impressions of guangzhou

on the surface, guangzhou appears to be a thriving, modern metropolis. there are skyscrapers all around you - though you do see a couple of abandoned projects. the metro trains, which move people efficiently, are packed and the many shopping complexes are overflowing with people. the streets are crowded with local and foreign-made cars. young and middle aged people, all seem to possess mobile phones, some are which are of the latest model. the streets and pavements are quite free of litter.

then, as you move around, you will come to realise that the changes may be too fast for the people to keep up with. the traffic is chaotic; the lines drawn on the road seem to be non-existent to most drivers. the drivers do not like to signal but enjoy sounding the horn. the zebra crossing is an 'island' where you take risks on the road. the cars slow down but they do not stop for you.

the place is clean because the sweepers are ever ready to clear the rubbish that the people indiscriminately discard. i was at this alley shopping with ida when i watched this lady shop-owner peeling an orange for her daughter. she just threw the peels on the floor. the sweeper came around and cleared them. then, she took out another orange and did the same again. the poor sweeper had to clean it up after her.

i can imagine that most of the people live in crammed conditions within the city. dark, dingy alleys lead to their homes. some of these narrow lanes also serve as market early in the morning. those who do not have breakfast at home can get food from stalls just outside the alleys. 2 yuan could get them a hearty breakfast of beancurd and some local pancake.

mandarin is the main spoken language in guangzhou. the people are somewhat coarse but they are simple and honest.