I have always heard about the crowds, pollution and close living in China but experiencing is beyond my imagination.
I now realize why John and his teacher who,lived with us from china for 3weeks in Vermont in 2006 was so thrilled with the lushness of Vermont and constantly taking pics . . Indeed his life here was very different.
The Chinese are very calm people though, the Buddhism and the govt are powerful it appears. Yesterday saw a grp of students lined up in front of a museum for photo shoot and clearly the elders were in control. Was glad to see open mouth smiles after the serious picture.
Enjoyed seeing the Terra Cotta Warriors unearthed in 1974. Got an autographed book by one of the farmers. Pulling out all the tourist stops here! Thev govt owns all land so the farmers who were digging a well did not benefit. He was very old at this time. Industry is now at 70 % of income with much less farming. Did see a lot of winter wheat growing.
Went to many museums, spent hrs in traffic, love the decorating in the contemporary hotels, a lot of choking from all the terrible air .in xi'an the dust from desert covered everything and since still considered winter no ac working.
Did enjoy two excellent lunches , one with 16 different dumplings and the other with noodle making demo.
Going to see the Pandas this am before next flight.