I wrote a while ago about how boring Japan was and that I missed China when I was there. Every day in China, there’s some madness which makes you smile (and sometimes curse). You never know what you will see when you step out of your house.
If you head into the parks, of course you are bound to see singing and dancing but I never expected it on the way to Yong Kang Lu to have my usual coffee and croissant breakfast in my favourite French cafe. Out side the chicken shop, near the cigarette seller who doubles as a money changer, was the sound of music and a group of early morning market-goers gathered around.
I listened for a while and gave a thumbs up (which I think they appreciated) but just as I was reaching into my pocket for a low denomination banknote I could not see a bowl in which to chuck it. These three were doing it just for the hell of it. There was no reason for their singing and playing than to satisfy themselves and to bring some enjoyment to passers-by.
I challenge you to go to Japan and see something heartwarming or hilarious or bewildering every day.
That’s why China, and Shanghai in particular, is a great place to hang out for a while. We all wonder where on earth we could possibly live if not here – where in the world is more exciting and strange and funnier than China?