After one week in to the journey here are some impressions- There is a consistent haze over the city on sunny or cloudy days. The news is saying that Beijing is experiencing historic pollution. We are going to Beijing on Thursday for the weekend. Just to put in into perspective on a pollution index New York city registers 19. Beijing yesterday was registering over 500. Should be and interesting experience.
The city, Hangzhou, appears to be very clean. There are many workers on the streets constantly cleaning. The stores, at least the malls are also very clean. Unlike a department store in the States where you have a hard time finding any employees the mall stores all seem to be over staffed with many workers throughout the stores. As soon as you stop to look at something there is a clerk standing next to you. The smaller stores and restaurants are not heated.
Not much beef in the grocery stores an when you do see it it is very expensive. Pork is the meat of choice. Chickens are typically whole, with head and feet, so are the ducks by the way. Went to a vegetable market yesterday where the chickens are not only whole but alive. Can there be a fresher chicken anywhere.
The locals stare at you. Despite the fact that there is a large foreign population here they still do not see a lot of foreigners, or white faces, so they stare. Not a lot but more of along look. I always look back and smile. Some smile back but most do not.
I found a place to play poker. Might go tonight.
The food is generally very good, but different kind of. Hard to explain.
Where we live, on school property, is gated and guarded 24 hours a day. Not great security but something.
I will post some pictures tomorrow.
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