Dirty balloons

 Before moving, we read a lot of books about China and living in China. There are a few things that have remained with me, maybe because I notice them daily. One is the filth. In the more well-known cities like Beijing and Shanghai, air pollution standards have begun to make the cities cleaner. These standards have not had as much of an effect on Chongqing. Long a factory river town, Chongqing is not known for having clean air. In fact, Chongqing is known for having air so bad it is as if you smoke. We did find this to be partially true, especially when arriving in 104-degree heat and humidity in August. However, I didn't really get it until it stopped raining.

Here is Chongqing when it rains (green part), and when it doesn't rain (gray part).















It's depressing to see so much gray where there should be color.

The other thing mentioned in all the books was the fanatical kid stuff all over. There are amusement park rides in the recreation park, complete with a train, carosel, and spinny-flying bug thing. Also, there are giant indoor play areas in all the big malls. Ball pits, jumpy areas, things to crawl under, over, through, and build, all in a great padded, colorful, kids music extravaganza.

Then there are the balloons. Walk anywhere and will find a balloon lady with 30 balloons of all sort for sale, 5 yuan a pop (about $0.80). We have decided to impose a one balloon limit on the household. This works pretty well as the balloons will last weeks. If HD sees a balloon lady we can just refer to the one we have at home and tantrums are avoided. It revolutionary, I tell you.

Our latest balloon investment was in Lucky Dog. A formerly 4-legged creature, our newest pet lost a leg in his first days with us, but has kept his joyful smile. He enjoys walks around the apartment, being thrown in the air and caught, and rides in boxes. He is well loved, and fading. He will always have a place in our hearts.

Yes, he just kind of floats above the ground. It's really cool. The balloon lady has dinosaurs that do this too. That may be next.