Mosquitoes are universal
To the editor:
Watching the sun rise is always a treat. On my campus at SunYat-sen University, the sun comes over the main library building. It usually starts with a lightening of the sky and then brilliant streams of light as the sun emerges over the top of the building and starts its daily climb. It’s a bit like home, with the sun coming up over the ridge between Fort Fairfield and Presque Isle. It’s sit back and enjoy the sight time.
We are now entering the flower season as the early spring blossoms are out. Lots and lots of morning glories form purple walls of blooms in some neighborhoods. Not to be outdone, there are other flowers like carnations, roses, and others too exotic to mention. The colors are loud and vibrant. Bees are starting to show up and for the most part they are in and out of flowers as fast as their wings can fly. These bees are a little thinner than our honey bees but still have that terrific yellow and black coloring that makes one stay clear of the workspace.
Small fry are to be found close to shore along the riverside, oblivious to the ships and boats on the river. Of course, this also means the mosquitoes are coming back. Yes, the mosquitoes. It is interesting to see how these vermin manipulate the system. As I ride up the elevator they rest on the sides up near the top of the box. Lazy, good-fer-nothing freeloaders that they are, you must give them some credit. First, they know how to use an elevator. Second they are adept at finding places to stand so that they do not take up a lot of space.
Also annoying is that fact that these buzzing suckers also know how to take the subway trains. And, they skip out on the fare! Perhaps the Governor should consider having the Fish and Wildlife people study how to tax the mosquito population. I watched in awe as I rode the train into downtown this weekend and saw several mosquitoes fly into the passenger compartment and land up near the ceiling. They rode a couple of stops and then flew out at the opening of the door. I know that they paid nothing for their tickets. What’s worse is that when they get happy, the mosquitoes start to sing. It would be nice if they took some singing lessons and did not try to sing while one is trying to sleep.
I do know this, mosquitoes here in Guangzhou are just like the ones back home. They can not take a high five slap.
Orpheus Allison
Guangzhou, China
orpheusallison@mac.com
