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A Day in the Life - Taxicab Drama - Shanghai - China
While moving down the narrow street, the traffic continues to flow somewhat fluidly until our taxicab is brought to an abrupt stop. The unexpected pause is not unusual in this city full of disruptions; however, as usual, I curiously poke my head forward hoping to get a glimpse of the latest obstruction. Seemingly conducted horns blaring from all directions pollute the air. My taxicab driver begins to impatiently squirm in his seat, at first quietly muttering frustrations from under his breath. I notice that his left leg begins to bounce up and down as his disapproval builds. He soon joins the masses and begins cursing those ahead along with the other disgruntled drivers who have also been temporarily halted.
Catching a glimpse from ahead, I notice that what began as a small cluster of people in front of the stopped vehicles has quickly grown to a rather substantial crowd gathered in the middle of the street. In fact, people kept coming from every direction.
I asked my taxi driver if he had seen what had occurred. He disgustedly recounted the event. "The stupid driver hit the man on the bicycle. The policeman is here to end the argument."
Interesting. My taxicab driver had obviously sided with the bicyclist, despite the fact that he too was a driver. One of many unique things about China: the rights of the bicycler seem to outweigh those of the vehicle operator.
The driver continued to explain, "All the people are coming to give their opinion of what happened." As quickly as he had finished these words, he too was shouting at the top of his lungs, poking his head from the window in order to vocalize his thoughts on the situation.
Another interesting comment. A vast array of observers was gathering at the scene. Some appeared to be passing bicyclers, others wandering to the dispute seemed to be pedestrians, but the most intriguing participating bunch was those emerging from the shops and small residences lining the streets. None of these people, however, seemed to have first handedly witnessed the accident.
What surprised me about the ongoing drama was the intent participation of each additional spectator. It was nearly impossible that these people had all seen the collision; yet, they all seemed to take personal interest in the "justice" of the aftermath. Almost as shocking was the fact that the police officer that had attended the accident seemed interested in the spectators’ input! However, the initial concern, a continual progression of traffic, had somewhere been lost in the commotion of the accident. What began as an momentary pause was beginning to look like a long afternoon drama.
Instances like these occur daily in China. Patience and flexibility are essential if you’re planning to visit. Each time something like this happened to me, I immediately fell into the “impatient American” state of frustration. With time, however, I have learned to sit back and watch the show. Free entertainment surrounds you when you visit the Far East!
By Tara Russell |
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