July 2008 – Travel and Living in China…

Beijing 2008

BEIJING 2008

We are just a few weeks away from the Beijing Olympics. Here is my official ticket. I am hopeful that the incredible preparations China has made for this event will prove to be the most spectacular in Olympic history. The money and work China has invested in the Olympic games goes far beyond the amazing buildings constructed for the games. They have gone throughout the city to change every sign to read in proper English. All public workers were required to learn some functional English. The technology for managing traffic, air pollution, security, and even the weather are nothing short of star wars.

That being said, the big question becomes, “Will they pull it off?” We will soon find out. I believe this Olympics will be the most covered and watched in history. China knows the world will be watching and has a lot at stake to make this a success. Just remember it has only been a few years since China has opened itself to the world. I think they’ve come a long way in a short time. Of course they still have a lot of catching up to do in many ways.

I have had most of my preconceived notions of China shattered after living here almost 3 years now. You really have to see for yourself to understand what I mean. Sure, I could talk about some of the crazy things that go on here. In fact I make mention throughout my blog how these differences take form. But for all the differences, one thing is clear to me. The Chinese are just people with the same dreams, hopes and feelings as the rest of us. Strip away politics and governments and you end up with a people that value exactly the same things the western world embraces. In the coming weeks, I hope the Olympics will reveal some of the “inside China” 90% of the world does not see. Look past the spin BBC, CNN, FOX, ABC, CBS, CCTV and politicians want you to believe about China. After all, they have an agenda to promote. Trust me, it’s not all what you’ve been led to believe. Above all else, I hope China can pull off these games, not with the success of winning medals, but with succeeding to open the minds of many westerners to the real China. At the very least, show herself to the world in a different light.

Let the games begin!

Peach

EAT A PEACH

This is called a Pang Tau or the Emperor’s Peach. It was only for the Emperor of China to consume. They are expensive and are only available in China on a limited basis. The “normal” peaches here look just like the western peaches.

Swimming with the Fishes

SWIMMING WITH THE FISHES

Last Tuesday night the rains rolled in on Kunming. It was dumping rain with no let up for several hours. The water was so heavy that the noise kept me awake all night. By the next day, Kunming was completely flooded. Major streets were under a foot of water, and much of the area was 3 feet deep. The ap photo is a good shot of downtown. I found this China news release….

“Downtown areas in the southwestern city of Kunming, capital of Yunnan Province, were almost all flooded with up to a meter of water in places after a six-hour rainstorm over Tuesday night.

The city’s traffic was seriously disrupted and many people complained they were late for work as the major avenues were all under water.

More seriously, some junior high students were late for the annual entrance examination to senior high school, which began on Wednesday, but local education authorities allowed latecomers to be given extra time.

The city’s international airport was also closed on Tuesday morning as the runways were waist-deep in water. As of 7 p.m., more than 150 flights were delayed and more than 3,500 passengers were stranded.

More than 20 flights to Kunming had to land in the neighboring municipality of Chongqing instead.

The airport reopened at 5 p.m. and flights to Beijing and Shanghai took off. However, at 8 p.m., more than 1,000 passengers waiting still stranded.

More rain was forecast in the next two days and the China Meteorological Administration asked local governments to prepare.

(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-07-04 08:06
Since Monday, heavy rains in Yunnan province have killed five people and affected more than 60,000 others, local authorities said Thursday.

The provincial civil affairs department said that as of 4 pm yesterday, more than 2,100 houses had collapsed, 14,200 others had been damaged, and about 2,500 people had been evacuated.

Kunming, the provincial capital, on Tuesday recorded its third-highest rainfall since records began in 1951. Up to a meter of water fell in the city center during a six-hour storm that inundated major roads and buildings, the department said.”

I had to drive across town at 1am that night. It was raining so hard I could barely see to drive. I haven’t seen this much rain since coming here 3 years ago! But all’s well on the home front. I managed to keep my powder dry….