Changzhou

The city of Changzhou is another mix of honking horns, towering buildings, endless shops and people, people, people! Into that mix add the incredible, yet artful, traffic and you have a dizzying picture of humanity. Traveling in a huge bus where you feel high above it all, we had a broad view of the traffic all around us. I have never seen so many mopeds, bikes and cars all simultaneously avoiding collision! The people in these big cities have grown up with their particular mode of transportation firmly entrenched. They go about their lives with the most calm expressions on their faces, all the while coming within a fraction of an inch of colliding. They drive on the sidewalks, they turn right into on coming traffic, and they cross intersections on foot....diagonally! It's the most natural thing in the world for them, this "dance" they do everyday! We watched from our buses with a sense of awe, amusement, a lot oif "Whoa, did you see that"? "Wow, they nearly ran into each other", and, "Bless our bus driver"! He navigated through it all without any sense of fear, which of course, calmed our fears as well. Big city life trumped up about hundred and ten times!

The evening was time to focus on the first performance of the tour. We were prepared for the audiences here which we heard tend to talk a lot, get up, walk around, talk on their cell phones, yet genuinely appreciate fine music. The concert hall was not air conditioned and it's been hot and humid wherever we go. It was a long program and the Chinese don't have an intermission, yet with all that in place the band played their hearts out! Parents, you have invested well in your sons and daughters! They showed great readiness, focus and willingness to roll with the lack of air, some inferrior equipment and the ever present language barrier. But like I've already said, the language curtain drops when the music starts. Smiling faces, bobbing heads keeping time and the quick and responsive applause were all the band needed to feel like it was a success, and it was. One down three more to go....

The second performance in Suzhou was tonight, but not before we had a small crises occur this morning. Our hotel that we bused to, from spending the night in Changzhou, gave all our rooms away to the "security" which were in town for the Olympic torch ceremony tomorrow! Security is paramount at the torch events, as we well know, but to be bumped and homeless was a moment for concern. After some intense negotiations we were accomodated at an even better hotel, very posh, and gratefully accepted by all. This evening found us right in the middle of the downtown district, where they're getting ready for the Olympic torch to pass through tomorrow morning. Imagine something like Mardi Gras, and you might come close! The concert hall was immense with an excellent sound quality, people here tonight came with a great sense of excitement, you could feel it, and it was contagious. The band lit into their numbers with total joy, and at the end, after "The Stars and Strips Forever", the audience was up on their feet! Yep, the band nailed that one too, and you could tell it felt good all the way around! There was an interpreter for the audience at the beginning of the concert, and while we didn't have a clue what was being said, he said it with such passion and projection that you couldn't help but feel proud and amazed that you were on a stage in China representing the University of Kentucky! Another rousing success, to be sure! And by the way, they ADORE Kentucky here....and it's chicken. KFC is the number one chain in China and all you had to do was mention Kentucky, even as you ordered a Starbuck's coffee, (and yes, that made many of us very happy to find our favorite cup of "Joe" here), but you got to experience many smiling, bowing faces saying "Oh yes, KFC....very, very good.....very, very good"!! Sweet and touching moments abound, they are everywhere and happen unexpectedly. Music, people, KFC, and coffee....very, very good....indeed! Free day tomorrow to explore to our heart's content. I know I am seeking out more of the Suzhou gardens. These gardens are hidden from view at first glance, they are an unexpected surprise, many have been stumbled upon by "accident". Amid the city, on the same street with thronging masses of people, there is suddenly a serene garden, ancient, revered, absolutely necessary to your well being. You go in and sit, breathe, take it all in as you realize something....no matter where you travel, no matter what the culture is, in spite of the crushing weight of city life all around you, there is a need for nature. The Chinese feel it, definitely, everyone is the same at the core, we have the same basic need that draws us to landscape, trees, flowers...peace. Peace and the beauty are here in China, in these cities, you just have to let yourself be led to it.....it doesn't hurt to put on a good pair of walking shoes and go exploring either, you just might find an ancient garden waiting for you. Tomorrow is a free day.....still expecting the unexpected we'll set out and see what happens.....will write more then. Sleep is overtaking me now....goodnight all!

PS....Will get some pictures posted tomorrow.....