Impressions of China (by e-mail)

October 4, 2000

Dear children:

This is the first of a series of e-mails from China. As you know, we are traveling on an independent 4-week tour, with a different guide in each city.

Mom and I hope that everybody is healthy and happy. We are looking forward to your replies, which I will pick up at the next hotel or Internet cafe.

The economy

China has changed dramatically in the last five years. The government has partially loosened economic restrictions, giving many entrepreneurs a chance to make a better living.

This is especially evident in the cities, where trendy small shops and well-stocked department stores display a dizzying array of consumer goods, the likes of which I have not seen in the States.

These economic liberties have caused a growing gap between the rich and the poor and have decreased the power, of the Communist Party. As a result, many cities now have gangs, which engage in robberies and murder.

In outlying areas, residents often are at the mercy of corrupt authorities (even judges) who use their power to further their own ends.

Of course, not everybody is well off, and numerous people in rural regions lack regular jobs and have trouble making ends meet.

Many flock to the cities in pursuit of better employment. Only those who are successful are eligible for housing and medical subsidies. Others seek work in factories in the countryside, where industrialization, combined with the burning of coal for cooking and heating, has resulted in serious pollution, often rivaling that in metropolitan areas.

Since 1949, it has been the state's policy to demolish all old and even ancient buildings and replace them with a plethora of office and apartment skyscrapers, giving, many cities a depressingly modern and similar appearance. But for the distinctive Chinese characters, you wouldn't even know you were in China.

Recently, the government decided that this course of action was unwise and it started to save some of the ancient architecture. Nevertheless, new apartment buildings continue to replace old, decrepit houses.

Airport efficiency

After landing in Beijing, we were sure we would have to wait in a long immigration line. On the contrary, processing turned out to be fast and efficient at the modern airport.