Visiting 3 of the largest cities in the world (Tokyo, Seoul and Beijing) with a total population of ca 70 million, we must conclude that there are no problem getting around even when the language is so different, and the locals do not speak English at all.
Author Archives: olemw
Noise
At the great wall of China, we experienced that one Chinese family of 5 made more noise than a hole preschool class in Norway. So much for a quiet time on the big wall.
Attitude
Attitude and social understanding are very different in Japan, South Korea and China. Japan as quiet and very polite, where there is nearly no talking on trains or undergrounds and people was always concerned about you. South Korea was always using their mobile phone, and did not care about bumping into a child or others (do not say sorry). In China there are a lot of noise everywhere. People are shouting all the time, but people seems to care when they bump into each other.
Smog
We experienced nearly no smog during our stay in Beijing. The city has totally changed since year 2000. There was only electric bicycles and motor bikes, even the smallest cars were electric – with no pollution. But still a great number of polluting cars.
Traffic rules in China
I believe that there are no traffic rules in China. Don’t trust green walking light, the most offensive car wins the ground. Still we experienced no accidents:)
Transport in Beijing
In Beijing we did not see any lorry or truck during daytime – there was no space for them. All delivery was done during night.
That’s a fact…
Katie Melua sings: There are 9 million bicycles in Beijing,that’s a fact….. After a visit I will sing: There are 9 million cars in Beijing, that’s a fact…. It is not as romantic, but still the fact.
Walking
Watch up for motorcycles on the pavement in South Korea, it seems to be no rules stopping them from driving fast with motorcycles where ever they want.
Driving
After entering our 6th country, we experience for the first time that that you are supposed to drive on the right hand side. Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Japan all drive on lefts side of the road.
Sustainable development?
In Japan there are a lot of workers that perform work that in the west has been removed, like 4 people to operate a lorry. 3 with helmet trying to guide the driver and keep other people on secure distance. What will happen with Japan when all these kinds of jobs disappear? Will the new generation accept to do this kind of job?