To the editor:
National Week is over. The first of October in China is like our July 4th. Lots of pontifications by politicians and pundits with little more to do then impress with their wits … what few they have. Unlike the fervent flag waving that takes place in the U.S., a visitor to China would be underwhelmed with the lack of visible signs of the founding of the country.
My students are very curious about how we celebrate the nation’s birthday. Awed by stories of parades, flag waving, and dining experiences, my students are amazed at such a vibrant celebration of our act of independence.
There are clear signs that the holiday is celebrated. Living here you discover that every government outpost shuts down for the holiday. If your paperwork gets fouled up during this period then it is a problem because everyone is on holiday. The night before the holiday period begins the subways, trains and planes are filled to the rafters. Government officials plan the work schedules and people everywhere, when they find out what time off they have, work feverishly to enjoy every possible second of it. Thus, the beginning and end of holidays are jammed with everyone trying to go in the same direction.
Classes resume this week. It should be a fun time. The weather is now cooler. No, we will not see flurries; the leaves do not change color; and the water remains wet, not stiff. But it is autumn and there is a sense of wrapping up the joys of summer and getting ready for winter.
On the streets you can see the chestnut sellers emerging. Gone are the pineapple venders. Pineapple is a spring and summer food. Fall is a time for chestnuts and the hardier vegetables. Right now a kilogram of cabbage is going for almost $4 a pound! By mid-winter it should be much more reasonable at 50 to 75 cents a pound. Chinese vegetables are still much more seasonally priced than their counterparts in the U.S.
The sunsets are now their vibrant fall reds and yellows. Dusk comes earlier and the morning begins later. Fall is here in the Pearl River region.
Orpheus Allison
Guangzhou, China
orpheusallison@mac.com
