Are you sitting comfortably? Good, then I'll begin.

So this is my first ever weblog.  I'm not quite sure what to write or to whom I should write.  I think I'll just let rip and see where it takes me...

Right now I'm in Guangzhou / Canton and it's hot.  Not only is it hot, but it's also humid.  Not only is it hot and humid, but it's also polluted.  In a word, life here is uncomfortable.  There's a choice between sweating heavily, which I accidentally found out is a good hangover cure, and being subjected to relentless air-conditioning.  I try to find a healthy balance between the two.

Still, the city has a lot of character once one scratches beneath its grimy surface.  The streets are a people-watcher's heaven, and a biologist's dream.  People here eat, sit, work, talk, spit and piss on the streets.  It's best to always keep an eye on where one walks, in order to avoid standing or slipping on some unidentified lying object.   Trying to cross the street is like a game of chess, with each player, whether they be on foot or at the wheel, sizing up their opponents, watching for indications of the next move.  A slow advance here, a change of pace and a swift jump there and your feet land on the (relative) safety of the other side of the road.  Crossing the street here makes an emotional appreciation of ones life an almost hourly event!

So that's just a small taste of everyday life in Guangzhou.  I look forward to trying to put into words a few more of the city's sights, sounds and flavours soon.

Comments

[Dave]

Mate, impressed by the site. Well done. Sounds like China is still chugging along as per usual.
There's no doubt that your site will become one of 'my regulars'. Keep it up homeboi.
Dave

[Haohao]

I read your blog as reading stories, however, when I added this link to my favourites, and saw the name of 'suriving' packing among the other Chinese topics, the sense of seriousness emgered.
I sometimes felt nervous to read foreign people's comments on China, either appreciation, accusation, nor despite would meet my agreement. Maybe after several decades, both Chinese and Foreigners would look at this turbulent epoch with acceptance and thoughfulness.
ohyea, very much like your reviews, though never got to read them.
Bon Courage, on both blog and life.

[Pistol Pete]

Good to see you have still got your wits and your wit about you fella. Doesent sound so different from the rugged streets of Newton Aycliffe if you ask me! Good to see those last comments for an alternate prospective, though i lost what he was on about for a bit there, very philosophical! Cant wait for the next instalment. Hope all is well, take care! PISTOL P