Lessons about China in a simple case of swapped bikes

At 6 pm, as I leave the office to go to dinner, I look to the right and see there are no rental bicycles. I turn left — zero bikes! The feeling is almost as shocking as realizing you don't have your cellphone. Anyone who lives in China knows how complex that is.

I felt this way because I use bicycles a lot. They are so convenient and have become a daily routine.

I realize that since I started living in other countries, the bicycle has become my favorite means of transportation to nearby places, as well as for longer trips on weekends. The benefits are multiple, starting with the feeling of well-being after pedaling for a long time. Let's say that I don't play sports often or go to the gym and cycling is one of my favorite exercises.