No Need for Lanes

I told cc there is no reason for theme parks here; the cab rides serve the purpose well.

Here's a list of motor skills that don't exist in Shanghai: use of side mirrors, use of rearview mirror, attention to speed limits, the ability to stay in your lane, the "fast lane" (they are all fast), courtesy to pedestrians, the two-to-three second rule, and fucking safety.

Here's what drivers do possess in Shanghai: ability to lay on the horn, constant flashing of highs, the need to come within inches of bumper-to-bumper contact, ability to cut people off every 3-5 seconds, and the misuse of seatbelts (they don't use them).

By the way, if you don't jump the green light, people will let you know it's your turn. Think honking at your friends as a joke, but being completely serious about it.

Needless to say, crossing the street is one of my least favorite activities at this point. Why? Apart from the above reasons, eye-to-eye contact with a driver is a signal that you see them and are getting out of the way, not that they should slow down to let you cross. Get hit? Your fault!