Firstly China is big -really big! Secondly it has lots of
people - really lots. But apart from the people, the language, the food, the
buildings and the scenery we could be anywhere - even America. Apart from on
our Yantze (Changjiang) cruise we have seen very few Westerners. And met
few people who speak English at all. Kitty survives via the translator on
her (Chris's) mobile phone.
Not that translators can be trusted. The Chinese use them and get signs like "Prohibited fireworks" for "No Smoking"
But the Chinese are basically respectful, tolerant, helpful and kind. At least for 90% of the time. But to many a queue is something you join at the head - not the tail. And for buffets you grab everything you can even if the person behind misses out. This is probably a hang over from the days when getting to the head of the food ration queue meant survival.
There is lots to see and do in China. China gives you the impression that the Chinese can achieve anything they want in China. Technology is much more advanced than at home. And the Chinese are very hardworking and disciplined. But so far we have seen very few signs of poverty and no signs of any strict Communist regime. We could almost be in America. Especially when our Chinese crew and brave passengers are on stage singing and dancing to YMCA and Achy Breaky Heart!
Things have certainly changed here.
Graeme
Not that translators can be trusted. The Chinese use them and get signs like "Prohibited fireworks" for "No Smoking"
But the Chinese are basically respectful, tolerant, helpful and kind. At least for 90% of the time. But to many a queue is something you join at the head - not the tail. And for buffets you grab everything you can even if the person behind misses out. This is probably a hang over from the days when getting to the head of the food ration queue meant survival.
There is lots to see and do in China. China gives you the impression that the Chinese can achieve anything they want in China. Technology is much more advanced than at home. And the Chinese are very hardworking and disciplined. But so far we have seen very few signs of poverty and no signs of any strict Communist regime. We could almost be in America. Especially when our Chinese crew and brave passengers are on stage singing and dancing to YMCA and Achy Breaky Heart!
Things have certainly changed here.
Graeme
Sounds interesting! Is it because your travelling through Major Cities and tourist areas though? I've heard North Korea is very much all about the face it presents, I wonder if China is a bit the same? :-)
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