Masters of Transportation

I have arrived in Kunming after a 20 hour train ride, that gave me some time to reflect on my trip.

I have come to the conclusion that the Chinese are masters of transportation. While this may not be apparent the causal traveler, extensive time in China will change your perspective (although i believe this may hold true for other south east Asian countries).

I Give you two examples to set my point. First off is these mastery of communication on the road. While far to complex for most travelers to understand, I have work out the intricate system of honks which Chinese motorist use to communicate to one another.

1 Honk Means... Move over i am passing you on the left.

Amazingly a single honk has multiple meanings. It can also mean.

Move over I am passing you on the Right.

Or. Move the out of the way or i am going to run you over because i am to lazy to pass you on either side.

And finally, I really don't need anything, i am just checking to make sure my horn hasn't broken in the last 30 seconds since i last used it.

While the mastery in communication is impressive by western standards, it barley compares to their ability to fit an amazing amount of things into the smallest area of a vehicle of which i use the term loosely.

No other area in the world can compete with Asia ability to fit things on the back of a motor cycle and or bicycle. I have been witness to no fewer than 50to 60 chickens on the back of a scooter that looked like it should have stop running during the cultural revolution. Seemingly held together only by some miracle of Chinese magic, and or a small child or children spread out across the cages.

Another note worthy example is the Mini bus "taxi". this "bus" not much larger than a scooter with some doors duct taped to it can accommodate no less then 10 people. I think they would go for more but i am about the size of 2 average Chinese people, so that's why i think they usually charge me extra.

For the second example i have posted a sample photo. While this guy appears to be the laziest Chinese packer, most have 3 to 4 times as many chickens, it gets the point across.