Breakfast was quick and on the run. That’s too bad as the hotel restaurant is beautiful with fresh flowers. The room itself is like a woodland, glass canopy ceiling with greenery, bamboo trees and plants.
On the highway to Nanjing where we will board a plane. Long three hour trip past rice fields and farms. Snow explained Chinese farming to us. Security at the airports are tight, due to the Olympics. All airports require a 2 hour check in time. Shanghai, 3 hours.
About the country side farms: The landlords originally owned the land. After the Communist takeover, the government owned the land under a commune system. Socialism aside, the rural areas remained very poor. In 1976, a villager, in the Anhui Province, suggested that instead of jointly owned land, the land could be divided into individual plots as an incentive to produce more. While outlawed at the time, the suggestion was brought forth to the central government and adopted on a trial basis. It proved to be so successful – with a percentage of the food going to the government and for taxes, that, in 1978, the Household Contract Responsibility Program was adopted. In a very short period of time, the rural area has gone from one of poverty to comfort.
We crossed the Yangtze River twice on the ride to the airport. My grandfather on my mother’s side crossed the Yangtze River when he defected Russia, during the Revolution. He was on his way to Shanghai. Even though I am not of Chinese dissent, I have Chinese roots. I am glad.
The flight to Xian (8 Million people pronounced in 2 syllables- She An – the one syllable version means fresh)
Our guide Michelle (beautiful) very fluent in English told us the story of her Grandparents – affluent pre-revolution were reduced to a peasant life and ridiculed by their neighbors. Only 8% of the Chinese are members of the Communist party- and is by choice. Ironically Michelle’s parents became part of the Communist party. There is pressure to become a member, if your boss is a member, as the likelihood of promotion is less if you don’t join.
We learned that the country of China is shaped like a rooster. The throat of China is Beijing, the heart is Xian and the feet Taiwan and Hon island- and the tail is Tibet. Xian is the oldest city in China, walled to protect the emperor, only he was allowed inside at night. The gates used to be closed at night, but now with so much night life the gates remain open.
The industries are technology and textiles with most major companies located here. Historically it has always been the center of commerce for centuries for was the beginning of the silk route, an important trading center, even though located in the center of China. It is also important for Fengshu as 8 rivers flow through the city.
Some Olympic facts: 8 is the number of prosperity and wealth, and since 8 is a lucky number of China, it will begin on 8/08/08 at 8:08pm, presenting itself to the world. Instead of gold, silver and bronze medals, for the 1st time in Olympic history the medals will be jade. 1st place white jade, 2nd green jade, and 3rd is a jade that matches the bronze medal. She believes that the cost of jade will rise after the Olympics because the Chinese are introducing jade to the world.
As we approached the hotel is the “bell tower” but looks like a Pagoda, signals that the gates are open and commerce begins. A similar tower to the right signals the close of the gates at the end of the day.
We are staying at the nicest hotel in Xian, a French hotel, Sofitel, gorgeous luxurious rooms, we are ready for some real pampering.
Poor Kimmie didn’t have much luck today, she is scratching from her 35 bug bites, and the bargain $2 shoes already broke.
Jim is determined to get a massage in every city. Yesterdays massage was interesting as they wanted to massage him in places he preferred they did not.
Ali saved the day this morning, as she had a feeling something was left, went into Kimmie’s and mine room and found the painting we bought in Hefei. Trust your intuition.
We are having a early dumpling dinner as we skipped lunch today.
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