>Before I came to China, I hadn’t the slightest clue just how prevalent smoking is here.
A few smoking bans here or there exist, but think of them more as suggestions. Pleas, even. At a restaurant here in Beijing, each table had a sign that read, in Chinese characters and perfect English: No Smoking.
People smoked anyways. Maybe they’re illiterate?
I am sitting in the hostel’s cafe/rec room right now. There is a long couch beside me that stretches across the walls. A few minutes ago, two Chinese entered, a boy, and a girl with a hoodie that reads “Bad Boy”.
Another followed. He handed the boy a cigarette and they both lit up. Smoke fills the room.
I went back and forth as to whether or not I’d smoke tonight. Now I realize something.
I don’t need to. Just go out to any building and inhale.
You’ll get your fix. And keep your RMB.
