Electricity

For the most part, I was impressed (or maybe overwhelmed is a better word) by how much money there was in Qingdao. Everything seemed shiny and clean and either new or delightfully vintage.

But on one charming little street I saw this nest of wires. It reminded me of the power poles in India. I don’t know if it’s still the case, but when I was there 20 years ago, it was common for entire villages to steal electricity by climbing the power poles and connecting wires unofficially.

I don’t know if that’s what’s happening here or if there’s another, less dangerous explanation. For the most part, I try to avoid the sort of value judgements inherent in phrases like “developed nations” and even “rich societies.” There’s enough wrong with my culture that I’m in no position to throw stones (or snide comments) at the way people do things elsewhere.

But I’m glad that scary-looking nests of wire are not part of my everyday life.