Cars

A lot of people have asked what we are doing with our cars AND, will we get a car when we are there? Well...we already sold Andre's car. We sold it to a friend and it worked out perfectly with the exception that we are now down to one car and have been since the end of June. After many forgetful incidences in which we both made plans, we are finally used to one vehicle. Although I will never be used to getting up so early to take Andre to work if I need the car!! :) My car on the other hand is being purchased by Andre's Mom & Dad. They wanted something they could tow behind the motorhome, and thought our car would be ideal for that. They will be taking the car whenever we finally get out of here!! Now, if we could just sell our house that easily!! ;)
Now, about driving in China...if we wanted to die we would probably undertake this feat. However, we aren't prepared to end our lives just yet. So in the mean time, we will have a car allowance from Klipsch. We will be tracking our transportation for the first 3-5 months of living there and then we will come up with an appropriate allowance. I would imagine that if we were to have company, or if we were traveling to another city (Shenzen for shopping anyone?) we would get a driver/car for the day. We might do that a couple of times a month, but other than that most of our transport will take place via taxi.
Traffic is very crazy in the city. You have to witness it firsthand to REALLY understand. Our traffic laws are just guidelines in China. You will frequently see people crossing over double yellow lines to pass a long row of traffic. As Andre says, if you don't make eye contact with the other driver, you do not have the right of way. You literally feel like you are going to be in an accident at least 2 times per trip...even more if you are going farther. I thought this would make me nervous, but it was actually kind of fun. Think...driving on an obstacle course...with about 1,000 other people. Any takers? :)