will get run over. People cross busy streets anywhere and will get about ½ way across and stand with cars going by only a few inches from them. There is no such thing as pedestrian rights. When we try to talk with Chinese people, most are very nice and will try to help.
Random noises like explosions are going off several times a day. No one even seems to notice, they just keep going about their business, and so do we. Bicycles are used like trucks. It is amazing what they can carry on one bike. Bikes are also equipped with loud speakers as they ride down streets advertising some business. People are frequently pushing carts collecting recycle stuff and hollering so the apartment dwellers know they are there to bring down the plastic or cans etc. Everyday you take out trash and just put it on the sidewalk near a cart and it is taken away. At night the street vendors just pile their trash in the gutters. You find it does not bother you after a while because that is just how it is done here.
When you get to a real store nothing is in the same place as it was the last time you were there. We have been told that if you find something you want you better get it now because it will not be there when you come back. And that is a fact. Sunday is the busiest day of the week and the worst traffic day.
Today the wind was blowing 40 mph making about a 20 degree wind chill. It is supposed to be warmer, highs in the 45-50 range.