God Bless the people of China

The People of China

God is testing the resolve and will-power of the Chinese people. Initially, it was the Tibetan issue. The Chinese government tried to deal with it as quickly as possible in a diplomatic manner. The next issue was the collusion of two passengers’ trains in Shandong province. It was then followed by the Olympic Torch Relay that went round the world. Pro-Tibetan groups were trying to sabotage the event. As if these were not enough the people were further punished by a major earthquake of 7.9 magnitudes (revised to 8) in Sichuan. The catastrophic losses are far too much for China to bear. I pray for those who had departed to rest in peace and for God to give strength and determination to those who survived to start a new life again. The countdown to the Olympic Games has already started. It is an event that will bring glory to China and its people. I pray for the successful hosting of the Olympic Games (without violence and disturbance) notwithstanding suffering. God bless China.

Image source:https://www.globaltimes.cn/content/961103.shtml

The Baiyun International Airport in Guangzhou

This is a picture taken at The Baiyun International Airport in Guangzhou. According to Chinese writing, the English version should be 'POLICE ON DUTY".

Tour operation in Guangzhou

When you take up a package tour in Guangzhou do not believe in the face value of the brochure. You have to ask the following questions:

1. Are the charges all-inclusive? Do we need to pay extra for entrance to various places of interest?


2. Do you really go to the various attractions as stated in the brochure?


3. When the tour is over do you send us back to our hotel?

The tour bus just left us at the last place of visit during our recent one-day tour in Guangzhou.

Toilet Habit

Please Flush the Toilet

This is a sign taken in one of the toilets at Baiyun Mountain in Guangzhou. Literary it says: You come in a hurry when you leave please flush. However, it is written in a witty, humorous, and poetic way in Chinese. The last two Chinese characters of the first row and the last two characters of the second row are all pronounced as "cong" and 'chong" respectively. The "cong" in the first row means in a hurry. The "chong' in the second row means flush.

Guangzhou: A Cosmopolitan City

The people in Guangzhou speak Mandarin and Cantonese. You would expect to see only Chinese there. However, when you are walking along Tongxin Road you are in the community of Africans, Turkish, Lebanese, and other Middle Eastern people. Some of the Africans have settled down and established their business here. You will also find Muslim restaurants cater to them.

Guangzhou is a peaceful place and you can find police everywhere in the city. It's a delight to be there.

A Special Kind of Taxi in Guangzhou

These scooters with three wheels are plying along the streets of Guangzhou. They can carry up to two people and a sizable package. The drivers are special too. They are all disabled people. Thanks to the government they are able to earn a living the legal way.

The Genting Highlands of Guangzhou

In Malaysia, we have the Genting Highlands. In Guangzhou, it is the Baiyun Mountain. You can get to the mountain top by cable cars. However, at Baiyun vehicles are not allowed to travel up to the mountain. The only mean of transportation is the shutter bus which can accommodate about 12 people. Not many people use the bus and almost all of them walk all the way. No wonder I don't find many obese people in Guangzhou. They are healthy and fit. There is no casino, theme park, or big hotel up there. You go up there just to enjoy the cool clean air and the natural beauty.

The 100 Yuan Renminbi Currency Notes

The 100 Yuan Renminbi Currency Note

When you go to Guangzhou beware of fake currency notes, particularly the 100 yuan notes. For a start, you could have purchased the fake currency notes from the money changers in Malaysia. You are also likely to receive fake notes while shopping in Guangzhou. You can detect fake notes by observing the following:

• Fake currency notes are smooth when you feel them.


• Under the ultra-violet light, you can't see the figures 100 above the printed figures of 100 in the middle of the note.


• Currency notes bearing the same serial number.


• One corner of the note is cut just like your used passport.

You will notice that the taxi drivers, the shopkeepers, and the front office staff are very cautious when handling the 100 yuan currency notes.