Crossing the road in Beijing has possibilities as an Olympic sport. We haven’t yet worked out what the traffic signals mean, and buses and taxis don’t take too much notice of them, anyway. Basically, it seems to be a game of ‘chicken’, and can get quite exciting at times. There is definitely safety in numbers, so we follow big bunches of locals.
The wall on the right of the pic is around the Temple of Heaven, where we went yesterday. Very large and impressive, lots of tourists from around China as well as foreigners.
Sounds like Cairo. At least the locals don’t slow down in their car to stare at you and beep their horn! So do they have any round abouts or traffic lights?
Not seen any roundabouts, but lots of lights. Also traffic wardens, who seem to try to prevent people walking at the red man. Problem is, cars don’t seem to stop for the green man. Hence trying to cross with lots of others. Believe me, people are staring at us. There seem to be very few westerners around. Bought 4 pashminas today for 250 yuan ($57). She started at $180 each! I offered 250 for 4, said I could get them for that in Australia (true) then walked off. She chased us down the street! I think I could have got them for less, but to be honest I don’t want to rip them off, even though they want to rip me off! I thought that was a very fair price for her and me.
Is Rob back at work yet? I have insurance things to sort out.
No Rob is not back at work yet but he is doing some work from home. Send me an email if you like and I can forward it to him.