Just as I think that nothing new can happen in China to leave me breathless and incredulous -- something new happens in China that leaves me breathless and incredulous.
Today I was with a friend in a taxi. As per my practice I was in the front seat -- easier to pay for the drive that way. The taxi was stopped in traffic and there was a car to the side of us -- a door opened on the car and before anyone knew what was happening someone had walked from that car to the taxi and had opened the door on the taxi. Okay, I think that perhaps he made eye contact with me for a nano second before opening my door -- but there was certainly no knock, no, "bye the way ma'am, can I intrude upon your safe taxi ride and make you feel like you are in New York City about to be robbed in the middle of traffic?"
Considering he was leaning over me and talking to the female taxi driver in Chinese I had no idea what he was asking or saying -- perhaps directions? It was a wee bit terrifying. In the states having something like that happen would be cause for great alarm. I tell you, in the last couple of weeks I have come to have a huge appreciation for China's gun control laws. Citizens are not allowed to carry guns -- and I am thankful for that.
We continued driving as I recovered from my quasi heart spasms. We got near to the street where we would turn to approach my college campus and the driver was busy texting away. In a move again remniscent of being at home I gently let her know that the light had turned green -- her reaction of embarassment was pure gold. I was told by my friend that I have a great sense of humor -- I can't quite figure that one out. Because I didn't yell? Because I was still so stunned by the first incident that I didn't have my wits about me to panic at the traffic swirling about us as we sat while she communicated by modern techno?
Well, I am sure I will have other wonderful moments to share with all of you again soon enough. Oh, by the way: a wonderful gift. When my friend and I got to my apartment she was thrilled to see what a mess it was -- when she saw all of my books she immediately attributed the mess to my priorities. Learning is much more important than cleaning! :)
Today I was with a friend in a taxi. As per my practice I was in the front seat -- easier to pay for the drive that way. The taxi was stopped in traffic and there was a car to the side of us -- a door opened on the car and before anyone knew what was happening someone had walked from that car to the taxi and had opened the door on the taxi. Okay, I think that perhaps he made eye contact with me for a nano second before opening my door -- but there was certainly no knock, no, "bye the way ma'am, can I intrude upon your safe taxi ride and make you feel like you are in New York City about to be robbed in the middle of traffic?"
Considering he was leaning over me and talking to the female taxi driver in Chinese I had no idea what he was asking or saying -- perhaps directions? It was a wee bit terrifying. In the states having something like that happen would be cause for great alarm. I tell you, in the last couple of weeks I have come to have a huge appreciation for China's gun control laws. Citizens are not allowed to carry guns -- and I am thankful for that.
We continued driving as I recovered from my quasi heart spasms. We got near to the street where we would turn to approach my college campus and the driver was busy texting away. In a move again remniscent of being at home I gently let her know that the light had turned green -- her reaction of embarassment was pure gold. I was told by my friend that I have a great sense of humor -- I can't quite figure that one out. Because I didn't yell? Because I was still so stunned by the first incident that I didn't have my wits about me to panic at the traffic swirling about us as we sat while she communicated by modern techno?
Well, I am sure I will have other wonderful moments to share with all of you again soon enough. Oh, by the way: a wonderful gift. When my friend and I got to my apartment she was thrilled to see what a mess it was -- when she saw all of my books she immediately attributed the mess to my priorities. Learning is much more important than cleaning! :)
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