During my basketball trips to the Asian countries, predominantly China, it was really amazing to experience the way the different cultures live, especially with so many people jammed into such a small area. Tens of millions living their lives for the most part completely happy, but most living in what we in Australia would consider to be squalor.
There is the extremely wealthy and the extremely poor, but doesnt seem to be anything in between. A classic example of this was when we were on our way to a game in the bus and drove past a small shanty town on the side of the road made out of scraps of wood, cardboard, tin and what ever else they had found. It was right at the base of a large hotel complex and they had somehow hooked up some huge wires to the hotels satellite TV, and in the tiny make-shift house they had a large TV that the whole family was gathered around watching ESPN, luxury! Just an incredible contrast of wealth wherever you look, especially in the big cities like Beijing.
A few photos from some of those trips -
There are surely more comfortable places for a nap, but I guess when you share the streets with millions its probably the only safe place.
Im sure O.H & S would be ok with this. Job description - courier driver wanted, must not get rear ended!
An average size suburban street in downtown Beijing. Rooms with a view.
When you think your car is getting too small and you need an upgrade, spare a thought for this family. After I took this photo I actually spotted a scooter wiz past with a family of 5 plus a dog on it!
The shop that has everything! Just dont expect to be able to find anything.
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