Blog 3: How do the descriptions of these cities compare to cities in the US?

Yarmouk, a Palestinian camp, I find is described in ways that it can be compared to other cities. It has a main street that has become a commercial hub for the people, similar to the main streets of US cities. It was described to be lined with all types of stores from clothing to bakeries and grocery stores, which is something that is common in every city and town in the US. It has three/four story apartment buildings connected by narrow streets, which sounds similar to the lesser used roads of NYC or Philly. The main transportation network are minibuses, which is also similar to the US with our use of public transportation (buses). Yarmouk seems to follow the pattern of anonymity of all major cities; you do not know everyone and can pass through unnoticed. Unlike US cities, Yarmouk is a camp for refugees and has a very bad reputation throughout the neighboring Syrian areas.

Traditional Chinese cities were the basis of markets for agricultural and local families. Current day Chinese cities have advanced architecturally, politically, and socially becoming more commercial and administrative based. I find this description similar to what one finds on Wall Street in NYC or the business sector of Philly. Unlike US cities, Chinese cities have ring roads which encircle the heart of the city and continue outward. The cities hold the powerful and elite whereas the rural residents were looked down upon. I feel as if this is similar to US cities, seeing as living in the city is expensive, especially NYC. Anyone that lives in NYC has money and power in some sort of way.