Whats the best way to ruin a weekend?

Wreck a government vehicle...

Yea! I'm finally getting caught up in my postings. We are now in the month of May.

On May 1st and 2nd, I went to Tianjin on a business trip. Tianjin is just a couple hours away from Beijing.

On the way out of town, I was involved in a minor traffic accident... You've probably already guess it, "I was hit by a woman driver." Note the stuffed animals in the rear window.

Initially, the accident was going great. She admitted fault and I just needed a police report for the office. I blew a gasket when I heard the police officer ask the lady, "How much money do you want?" At that time, I said "Bullshit" (in English), told them that was unacceptable, and started taking my own pictures.

The policeman then pulled the "victim" aside and negotiated a better deal. Their counter-offer was more palatable. We both were "mutually" responsible for the accident. Apparently, I needed to remain in my lane to be "totally" innocent (so much for "swerve to avoid"). Regardless, I decided this was a more reasonable offer (especially since the only damage to the BMW was a scratch on the wheel).

Lessons Learned: While in China, never, never, accept the first offer (no matter what it is). Also, take pictures of everyone and everything when you are about to be screwed.