26 - 9. FROM HEBEI TO SHANDONG

Today we went from national to provincial roads. Workshops and industry line the road as we drive south through Hebei province. Behind the first row of houses corn, cotton, vegetables and chili! are grown. The Chinese are impressively industrious and nothing is to small, to dirty or to boring to make up a living. Smells are extremely changing. One moment it is vinegar acid, shoe polish, paper or manure, the next moment it is burnt plastic, sulphur and almonds. For lunch we have the best shrimps ever - finely deep-fried and all eatable. As we arrive at our hotel in Shandong province it is evening. Now you no more see the soupy, dirty air. The Chinese go out eating, the streets are bustling with people having a good time and the houses are illuminated in all the strong colors you miss during day time.

Nina