China - Day 217

So it's high time for another round of life lessons brought to you by the letter C. C is for China btw. Or for Courtney I suppose. And also for cookie. ("And that's good enough for me" but that's a whole other song and dance haha) Anyway, on with the show...

Life Lesson #6: The fine art of hailing a taxi

Just because there's a long line of taxis parked along the street with their availability light on, doesn't mean they're going to agree to drive you anywhere. Now call me crazy, but one would think that if a taxi is standing and waiting for business, that when business comes their way, they'd take it - but what do I know? The problem with getting a hold of a taxi doesn't just end with the ones who refuse to take you, it's also trying to hail one down as it zips on by... It's a recognized fact that there's a shortage of taxi drivers in Guangzhou, and this problem is only exacerbated come the fall of rain. Just like the Wicked Witch of the West, they seem to disappear when there's water falling from the sky. It's an unfortunate state of affairs when a girl has to stand out in the pouring rain for well over half an hour in order to catch a lift home (only to be body-checked out of the way when a taxi finally stops nearby...) No joke. I've seen it happen. It's all about survival of the fittest, and when it comes to getting a taxi in this city, it's a dog-eat-dog world!

Life Lesson #7: Supermarket vs. Mosh Pit

Just because it's called "Super" doesn't mean there's a super amount of space. I've been known to frequent a mosh pit or two in my day and let me tell you - a Pennywise circle pit ain't got nothing on the housewives at Jusco! There are elbows flying everywhere; pushing and shoving; people stepping over each other to get closer to the deli selections - it's complete and utter pandemonium! I wouldn't be surprised if one day I when I go to buy some milk that I see someone trying to bodysurf their way up to the checkout line. I'm not sure if I'm painting this picture very clearly - but point in fact: if I have to name one thing I dislike about China, it's having to go to the supermarket to buy groceries. (Hence why I rarely force myself into this situation). The advice I've been given about how to handle being pushed by someone is to push them back. Yeah right. That's all I need - to be deported from China for starting a brawl at the local grocery store haha. But apparently that's how things work here. I think I'll simply roll with the punches for now and avoid getting physical just to get to the cereals more quickly.

Life Lesson #8: Learning to take the high road

Just because people insult you and say things ruder than you'd ever imagine hearing from a stranger's mouth, doesn't mean you should respond in kind. In fact there's a theory going around that the only reason why the locals say the things they do is to see what our reactions will be. In this case it's much better to shrug off the uncouth remarks and to walk away with your head held high. (Ranting and raving about it later is perfectly acceptable, just avoid showing them that they've gotten to you).

Life Lesson #9: (Dis)Organized Chaos

Just because there appears to be a lineup to get on the elevator doesn't mean that people will enter in a neat and controlled manner. (Likewise for trying to get on an escalator...) I feel as though there's a thin line between order and chaos here, and often what one initially mistakes for organization is later revealed to be unmitigated disarray. As soon as those doors slide open - it's every man, woman, and child for themselves. Akin to trying to wade your way through the aisles at the supermarket, it's all about the "people mountain people sea" (translate: crowd) and getting *through* the person in front of you (as opposed to, you know, around...). The worst by far though has got to be the metro. Because not only are people trying to press their way on board before the doors shut, but they're also vying for one of those oh-so-coveted seats. People, who may be considered to be upstanding citizens in any other right, are known to cut to the front of the "line" just so that when the train stops and the doors are open wide enough they can make a mad dash for the last available spot on the bench. There's also a general lack of understanding about the off-first-then-on way of doing things. If there's a method to the madness I have yet to uncover what it may be...

Life Lesson #10: Getting comfortable with your newfound celebrity status

Just because you've never been in a movie or on TV; released an album or been on the cover of a famous magazine, doesn't mean people won't try and stop you to have their photo taken with you. Being Caucasian (or of any other non-Asian decent for that matter) in China automatically means that you're an oddity. You might as well carry around a sign or dance a little jig in the middle of a shopping mall, because you are now a source of amusement and entertainment. Just for being who you are. You need do nothing more than continue with your usual day-to-day activities of riding the metro, eating lunch, walking down the street, etc... People are going to stare. And point. And whisper to their friends. And laugh. And then quite possibly expect you to smile happily and pose for a photo so that later they can show their other friends at school or at work that they saw... *gasp* a foreigner! Now I know China has only recently, (comparatively speaking), opened it doors to the rest of the world, but in all fairness it *has* been over 20 years now. People of my generation shouldn't be so obvious. I mean, I too have been known to give someone the up and down as well, but come on now, be subtle about it! I can see you gawking at me. Don't misinterpret me here. If someone wants to practice their English and say "hello" to me, then I'm all for giving them a smile and a polite greeting, but what I can't stand is the pointing and staring. If you have something to say, then say it; if not, then find some other shiny object to keep you amused. Unlike the true celebrities of our time, I'm not paid enough to deal with crazy fans and paparazzi.

Rage on rage on. Haha no no, I'm only kidding (half, anyway). Most of the time things are just fine and dandy here, without any mishaps or unusual events. I'm enjoying my time here and am glad to be learning the lessons that I have, because I think it's making me a more... well-rounded person... I look forward to taking in more "useful" life lessons in my remaining months.