...I walk. After lunch from about 12:30 to 2pm, it is a good assumption that the majority of China is napping. Turns out Mexico isn't the only nation who believe in siestas. During this time, China doesn't seem as populated as it really is. The streets are almost bare and there is an unusual calmness throughout the town. Many of us foreigners actually plan on going to the grocery store during "nap time" to avoid the crowds. We have learned to schedule meeting with students from 2:30pm on in the afternoon if we expect to actually spend time with that person. All of the offices on campus and many of the small side stores are closed. Or in some cases, the store is open but the person working is, in fact, sleeping. Of course you don't want to wake them up so instead you choose not to buy anything and try to slip out without being heard. The elementary, middle and high schools actually let the students out for lunch- they go home, eat and then take a nap. School resumes at 2:30pm. Workers will pull their carts over, on the sidewalk, hop in back, kick their feet up, put their hat over their eyes and enjoy their nap. Its not uncommon to see taxi's, or other random cars, pulled over, windows down, and seats reclined.
Our students and other Chinese friends are a little confused as to why we don't nap during this time. They ask us with perplexed looks "what will you do instead?" as if napping is the only option during this time and to think of doing something else would be - foreign. Guess that's why they call us foreigners
As for myself. I take full advantage of this time. I really enjoy walking but dont prefer to go on walks when ever where I walk in Baoding I am stared at. I understand that it could be the one and only time during their entire life that they actually see a foreigner, but I just want to go on a normal walk. So, when they are all sleeping...I walk.
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