Over the last few weeks I have quickly adapted to driving in the mayhem of Shenzhen’s traffic scene. I think the two best things so far are being able to listen to the music I like and controlling the a/c! Almost got knicked by a bus the other night but Pei Lin’s shout averted twisted metal. Am certain there will be many more close calls, but hoping my excellent driving skills and quick reaction times will continue to keep them just that, close calls.
When I started driving I was a little scared about parking. The same feelings/anxiety I experienced way back when I moved to Shenzhen when taking a taxi and not knowing where I was going started to surface. Most of my driving has been around areas that I know and feel comfortable with and so far haven’t had any bigger issues then parking farther away then necessary because I didn’t look harder for a parking garage. I did get ticked at our apartment complex because they wouldn’t allow me a monthly pass because we are moving so I had to pay every time entering and leaving. That really irritated me and one day when I parked on the street to run up and get something Pei Lin had a talk with them and I haven’t had to pay by they day since. Not sure what he said but they are saluting stronger and have the gate on its way up when I am approaching. Too bad that won’t last but a few more days. Anyway, the parking anxiety I had feared seemed unjustified and quickly disappeared.
Today, I drove downtown to 10,000 elephants city to have lunch with a friend and former coworker. After eating at a nice Thai restaurant, Jude wanted to see my car and I of course didn’t mind showing it to him! I was going to drop him off at his office and then head back to work. When we got down to the parking gate, I put my card in the machine and had my 5RMB ready to pay but the machine spit it back out. The guard walked over and when he saw me he dipped lower to see if I was alone. When he saw Jude he started talking really fast and indicated it was necessary to pay somewhere else. The guard plopped down a cone behind the car and Jude hopped out and ran somewhere to pay and came back with the validated card. At least there was a second lane and we were inside so there weren’t a lot of gawkers. Jude came back with a validated receipt and headed to work while I went back to my office. If I had been alone I wonder if the guard would have just let me go?? Thanks for the help Jude!
I may be able to get somewhere, I just won’t be able to get out!
Maybe you just need to know more rules of park in Shenzhen, like today, when you parked more than one hour, you need pay first, then go for your car and leave.
Maybe you just need to know more rules of parking in Shenzhen, like today, when you parked more than one hour, you need pay first, then go for your car and leave.
Well noted and whole heartedly agree Jude! Further proof I do not, in fact, know everything.
If you are alone, they will let you go or they will take your cash and help you to pay, you know what? here is China, you are American!
It is easy to forget I am a foreigner in a foreign land sometimes. Thanks for continuing to teach me the correct ways to “be Chinese”!
You’re brave to attempt driving in this city. I can’t imagine parking really being much easier… but can it be worse than finding a spot in New York?