I’m going for an optimistic opening to this post. It’s part of a New Year’s Resolution to stop being so negative all the time. A wise old China Hand one time told me that the key to staying sane in the Middle Kingdom was a process he referred to as “thought conversion.” That is…anytime you feel the phrase “This place is F—–d” coming to the fore of your consciousness you replace it with “That’s just China!” I’ve been trying it out. Yesterday some idiot nearly ran me over with his BMW as I was crossing the bicycle lane, I smiled, said “That’s just China,” and then smacked his bumper with a bag of groceries. He slammed on the brakes, got out, and started approaching me menacingly, or rather, I think he meant to approach me menacingly until he realized I was about a foot taller and at least 9 stone heavier. He settled instead for a couple of choice words. I thanked him and smiled and repeated: “That’s just China!” I don’t think he got the joke.
I have a feeling that the people in Hong Kong this week might be having their own “That’s Just China” moment. The powers