This is China

There are some moments that hit you over the head in a reminder that China, though currently riding a wave of power and success, is still very much a developing country. Remember the most dangerous job in the world? Well, this morning my concern for these guys proved valid. En route to a bookstore, I saw a crowd of people gathered at the bottom of a tall building. A window washer had fallen and was laying on the ground.

The scene was upsetting, with just too many people standing around doing nothing (myself included, I suppose). But what upset me the most was the fact that these men had been working in terribly unsafe conditions. To me, it showed a complete disregard for human life.

The end of the story: the victim was carried by his two buddies into a cab. Because cabs are faster than ambulances in getting to the nearest hospital.

The Most Dangerous Job in the World?

A while ago, I posted about some of the crazy jobs locals have taken on, one of which was washing the windows of high-rise buildings. This weekend, I finally got some decent photos of these professionals in action, and I'd dare say it might be the most dangerous job in the world, don't you think? 

Here's what we saw out our window while eating breakfast Saturday morning.  

Now keep in mind that we're on the 36th floor. 

Some ropes and a small piece of wood keep this man suspended more than 500 feet above ground. At a certain point, things didn't seem to be going according to plan and, I swear, he was at a 45 degree angle. I couldn't look.  

Here are some more washers at work at our neighborhood Uniqlo (one of my favorite stores in these parts; but I digress).