In Search of Silence

 

China is a noisy place. There is no escaping the constant assault on your ears! Traffic sounds penetrate to most serene looking parks, construction sounds are everywhere. In fact, I would pretty much place money on the fact that our entire city seems to be under construction.

If "development" sounds aren't enough, there are more! Our apartment building is next to the music department. As soon as you walk out of our building, you can hear all the voice majors practicing, as well as other instruments being played. Yes, there are somewhat soundproof practice rooms, but they are stifling hot and everyone opens the windows. The resulting sounds are not those of a symphony!

Our bedroom window overlooks a cardboard recycling area. Trucks come and go all day and all night. Whenever a truck is in reverse, a very loud "BE CAREFUL, VEHICLE REVERSING" (in Chinese) blares out. While it's nice to have the warning when you are walking by, it's not very nice at 4:30 in the morning when you are trying to sleep!

Breaks between classes are filled with loudspeaker announcements or the news being broadcast. Then, when announcements are news are finished, music is played.

It's almost as if people are afraid to be alone with their thoughts.

This picture was taken next to a fountain area where people (mostly senior citizens) gather and play cards, mahjong, chess, etc. There are the usual collection of knitters, grandparents chasing little ones, etc. Not necessarily quiet, but also, not as noisy as many other locations.

It was obvious that this man wanted nothing to do with the crowds. He set his little chair in the small yard and parked himself in such a manner that only the closest of friends would approach him. However, the only thing "wrong" with this picture is that he was right next to the preschool/kindergarten . . . with all the accompanying sounds of screaming, laughing kids!

I took a closer look at him . . . how could he be next to all that noise as an "escape"? Earphones! He isolated himself from interruption and surrounded himself with his self-selected sounds.

I want some place that is truly silent. I keep threatening my family that I'm going to take off for the most remote corner of our province for a full 24 hours just so I don't have to talk to anyone or listen to anyone. Heck, I think I'd settle for just six hours of complete silence!