Things are almost normal here in Shanghai.  The sun still comes up in the morning, and rain is a given about every four days.  But something strange has been happening lately.  I think we are all going crazy.  Some people think they are in Iraq and are wearing gas masks; others think they are on the moon and are wearing space suits; still others think they are doctors and wear rubber gloves as if they are ready for their next examination; and I am beginning to think that every day is Halloween.  Yes, I think we are all going a little crazy here in China.  

Not that I mind this delusional behavior...I am basically living my life how the experts say not to.  I go shopping on the weekend, eat out a lot, take public transportation, take the elevator at work, and never go to the hospital when I feel sick.  Everyone is so frightened by SARS (which really stands for: Shanghai's Air Really Stinks) that everyone stays home on the weekends, eats at home, takes taxis, takes the stairs at work, and goes to the hospital with the first cough (like I really want to go where all the sick people are going).  

I have found myself very alone in my backwards lifestyle.  Hope everyone doesn't wise up and stop listening to the experts.  I am really counting on being the only tourist on Chongming Island the during the Labor Day break. On the recent rare occasion I find myself crowded in an elevator or subway car, I simply let out a few dry hacks and mumble something about my trip to Hong Kong last week, and I seem to suddenly get the personal space I need. If anything positive has come from SARS in my mind, I would have to say it is nice to see the masses valuing health and clinging to life in general.

People I thought were depressed and suicidal a few months ago are washing their hands more often and backing away from people who cough.  I have found that to be a breath of fresh air--and that is hard to come by these days.

Michael Carson