The famous, war-decisive bridge in Nanjing

Right and below: avid readers in a book-store

2.9.

As you know the Transsib was a wonderful experience, but after that China was simply a huge disappointment. I find these enourmous cities unbearable and can't understand why so much is pulled down just to be rebuilt much higher. The smog was just stifling and I longed seeing some clouds in the sky.

Moreover I missed a planned visit to the Terracotta Warriors in Xian due to bad information. This was quite frustrating and so far the only bad incident in my long trip. Hopefully it will be the last too.

I did not like the Chinese as a people, I found them ruthless and impolite. Even my Chinese guide thought she could relate better to foreigners than to the Chinese. No wonder!

So I ended up being quite happy to leave this country, which was a rather new experience for me. I am now in Singapore, waiting to board a cargo-ship to Australia. So this will be that last you will hear from me for about a forthnight, as I do not expect to be able to use the internet on high sea.

I love the weather here, but otherwise it is just another one of these mega-cities, that I'm now tired of seeing, even though a lot reminds my of Swiss ways, just in a tropical setting.

Transporting a house „à la chinoise“

Nanjing wiht its rich cultural heritage...

Right: Here I was lost...

Above: English in China....