Getting around in China

July 10, 2008
Riding in a taxi here is an indescribable experience. The cars come within inches of each other. There is often 4 or 5 cars heading for the same lane, and they just squeeze each other out. We can’t communicate with the driver, there are no seatbelts, and you have no idea where he is taking you. No one seems to get angry or frustrated. It is truly better to sit in the back so you don’t see what is happening. Surprisingly there are very few accidents

July 14, 2008
Had the wildest ride of my life in a taxi tonight on the way to meet our new friends. Every time in taxi here is a really wild experience, but this was truly extraordinary. The cab driver was swerving all over the road. When there was a traffic jam, he swerved into the oncoming lane and literally drove along the double line between the two lanes of traffic. I was in the front seat and would give a lot for a video of what it looked like. Hollywood has nothing on these drivers here. I could not help but sigh and Ooh, and Ahh at every wild turn of his wheel. I know the drivers must have fun scaring these naive American Ladies. Another day…another experience.

This wiring was on Nanjing Street in Shanghai. It is a major shopping street for Chinese and foreigners alike. I could not believe how the wiring is arranged.
When driving or walking along the streets this is a common street sign.

I could not get a good picture of the bikes on the street. However there are bikes everywhere.