One huge thing I’ve noticed during this week in Beijing is the quiet understanding in this culture. I f you watch people here interact with one another, they seem to be on the same page. For example, the traffic patterns here seem to be sporadic and follow little structure, yet everyone handles it in a mannerism of little stress and a full understanding of what their motions will do to affect traffic around them. All vehicles, bikes included, appear to have regimented traffic regulations, but they all seem to function in perfect harmony.
Another demonstration of this quiet understanding is one I saw primarily at public parks throughout Beijing. Many local people go to these parks to socialize, but also to exercise. There are many groups in these areas that congregate and work in unison. Dance is very popular way to do this, and though these groups do not appear to be have a director, they all do the same motions. We watched a group of ballroom dancers at the park, all dancing the same dance, with no one leading. This seemed to be organized, but the longer we watched, the less it appeared to be true.
As an American student, I find this understanding and harmony very enlightening.
-A.Schafer, June 23, 2018
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