"Suicide Alley"
Between the university hotel and "Teaching Building Two" runs an alley, created by new construction between what will be again a beautiful tree-lined Chengdu road, that does more bicycle, motorcycle, scooter, pedestrian and occasional taxi traffic than anything I've encountered!
This quiet picture was taken at 6:30 AM, just before my daily morning Chinese conversation practice with Legion.
Some of the new-to-China-teachers have dubbed this "Suicide Alley". And although I'm long past most Chinese traffic stories, I will admit that "in the gloaming" - that time just between dusk and night - I've seen several collisions, angry arguments and vehicles made inoperable. Night travel is less treacherous as all are more cautious.
Inspired by Michelle's "The Sound of Blooming" movie, which we watched today in three classes, I've created a short documentary clip - "Suicide Alley" 0:55 (13.9 MB, MOV) - of what I consider moderate traffic. Have fun in Calgary Michelle! :)
I don't present such content in an ironic way, as I might once have. Instead I've found that I've come to enjoy the bustle of such crowded Chinese settings, the constant flow of life and community around me. And sometimes perhaps even feel a little uncomfortable without it.
[Briefly blogging at Chengdu's University of Electronic Science and Technology]
Comments
I keep replaying "Suicide Alley." So much traffic! So many people!
Posted by: depue | August 2, 2006 02:13 AM
I keep the movie as a memory for my fresh year.So as any other English major student in your class. I really enjoy the course of shooting it and the old precious days you teached us. 加油，Steven!^_^
Posted by: Michelle | August 2, 2006 03:05 PM
Really impressive. If I could survive on this street, I think I would be very proud of myself. And I notice it's 6:30, so I doubt whether all the passengers have good sleep last night. Or otherwise, it would be really a suicide experience.
Posted by: Ellen | August 2, 2006 11:22 PM
yes. it is true in China. bustling street. anyway we ve already get used to it. we r supermen and women.
Posted by: Emma | August 3, 2006 09:54 PM
I am very happy to have a good holiday with you!
I want to know more about your life in china and hongkong.Could you tell me some about it?
And could you send me our photos?
Thank you!
Posted by: hanson | August 4, 2006 11:40 AM