ORIENT EXPRESSIONS #5
ON TO GUANGZHOU, CHINA
Getting there: Up Close
Hong Kong to Guangzhou by train was painless. Very modern, clean cars made the ride a short 2 1/2 hours northwest, and a view of the countryside. It’s 21st century butting up against rural subsistence. Consider the current controversy of building a REALLY high speed train route-45 minutes from Hong Kong to Guangzhou (3rd largest city in China)
This is an agrarian region. The newer high speed tracks are built about 25 ft from the old tracks. Yes, that is the front yard and playground of a mother and child. In 2015, the Bullet train will reach speeds of 100 mph. The high speed railway infrastructure has been a high priority and is impressive. But the real cost is the LACK of improvement in all other infrastructure- and is sad. Sewer systems, basic road improvements, electrical service, water, etc. are all so far behind the curve, it’s hard to imagine when it will catch up. All apartments and condos (new and old) are built to accommodate hanging laundry outside your window/patio. Nothing is wasted in Asia and the common feeling is “Why buy something the air does for free.” On the other hand, SUV’s are a growing breed of car in China because a family consist of Mom, Dad, child (or 2), and Grandparents.
Reports of pollution are not exaggerated. The air, water, rivers and soil are polluted and much of the food is contaminated.
Most impressive statistic: disposable income has been on a steady march upward and the growth of millionaires in China has exploded.
According to USA Today, “China is 3rd in nations with the highest number of millionaires. The country is now an integral part of the world economy. As of 2010, China is the world’s largest exporter. According to The Boston Consulting Group, wealth in China will grow at a compound annual rate of 18% between the end of 2010 and the end of 2015. Among the richest people in the country is Robin Li, ($9.4 billion) co-founder and CEO of Baidu, China’s most popular search
We made our way up the Guangzhou Station platform with the crowd and, not knowing the layout, kept looking ahead for the first sight of Glenn. Mike texted Glenn. Glenn said he was at the exit. We could see the glass panel doors open only on one side. We all funneled through the smaller space. Out of nowhere a woman comes directly to Mike and held what looked like an electronic scan reader directly on his forehead. That was pretty startling! “Temperature Check” she said. Huh? In a flash it was over. It took about 2 beats before we registered what she also said. “SARS control”. Down the hall, through customs (I love this…. Elders are so respected in China that there is a separate line if you are over 65 years old.) Down the escalator. Out of the crowds, balloons appeared, big banners were waving, a beautiful young crowd of students all seemed far away. They got louder and we finally read: “Welcome to GZ (Guangzou). Mike and Tia!”
