Walking along a busy footpath (sidewalk for my North American friends) yesterday, it dawned on me that the footpaths in China must have more uses than the footpaths in virtually anywhere in the world.
They are so commonly used for social activities that they appear to almost be an extension of peoples living space.
Here is a list of things that I have seen a foot path be used for:
- Spittoon
- Carpark
- Cycleway
- Bike parking
- Garbage bin
- Drain - mop buckets, left over drinks and chamber pots (only in the old town areas)
- Dish washing area
- Storage area
- Food preparation area - like the guy I saw plucking a chicken the other, less than 1 meter away from the traffic on Xizang Nan Lu
- Restaurant
- Product displays
- Market
- Clothes line
- Playground
- Sunbaking for the oldies on a sunny winter day
- Pet `litter' tray
- Card tournament venue
- Smoking room
- Mothers clubs
- Toothbrushing sink
- Hair washing basin
- Barber
- Shoe shining
- Hawking
- Obstacle course
- Sitting on to watch the world go by
- Walking - almost forgot
- Scooter repairs
- Photocopier repairs
- Beggars workspace
- Toilet
The one thing that I have noticed that is missing from the footpaths - I have never really come across buskers - no cute kids playing the violin or hippies playing Simon & Garfunkle on the acoustic guitar - maybe not allowed.
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