Sunday July 4, 2010

Thought for the day: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead

Here we are in China, the former land of fireworks, on America’s Day of Independence
Specifically we are in Lijiang, China up in the northwestern portion of Yunnan Province.
Three of us, Esther, my wife Betty, and I arrived from Kunming on Friday evening and returned to Kunming Sunday evening. We came to see and experience this famous city on the edge of the Tibetan plateau.

So firecrackers, skyrockets, cherry bombs etc. are now forbidden here and in Kunming.
Well that is not so bad; silence is not easy to find in China. We also don’t have to hear that particular movement of the 1812 overture that has become such a commonplace closing of concerts on the fourth and its playing heralding the onslaught of skyrockets and orchestrated canons.

But in the silence we can still quietly utter “Happy Birthday, America” … all 235 years of your existence. China salutes you and advises patience.

The trip to Lijiang was a success. A delightful and knowledgeable guide, good weather, and interesting sites to visit and enjoy. And we did our part to support the local economy even thought the idea of 4000 stores in the “old city” rather overwhelms one. But it’s their city and they can choose to have rampant entrepreneurial enterprise and find out how it works.

But now I lay me down to sleep and pray the Jim and Nancy will be back by dawn.

- John