Miscellaneous Observations

We had a free day on Tuesday, after traveling back to Shenyang from Dalian Monday evening. We didn't do much, which was nice. Zach loves K'nex and legos. It is a great way to spend time in the hotel room. He also loves the movie "Polar Express." He has watched it all the way through several times now (in Chinese, of course!).

As we have had Zach for a week now, we are praising God for how well he has done so far. Maggie asked him the other day why he was talking in such a sweet, sing-song voice. he said it is because he is so happy! What a great thing to hear!

We know there are a lot of transitions ahead of us when we get home. Here, he can't communicate well with us, although he understands more and more each day (like "time for bed," "brush teeth," "time to eat," etc), but he can talk to Maggie, who is with us everyday. When we get home, there will be no one regularly available who can speak to him. We will see what we can do to help that situation, but it will be different.

As for being in China, we have enjoyed the chance to experience what it is like here. After being on the highways traveling by bus to Dalian and back, I have learned a few things about life on the road in China.

--Lane lines are simply suggestions, not absolutes. If you don't know which lane will go faster, simply drive in both lanes and make up your mind when you need to.

--Horns are for letting those ahead of you know that you are coming and to get out of your way. If those ahead of you are driving in both lanes, it is a way for you to tell them they need to choose the lane that is not the one you are currently in. And, many times, it is not the biggest car that wins, but the loudest, longest horn.

--If you are going to survive on the streets of China, whether as a driver, bike-rider, or pedestrian, you need to be fearless. The one who wins is the one who plays the best game of "chicken." Just because you are a pedestrian, does not give you any rights against those in cars. However, you can win your space if you simply plow right ahead as if no cars are coming.

--If you want to make a turn, it doesn't matter which lane you are in. You can make a right turn from the left-most lane of a three lane street, if you like. It simply is a matter of going where you need to go from where ever you are.

--Sidewalks are not just for pedestrians and bike riders. They can be for cars trying to get around traffic, or cars wanting to drop off passengers. Pedestrians always need to be on the lookout for cars coming up behind them as they walk along.

--Last observation about the rules of the road -- It all works! We have seen no accidents, which is amazing! Somehow, everyone is able to drive, ride and walk in harmony with everyone else. Everyone seems to have a sixth sense about what the others around them are doing so that they can avoid anything unpleasant. Fascinating!

Today, we will visit Beiling Park. We will enjoy the sights, I am sure!