Weather - 'Tis Nobler In The Mind
by Delilah Sheraton
For the most part, Beijing residents are subjected to nasty weather. Unlike Sunny Kunming or Seasonable Suzhou, people don't visit China's capital for its pleasant climate. Icy cold winters, harsh spring dust storms, steamy summers and abruptfully chilling falls consistently drives most of the city's inhabitants indoors.
Yet this doesn't seem to tread on the resilience of Beijing citizens. No matter if the temperature is 38 or -8, it is still common to find the streets filled with people, and the parks are always, always full of old people. "Mah jong, tai chi, and waltzing are much more satisfying in public," said Li Aiyi, 72, during an early morning snowfall the other day. Li was stretching on the monkey bars in Ditan Park while giving her statement. Yet for the most part, bad weather (tianqi) tends to drive many people indoors. This factor can lead to cabin fever. Reports have shown 7 out of 10 Beijing residents are afflicted with this disorder. Doctors have indicated the following as side effects:
-HeadachesAccording to recent reports, it appears that the city of Beijing only has nine days of fair weather per year. Unfortunately, meteorology science being what it is, the exact dates are a bit unpredictable. However, researchers do believe the dates will fall somewhere in May, and then perhaps a few more come October. So mark your calendars, and get out there!
-Anti-social behaviour
-Depression
-Internet addiction
-Excessive DVD consumption
-Weight gain
-Lethargy
-Insomnia
-Heavy drinking