Daily Rhythms

‎Despite the choking smog of my Monday stroll (I learn later that it is attributable to a major sand storm originating in China's Gobi Desert), I continue; crossing a major thoroughfare; where the street I am following changes in name, though not direction; transitioning from Yinghuayuan Jie into ‎Hepingli Jie; a little confusing at first, despite my frequent visits and stays in Chaoyang District; but you know what they say, the streets here: "they all look the same!"

Meanwhile, people go about with daily routines; at this hour -- mid-afternoon -- it is mostly older retirees I see; with students and workers still engaged in their own academic and professional pursuits.

This is an hour of leisure, before the hazy Beijing sky loses its light‎; and darkness invites the mayhem of the City's Neon and Electronic signage to stimulate passers-by.

The outdoor produce stalls still have plenty to offer the Women planning the evening's meals; and the Men‎...???  Let's just say that despite the air quality, they won't be contributing any time soon to exploding those stereotypes about what Chinese do with their leisure time!