Dispatch: Week One

An informal poll conducted at the Shanghai airport reached the following conclusions.

1. Huangshan has left the greatest impression thus far. It is a spiritual and mystical destination that looks exactly like the pictures. There is no doubt that the Yellow Mountain holds a special place in all of our hearts.
2. We are eating a lot of good food. Of course this observation is disputable and  depends upon the style and kind of Chinese food that one has become accustomed to.
3. The last time that we visited China was in 1999. There has been a sea change in the ensuing 10-years. China has definitely grown up. There are more cars and fewer bicycles on the road. The roads themselves, especially the freeways, are pristine and relatively empty. The middle class has grown significantly and desire Western fashion and trends.
4. The architecture is cutting edge. There are more 21^st Century concept skyscrapers in Shanghai than there are in the rest of the world combined.
5. The intimate and beautiful tea ceremony in Hengzhou was an uplifting, educational experience that settled the group, provided us with insight into the Chinese mindset and hopefully set us all upon a road to peace and tranquility.
6. It is hard to find a good drink in China. Especially for breakfast.

When we were here in 1999 everybody smoked; now there are restrictions upon smoking and there are far fewer people smoking in public places. The public has a green consciousness and takes pollution, and by extension global warming, very seriously. In this respect there is very little difference between American and Chinese people.

The Chinese seem to have a true affection for Americans. The Olympic coverage is very respectful of America’s efforts, especially those of Michael Phelps. The people that we have met are genuinely friendly and respectful. Many are interested in who we are and what we think. There is little to no hostility outside of taxi drivers exploiting local ignorance, and that is as much a universal truth as the sun rising in the east.

One could visit China annually and still only scratch the surface. We are handicapped by time limitations. For instance, we went to the Shanghai Museum which chronicles ancient Chinese art. The collection has more than 120,000 pieces on display. Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to go into the museum, but we took for many pictures using it as a backdrop.

The Chinese seem to be making an easy transition from the past into the future. You know it wasn’t that many years ago that China was a third world country. China detonated its first atomic bomb in 1964 and then completed the Nanjing Yang Tze Bridge in 1968, signifying its emergence as a force in the world. Although Chinese society continues to transform itself, there is no doubt that they are an emerging superpower and a force to be reckoned with.

I am so glad that we made this trip because I truly believe that we are witnesses to history.