I enjoyed the article written by John Hedin – “Enjoy the Journey.” It touched on things that I have struggled with in adapting to the local culture. I say “local” because I expect things may well be different in other parts of China.

Going with the flow in Zhuhai is a necessary adaptation for survival here. I used to feel offended when cars, bicycles, and pedestrians would cut in front of me or when boarding a bus. In my culture such actions would be considered rude and selfish; even in our crowded cities citizens are usually willing to take the time, and have the patience, to let someone go first.

The priorities in Zhuhai are quite different -- in Canada, cars stop for pedestrians -- here the pedestrians do their best to flow through the breaks in the vehicular traffic flow. (Sometimes there are a few drivers that give us pedestrians a break and I am always grateful for the courtesy.) Of course, traffic lights make it easier for everyone.

I have also been challenged by seeing things “in my way” and have done my best to flow around them but sometimes it is difficult to do so without feeling some irritation -- one current challenge is a mound of rubble from a renovation that completely blocks the sidewalk on which I usually walk. Another is to be ever mindful to watch where I am walking so I can flow around or step over the numerous things “in my way.”

Hedin's article has been helpful to me in making a better mental adjustment to what I might otherwise see as discourtesy and a lack of consideration for others (not just foreigners). The old adage, ”When in Rome, do as the Romans do” certainly applies to foreigners in Zhuhai -- but hopefully the experiences we have to share will also help to make Zhuhai an even better place for all.