Bits & Bobs!

Who can believe, Prince Charles of England, the famous tree hugger and
environmentalist, who has been so instrumental and vocal about architecture, is now involved in saving the courtyards of Beijing! The project is to renovate and preserve this heritage and not let all be torn down in the way of development and progress. Good on ya lad!

The China green foundation together with some of the eateries here in
Beijing, have added a small 5 - 10 surcharge to your bill. This is done without asking for your consent in an effort to plant Poplar tree seedlings
around the land. Each 5 rmb = 1 - 2 meters of trees. Every 1,000 rmb
provides 3,000 seedlings.

But don't worry, it will only occur at the restaurants with a tree logo on
their window!

An effort to make any place greener is always a commendable thing and
if you work out what 5 - 10 rmb is in your currency, certainly not worth losing any sleep over!

The Party Office of Spiritual Civilization Development and Guidance (goodness what a mouthful), has come up with a chant for the games.
They claim that this chant is appropriate for all countries, even though
the words sung, are "Go China Go!!"

For those of you who wish to get in the spirit of things, it is:

Clap clap, thumbs up, arms out, upward hands in fists, then arms out,
open and up!!??? Does it sound complicated, believe me it is worse when
you try it!! But don't forget the chant though..................
What did you expect me to write it in Chinese tooooooo?
Suffice to say that if you can manage to 'get it round your tongue', you
don't need me!

As for the weather in Beijing. For all those worried about the heat, have
no fear, I haven't seen so much rain in a whole winter back home! There are days that the humidity is bad, but as for son kissing one's skin, no chance. Here the umbrella business is booming, for if they are not being
bought to protect the fair ladies from the brightness of the summer light, then they sure come in handy against the rain. (But remember, the wet
falling blobs are all due to government intervention, or so I have been told on good authority, more than once!).