Fuling, China District
Today is an off day – Traveling from Fuling to Zhongzou District by bus (3 hours)
Ni Hao! It’s only 11:20 am Monday morning and already it’s been an interesting day. We are in the midst of a 3 hour, 4 bus convoy to our next destination city and to say it’s been a “long windy road” would be an understatement (beep beep).
We are in an extremely rural area filled (beep beep beep) with rice fields. We seem to be winding up and down hills on a two-lane road that can suddenly become four to six lanes depending upon the number of vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians that all converge upon one point. Then (beeeeeep) throw in the random delivery truck that decides “here” is a good place to stop and you’ve got bedlam.
The (beep) general rule of thumb here is “it’ll all work out if you just HONK YOUR HORN!” As New Zealand’s coach Sean said, “I reckon we are about 4,000 or so honks from the next hotel.” He may be a few honks short…
We just stopped to stretch our legs about half way there and the Kiwi’s pulled out the Cricket bat & ball for a little “across the highway game.” They are a fun bunch to be around.
Random Observations:
-Within the past 10 miles we’ve passed (beep beep) one small village and some scattered farms but interestingly 4 basketball courts alongside the (beep) road (beep). I’m not talking about a hoop on someone’s house but a full court cement slab with (beep beep beep beep) two backboards and painted lines. So, who’s playing there?
Fuling Arena in lower right
-They allow smoking in the arena during games and it bothers me and Ryan so I’m assuming it’s bothering the players as well. I’ve noticed a couple Aussie players have inhalers for asthma so it can’t be comfortable for them.
-Sort of a “East meets West” thing, we are seeing several Rice Paddies with workers who are leading an Ox through the 4 inch deep water while pulling a plow and then we come upon a very small village with a China Mobile cell phone store. Another man was carrying a stick with two baskets, one on either end full of vegetables, over his shoulders while talking on his cell phone.
-I know, no beeps eh? Peace and quiet for a few seconds anyway.
-I wish (beep beep) I was video (beep) taping (beep) this, we are riding along a stretch of road with bricks and bamboo poles and (beep) logs scattered along each side in piles so we are weaving our way and then, BEEEEEEEP!!!, 8 huge cows tied to a log standing in our lane.
Well, we made it, dizzy and our ears are ringing but we’re here and happy to be playing ball.
Talisa Rhea has been writing a blog for the Seattle University website. It’s very interesting and you can access it here. Watch out for the fish eye fries, Talisa!
Carl, enjoyed hearing about your bus ride to Zhongzou. Glad you all made it there safely. I am sure this was truly an experience and culture shock for the girls to witness. You just dont hear stories like that back at home. Enjoyed Talisa’s blog as well. Keep the stories coming, enjoy reading them.
Teri Hackbarth
Thanks Teri, I’m sure it’s interesting experience but a good one.
Carl Berman
Yes, an experience it is! Raining hard today…playing the Kiwi’s tonight.
Chris
Chris Denker
This is a hilarious account of your travel and the narrative made me laugh until the end. I’m from the Caribbean (St. Thomas, V.I.) and the locals use their automobile horns to signal other drivers instead of the turn signals. I do agree this was quite a cultural awakening; a grueling experience for everyone. Glad you made it safely and we’ll stay tuned for more action packed adventures. Still trying to synchronize the time difference in my head; when we’re getting up, they’re sleeping… its Tuesday here but Wednesday there. By the time I get it all sorted out you and the girls will be back in the U.S. Happy Trails!
Marjorie Vanterpool
Thanks Marjorie, Glad we could make you laugh!
Carl Berman