Sign outside a housing development [First published August 28, 2014] According to the Chinese lunar calendar, it's already autumn in China. Thankfully, we had only one short heat wave in July when the mercury nearly hit 40 degrees Celsius. Most of the time it's been between 30 and 34 degrees Celsius. I don't know how we would have managed if the weather had been hotter because the air conditioner supplied by the evil landlord works only occasionally. As it is, we've managed to get by with open windows and fans. Step away from the fan, though, and the sweat starts to pour, thanks to the high humidity. By late June, I gave up on wearing makeup; it just sweats off me as soon as I put it on. (My Southern grandmother would remind me at this point that "horses sweat, men perspire and women gently glow.")
Greenbelt in our neighborhood The little packet of tissue that ladies always carry in China to use in the bathroom is also pressed in to service to deal with the gentle glow that drips from my hairline. Also, I carry a folding fan in my purse, as many of the locals also do. But by and large, the Chinese just don't sweat nearly as much as a large Westerner, which makes us feel all the more conspicuous.
Fortunately, there is nearly always a refreshing breeze blowing in Zibo, and once we climb on our bikes and take off, we forget about the heat.
Evening is a pleasant time to be outdoors and there is always plenty to see and hear -- old men gathered in circles on low folding stools, talking together or playing cards, families going for a walk with their children, keeping the occasional flying insect away from their children with rattan fans, ladies singing Chinese classical music, boys singing revolutionary songs to the accompaniment of wooden clappers, young men darting through traffic on their motorcycles with their girlfriends nestled up on the seat behind them, street vendors selling all kinds of things, including books, clothing, table cloths, fruits and vegetables, and pet fish. And on almost every block, there's a group of people, mostly women, gently dance-exercising to music.
This summer, the Chinese have been dancing to the tune of Little Apple. Like Gangnam Style, the Korean mega-hit of a few years ago, the catchy song and accompanying dance have become an Asian craze. Here's the song with a cheeky video.
Fortunately, there is nearly always a refreshing breeze blowing in Zibo, and once we climb on our bikes and take off, we forget about the heat.
Evening is a pleasant time to be outdoors and there is always plenty to see and hear -- old men gathered in circles on low folding stools, talking together or playing cards, families going for a walk with their children, keeping the occasional flying insect away from their children with rattan fans, ladies singing Chinese classical music, boys singing revolutionary songs to the accompaniment of wooden clappers, young men darting through traffic on their motorcycles with their girlfriends nestled up on the seat behind them, street vendors selling all kinds of things, including books, clothing, table cloths, fruits and vegetables, and pet fish. And on almost every block, there's a group of people, mostly women, gently dance-exercising to music.
This summer, the Chinese have been dancing to the tune of Little Apple. Like Gangnam Style, the Korean mega-hit of a few years ago, the catchy song and accompanying dance have become an Asian craze. Here's the song with a cheeky video.
| You are my dear little apple It's never enough to love you more Little red face warm my heart Light my life - fire, fire, fire, fire, fire You are my dear little apple Just like the most beautiful clouds in the sky Spring comes again and flowers bloom on the hillside Planting hope will have a harvest. | |
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