Rich In Vitamin C - China

My husband and I are in our second leg of my 18-day China trip. Already, it has been pretty eventful. I realised that C doesn’t only stand for China, but a China that is full of Constructions, Confusions, Confidence-Building and Creativity.

My friend who is staying in Guangzhou, my first stop, told me that there are currently three thousand construction projects going on at the same time – all because the city is getting ready to impress the world once again at the 2010 Asian Games, where it will play the host.

And my, there really is construction going on at every stone’s throw away. Drilling, piling and building – dust is accumulating and flying all over the air. I even wondered if the fog was due to the cold weather or the pollution, and my friend had no clear answer for me too. Not that it mattered, as I spent most of my time in doors. To be more specific, at my friend’s home.

That was also when I had the chance to watch the TV programmes. I didn’t get hooked to any (Phew!), but what caught my eye were those motivational words that just scrolled up sentence after sentence! Yes, right on the TV.

All written in Chinese, I couldn’t memorise any by now, but I remember very clearly that they were all motivational. Inspiring people to work hard for the nation’s economy; believe in the leadership; create a beautiful future – these were just some examples. How’s that? You get inspired to go out and conquer the world just by sitting at home watching TV! Nice huh?

Not only was Guangzhou full of constructions and confidence messages, it was a city filled with creativity too. Well, maybe not the kind that is Nobel-prize worthy, but many times, you really had to give it to the brains behind the mischiefs.

My friend told me that revealing the gender of the baby to the parents is not allowed due to the one-child policy. Hence, the physicians came up with an answer that is both revealing and legal at the same time. When they say “Congratulations!” it means you’re having a baby boy. Otherwise, it would be safe to assume you’re carrying a baby girl.

Want to learn how to flout the traffic rules without getting caught? They had not just one, but a few, to achieve their goals. I had the honour to witness two already.

Of course, I am very inclined to believe that their creativity is everywhere – and not just “mischevious” acts – if only I had more time to stay here. 

Compared to our law-abiding society, China is much more interesting. Though it creates more confusion, it is also a fertile ground to breed creativity and innovation. Similarly, though we have more conformity, it also kills creativity and innovation.

Well, is there a way to have the best of both worlds – to have the cake and still eat it anyway?