Day 71 (Mar 12). Anne's ATW notes, after saying Goodbye, China

Anne's notes on MS Zuiderdam and our week in China:

1.  The staff on the Zuiderdam could almost all be hired by GHBC.
     They are wonderful!

2.  So far my favorite art form that I have tried has been Japanese ink painting.

3.  The lame foot has taken its toll on the other knee. Now using two sticks to balance the weight.

4.  Anne can still zip up her jeans.

5.  The parts of Japan we were in, were incredibly clean! No trash, but no trash cans. Must be a “ take it with you mentality.”

6. I cannot say enough positive about the public restrooms in Japan. All were clean with toilet paper, soap and warm water for hands. Most had toilets with heated seats and built in bidets. Really!

7. I cannot say enough negative about western style Chinese toilets in public spaces. They were generally designated for handicapped and there were at most two and not always one. The better ones had seats.  No toilet paper. Only cold water for hands and rarely soap.  No towels. Will not mention lack of cleanliness.

8.  The closer we got to Beijing, the more big brother was evident. Shanghai was quite  cosmopolitan, guides relaxed and very communicative. Never got the feeling of “big brother,” although I feel certain he was there. Dalian, a small city of 7000, not used to tourists, was wonderful. We were there on a Sunday and the community was out in full force.  
The bus required all passengers be buckled up. Otherwise melody would play.  
 Folks were out doing ethnic dancing, exercises and games in first park we visited. Later, guides concerned we would get lost in a vast and wonderful park made for children of all ages. Children learn English beginning at age 5 or 6. They came up beaming to practice their “Hello.”

9. Beijing was most interesting. Ship moored at Tianjin,
 1.5 to 2.5 hours away. Brand new port. Lots of security everywhere. Drones hovering around ship before officials boarded. Delay, delay, delay. Tour buses stopped to check documents! 1 to 1.5 hours? Huh? Cameras at every traffic light clicking to photograph every car going through. 
Leaving the port was a nightmare according to or ship’s Captain.  Not only was there a 4 hour delay but he felt the officials were very rude. 

10.  Chinese residents  very friendly, often offering a “Hello.” Ate with a lovely three generation family. Several artists among them. Of course we bought a hanging.

11.  City dwelling Chinese live in sky scrapers 25 to 60 stories high. A thousand people can live in one building. There will be a vast open field with 6 or so towering apartment buildings. One of our group was told in some buildings you order groceries on line and robots deliver. This has not been verified.

12. Our group and the Captain agreed China was not a place we wanted to live, unlike many of the other places we have visited.