Time to Shed Layers

The transition is a fast one.  It was only a month ago that spring was still debatable.  Only ten days ago I was renting a coat for everyone so we could watch the chilly morning sunrise.  Leaving home for an appointment this morning I was grabbed a coat and considered throwing it on.  Glad I didn’t. It’s hot.  Spring feels gone, before it had even settled in. 

Yesterday in Shanghai it was hot.  But that is a whole other climatic zone.   Last night when I got in it was raining, which was pleasant to see, pleasant to smell.  Sometimes that clears everything up in the air.  You wouldn’t know it now.  There’s a thick haze everywhere.  And for the first time this year, it’s time to shed layers. 

The ride in on the airport expressway today was lightening fast, remarkably quick. I didn’t even notice as I was reading aloud to the girls and before we knew it, we we’re turning off.  At present though, on the ride back out, it’s dreadful.  I’m fearful that his may all be connected to the auto show that is on at the New Convention Center.  We’re this to be true, it’s very bad news indeed, as that is our precise destination. 

The usual routine for trips like this is head to our local burrito place on the way back home.  But today, when we get there, the turn to our taqueria will be blocked off.  The subsequent intersection will be barricaded up, as well.  It may be that a bike ride over is the best burrito strategy.

Will Beijing really have driverless vehicles in a few years as some predict?  Will the traffic then necessarily move swiftly as no human error will be possible to factor in?   What if a person with a three-wheeled cart suddenly veers out into traffic, presumably against the law?  I guess the whole line of convoyed traffic automatically accommodates, stopping if necessary but rapidly regaining speed.  Will traffic jams be like recounting horseback riding saddle sores in a few years time?  Some erstwhile perennial inconvenience that increasingly no one remembers much of, whatsoever? 

Sitting here crawling along in the heat, I am willing to trade in freedom to drive for something more efficient.  Bring it.