Best of Beijing

Fitness Oriented Populace:
Everywhere I went, there were people exercises, playing physical games, dancing etc. I saw:
Cricket, croquet, tennis, dancing, hacky sack, tai chi, cycling, jogging, kung fu practice, handstands, and just people walking.


Many methods of Cycling:
My fave were the people riding pillion on bicycles. You'd see young couples out for a date on one bike with the girl riding sidesaddle on the back of the bike. Parents ride with children in back, people transport all manner of goods using their bikes. They wear slickers in the rain and visors in the sun. There are crowds of bicycles everywhere you go. It's wonderful.

Driving:
Cars, bicycles and pedestrians all share the streets. There are many dedicated bike lanes but crossing the street is a bit difficult. Cars will start turning despite the pedestrians and bikes still crossing. The cars and trucks will just slowly edge their way through the crowd. Cars don't stay in lanes either. Lanes are just suggestions. Whoever is biggest gets the right of way. Buses are faster than cabs because they just bully their way through traffic. Drivers just assume that other cars will get out of their way.

Accent:
The Beijing accent is wonderful. Everyone sounds slightly cartoonish, as if they are tightening their vocal cords while speaking. The arrrrr sound is particularrrly distinctive. It's actually very pleasant to hear.

My rock star status:
Tall and blond, I am an object of interest to people. On the street and on the bus, people take pictures of me with their cell phones. On the wall, they'd request photos with me. I'm not sure what they will do with those photos, but I've been immortalized. Nice.