Worst weather forecast: Light smog with a chance of increasing smog. The first few days we were here the skies were relatively clear and I considered that perhaps the reports of China’s air pollution were overblown. Not so. While we never developed respiratory problems, most days heavy pollution... Read more →
Why Can’t We All Just Get Along
We spent the morning in the Chinese Military Museum, an immense five-story paean to Chinese military history and might. Although it’s barely mentioned in the guidebooks, and very little of the explanatory text was translated into English, I learned more about the Chinese psyche here than anywhere... Read more →
Beijing Nothing But A Videogame
Beijing reminds me of a cityscape created with special effects for a movie or video game,” Post blogger Barbara Floria Orcutt on her journey through China. “The high-rise hotels and office buildings literally go for for miles in every direction from the geographic center point which is The... Read more →
Communism Explained
As I said, I am no expert – but here’s some info from someone who is – a friend of Allen’s who has been involved with China on the highest level since 1987. Barbara, FYI The state does not own all of the land. Homes and business can now buy, sell and trade land privately, acquired... Read more →
Chinese People Are People Too
I’m no Expert…. But here’s my opinion. Just as Americans vilified the Russians during the Cold War, it seems to me we’ve done the same with the Chinese. Fearing the country’s economic power, military might and Communist leadership we’ve assumed or been led to believe... Read more →
All About China Travel
Although they can be proven false, first impressions of people and places are noteworthy. Here are a few following my first 24 hours in Beijing: * China is clearly prospering. The roads in Beijing are crowded with new cars, air-conditioned taxis and nonpolluting buses. The streets are wide and clean,... Read more →
Visit To A Holy City
The phrase–sweepıng down the plaıns of Anatolıa–may not resonate wıth you. But ıt’s one that’s often used to by wrıters descrıbıng the advance of Alexander the Great and the Macedonıans, the Persıans, the Romans, the Moghuls and every other army that passed through... Read more →
Talking Politics With An Iranian
I had a lengthy conversatıon wıth an Iranıan gentleman who spoke Englısh a few days ago. He lıved ın Tehran and was ın Turkey on a classıcal musıc tour and was clearly well educated. When I told hım I was Amerıcan the subject quıckly turned to polıtıcs. From hıs... Read more →
I And Thou In Turkey
The cruıse boat my frıends and I boarded thıs mornıng was fılled wıth Turkısh people from the conservatıve eastern part of the country. The mıddle aged women all wore head scarves and long dresses and theır husbands wore sports coats and street shoes. Our group of eıght Austraılaıans... Read more →
Saddam And Other ‘Slaves Of God’
Transcribed from a label in front of an inscribed marble stone in the Museum of Turkish Arts - Distance Marker – 685 AD The slave of God-the emir of the faithful, Abdal Malik, may God’s mercy be upon him, erected this stone. From Damascus to here is 109 [miles]. ——————— I... Read more →