User Comments - RJ

Posted on: No Wonder!

you beat me pete

Posted on: No Wonder!

独身  du2 shen1 or 单身 dan1 shen1 is unmarried or single bachelordom.

Posted on: Getting a Driver's License

dedsall78,

I know what you mean. Get that 10 ft even if there is total gridlock for the next 5 miles. Sometimes it just doesnt make sense. Its a mind set.

I wonder what the stats on traffic accidents looks like compared to other countries. Maybe China needs a national govt sponsored driver's Ed program. How many countries dont allow foreign visitors to drive? I think China is unique in this. What exactly are they trying to say?

Posted on: Getting a Driver's License

Joachim - yes, its my understanding that you need a residence permit to get a drivers license.

Posted on: Getting a Driver's License

I am still looking for a copy of the driving rules study book in English and Chinese. The bookstores dont carry it and I never make it to the 车管所.

Driving in China reminds me of the bumper car ride but without actual contact. Actually its classic Chinese queing rules transferred to cars. They signal intent by leaning in that direction and its as if there is an invisible force field that they all can feel because no one makes eye contact. If you do, you loose. Its one big game of "chicken". He who has the most nerve wins. What is amazing is that it seems to "work". Its fascinating to watch a good cab driver. They will sacrifice much just to gain 10 ft even if it puts them in the wrong lane. The lane change is then the next challenge. Unlike the west, horns are usually used without malice. Its just a another tool. I have become quite used to it and missing a bus by 3/8 inch actually makes me feel good now. Great driver, look how close he got without touching. If you drove western style in China, you would probably cause many accidents. I look forward to a day when I can give it a try. I think.

Posted on: A Very Special Day

Ken,

You are right about the community activity. The community here is unique, and a large part of what I find wonderful about cpod. It is a great pleasure to meet and interact with such high caliber people from all over the world. As for lesson 2000 - I have a goal. Advanced level. We'll see what happens.

Posted on: A Very Special Day

Oh and Henning - I will be here for 10,000 ... God willing. Advanced in age and advanced in level. We should all meet in SH for this occaision. At the current rate, what will be the 10,000 lesson date?

Posted on: A Very Special Day

Well what can I say that hasnt been said. All good and all true. It has been a real pleasure to watch the growth in professionalism at cpod. I cant imagine it getting better, but Im sure it will.

RJ

Posted on: Transliteration into Chinese and the Long Pinky Fingernail

I grew the nail once just to see what reaction I would get. Americans just dont get it and my wife hated it. Big time. I like the "no labor"  "high class" story, maybe I will try it again.

RJ

Posted on: I'm pregnant!

I have several children but was never sick in the morning. Spend most of my time zoned out however. I guess that explains why I dont find the expansion sentences strange at all. Maybe they just dont translate into British very well. Im so glad we fixed english. It was such a mess :-)