Minor road observations...

One of my favorite experiences while being in China right now is the driving experience. I love it when we do any traveling from city to city, near or far. It give me a chance to see what China is really like for the average person. I know its hard to see what life is really like from a car window of coarse, but things are very different while driving. Its interesting to see farmers at work in their fields, especially when their fields are in the middle of a city. It also amazes me and impresses me to see the style of tools being used. It just proves that modernization of chemicals and machinery doesn't always have to be used to create and maintain a well functioning farm. Now these farmers may not be well off by any means, but they do make a living by doing their farm work. Its also interesting to hear about how a lot of small villages, and farmers want to have their land repossesed by the government. I heard from one of the program directors that they want this because they will be compensated very heavily by the government and given housing in a city where they can work a high paying job. I feel in America, nobody wants to lose their land, but here that's what they hope for. The living wants of people are very different here, just the foundation of the way they think about their lives is so far from what we want in America. It is exciting to talk to locals, in and out of college scene, about topics such as these to hear what everyone has to say. Another observation I made was how different each city is from one another. It seems when I'm in America, every city has places that look very similar to one another. Here in China, you can tell exactly where you are, just by looking at the buildings and people. Also, Nothing seems to be standardized, like road width, or shoulder width. And the traffic is insane! If there is one thing I've learned about the roads here is that there are very little respect for traffic laws, and its every man (or girl) for himself. I also learned that Americans are not very good drivers compared to the Chinese. Even though it may be crazy, its rare that any cars are dented or even scratched. I've only seen one accident since my time here. Crossing the road is like a real life game of frogger. I felt like I've never been more scared to cross the road, but have never felt more comfortable walking head on into rushing traffic. Driving or walking the streets is an experience to say the least. I'm gonna miss the crazy roads when I get home, except for when I'm riding my bike that is... Chad Schrandt