I spoke with a 59-year old British man today who is staying in the same hostel. He met a 35-year old Chinese woman who is interested in starting an affair with him. Apparently the husband and her don't share any interests. He said over and over how the two of them (British man and Chinese woman) just "clicked" and could talk for hours in a state of absolute bliss. (He knows no Chinese, her English is far from fluent). 

Unfortunately, he needs to leave China soon per the terms of his visa. He spoke enviously of his friend who works six months per year in England, then vacations six months per year with his wife and child in Thailand. Unfortunately for my friend, he claims to have no "special woman" in his life. Although, he is happy to be able to travel for half of every year...

I walked for two hours yesterday to see Pheonix Island, a new manmade island with six gleaming luxury hotels and condominium buildings. I've seen them in commercials in Beijing, and I can see them proimently displayed on the map I bought at the hostel. Alas, when I arrived I saw they are still under construction! I'll post pictures tomorrow.

On the walk back I passed endless construction sites and took eye-opening photos. It always surprises me to see old women doing manual labor. They are in better shape than 95% of my friends, even at 65. I wouldn't wish that tough life on anyone, yet I wonder how many over stressed workaholics in the financial hubs of the world these woman are happier than.