Job Discussion Forums

Minhang Oz · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 610 Location: Shanghai,ex Guilin

It's May 1st, 5.30 am.A public holiday of international socialist significance.But it's quiet. Just a few birds chirping [yes,we have such things in the outer Shanghai suburbs] and a machine thumping away in a distant factory. What's missing are the fireworks which have accompanied every public holiday I've experienced here. OK,there may be local variations to this,but it's just a personal observation. Locals and "migrants"-Chinese and foreign-are puzzled. How has a city of 15 million plus been apparently spared the worst of SARS,with only a handful of cases.Or is this another massive coverup?Or maybe there is a god,and he's a Shanghaier. So,what's going on in your part of the Middle Kingdom on this auspicious,unusual day?

Hamish · Joined: 20 Mar 2003 Posts: 333 Location: PRC

I hadn't realized it until you came on line but it is happening in Baoding as well. I have been up since 0500 and not a firecracker has been heard.

Interesting.

regards,

Oops. 0623 now and there was just a smattering.

china_gurl · Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2003 11:57 pm Post subject: Strange in Shanxi

Well, we were informed yesterday that our students would have a holiday. The students that remain, that is. So, only 3rd grade.

To drive through our city is eerie. Intermittent shops and restaurants are closed. We can't but meat at the open market anymore.

I haven't heard any indication that today is a holiday, and I've been up for about an hour. Then again, it's not REALLY a holiday, the REAL holiday has been postponed.

Then, as I'm writing this, I can hear fireworks in the distance. Maybe I'm just up too early.

Cheers, everyone. Happy Golden Week Substitute Holiday.