Sometimes it's hard to put into words all the thoughts, impressions and feelings generated by a short, intense experience. This trip was one of those. 750 miles away by train meant a few options. We chose to go by the fast train, which averaged 150 mph and I know at times went over 180. What made it exciting was the speed, but also the pillow soft smoothness and no clickety-clack! Even more than that was the view.
We left on a sunny clear Beijing day and within 1.5 hrs were in a limitless set of rice paddies and produce fields. A breadbasket if I ever saw one! At first we weren't sure it was rice because it didn't seem to be the right season, but now and then we'd see an intense water reflection along the rows and farmers splashing a lot when they walked. I haven't had time to check my theory, but I'm pretty sure it was rice and all at the same growth point for miles and miles and miles.
Flat, flat, flat
poplar windbreaks
this looks like rice fields
don't you agree?
and plastic covered gardens as far as you can see. Nearly flat roofs say to me that they don't get much snow or heavy rain.
small farms with corn drying on the rooftops
large farms owned by who knows who
growing who knows what
housing destruction
massive housing construction
EVERYWHERE
in each complex all buildings are built simultaneously and they rise and keep rising!
High tension wires sprinting in all directions
and now comes the pollution
we're entering the hills and though it's only 2:00, the pollution makes it look mmuch later
high, high peaks in the distance
coming into Xian - numerous high rise complexes being built far into the distance - pollution is likely ~250 - Streets are empty at 3 in the afternoon - because no one lives in these buildings. They aren't finished yet.
Beautiful new subway is virtually empty
going into town. Got more crowded by 4:00
and in city-center.
(more about Xian in another blog)
Grabbingthewave@gmail.com
No comments:
Post a Comment