The Wonders of Modern China

It is an interesting time to be here. For the first time since probably the Tiananmen Square demonstrations in the late 80's, some of the people here are voicing their displeasure with the Chinese government. In the run-up to the Beijing olympics they know that the eyes of the world are on them and they are seizing the opportunity to try and bring about change. In the hotel we have CNN International and BBC International and when they do a story about the demonstrations the screen will go black until the story is over. I have mixed emotions about what the results of these protests will be. On the one hand they are getting their message out to the world, but on the other hand this is a culture based on pride, or as they call it face. Maybe the country will change policy, but most likely they will not. When this happens there will be great outcry for countries to boycott the Olympics like the U.S. did against the Soviet Union. I think this will be a huge mistake. The people here, for good and bad have great pride in their country and this will bring great shame to them. It will also minimize the inflow of monies that will be spread around to everyone by the visiting athletes and spectators. Most of the common people on the street that I have talked to empathize with the protestors, but know that there is little they can do to bring about change. They still have to worry about making what money they can to put food on the table of their family. Boycotts will hurt the pride of the government, but it will directly hurt the people. It is like what we have all heard about the economic sanctions against Saddam Hussein's Iraq and Castro's Cuba, the powerful still have everything that they want while the general population does without. Still it is interesting to see the integrity of the Tibetans. They refuse to fight back even while they are being mistreated, to do so would violate the tenets of what they believe. Even though Jesus taught us to turn the other cheek, most of us would not go down without a fight and never think twice about it.

Mao Tse-Tung is also an interesting figure. His presence still looms large in modern China, not just because of his policies like the one-child rule, but because he is revered like Washington or Lincoln is in the United States. In talking to the people I have befriended here I see that they have something of a love-hate relationship with "Mr. Mao" as they call him. I truly believe that if he was still here to run for president today, he would win in a land-slide. I, like almost everyone else, see the news stories about a dictator being "democratically" elected and think that it is set up to give the appearance of democracy while still being a dictatorship, but the people here still adore him even though they may not agree with some of his policies. 

I am discovering that the Chinese are a wonderful and complex people. I still feel some icy stares, but the majority of people are very warm (more so than many Americans) and they have an amazing way of enjoying their simple and very hard lives. Everywhere you go you see people in the streets enjoying each other's company, exercising on public equipment, doing Tai-chi in open areas (the picture above), and going about the business of day-to-day life. Since we are close to the U.S. and Polish Embassies we do see the soldiers standing guard, but there is a beautiful dignity even in this. I can't help but be impressed to see them in their pressed green uniforms and military hats, and even they will give a small nod/bow when I do the same to them. It just goes to show you that no matter where they are from, or what their religious and political backgrounds are, when it comes right down to it people are people.

Audrey continues to take baby-steps towards becoming a full fledged member of the family. Every day she laughs a little more, and shows us new elements of her personality. She even came to Baba for the briefest of moments today! I have started to call her the Oreck vacuum cleaner because she eats anything and everything that we put in front of her. I have no idea where in that tiny body she can pack away as much as she can put in it.

Initially we were extremely angry about being forced to stay here for almost 3 weeks, but while it is still a hardship because of missing work and the added expense of food and lodging for those extra days, it probably is for the best because it gives her more time to bond with us before that long trip home. It won't be long before we will get to see you all in person.

Now that she is settling in more, hopefully we will be able to post updates and pictures on a more regular basis.