The phrase “When in Rome, do as the Romans do” are undoubtedly words of wisdom…in some cases. For example, in Rome. Yes, when you are surrounded by beauty, culture, history and pasta, living your life as a Roman seems just fine indeed.
In China, however, the mantra should be followed sparingly. We have decided to be a bit more choosy than we would be, say, in the hills of Tuscany. For example, while we are embracing the art of bargaining, we are steering clear of public spitting. Chinese food, if eaten every day, would produce two extremely plump Laws. (As it is, Hannah already finds herself a disturbing “XXL” in Chinese boutiques, with unforgiving sales girls pinching arms and saying “You. Too big. Go home.” Excellent.)
However, as we started this adventure with the promise that we would dive into it wholeheartedly, we took a big step this weekend towards keeping that promise.
We bought bikes.
Riding a bike in Shanghai is an interesting mixture of a seemingly death-defying stunt…and a realistically practical mode of transportation. Not to worry (mom, dad), the city is remarkably supportive of the biking population. Bike lanes abound, and cars are constantly on the lookout for us. Let’s just say, you are never more alert, and mindful of your life, than when crossing an intersection in the French Concession.
Biking to our Sunday errands, and learning the ways of the road, dare we say…we’re starting to get the hang of things!
