Images of Xifeng

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Taking a stroll in Xifeng is quite an experience. You see a variety of sights. Here are just are a few of the things I witnessed today. The other Sunday whilst walking through town, I saw a man of at least 120 years old pulling a cart which was piled up high and which looked to be at least four times his body weight. Just a few minutes later a moped went past with two dead pigs riding pillion. Unfortunately, I was unable to catch this one on camera! People weeing in the street is not unusual; mainly men and children, although I have seen a woman do it once. Spitting is a common occurrence and back in a vengeance, despite being temporarily banned during the Olympic Games. To say that people stare would be an understatement. For most people you are the first foreigner that they have seen. Many are just stopped in their tracks, some whisper “wei guo ren” which means foreigner in Chinese. The brave ones say “hello” usually followed by a giggle and usually once you have passed them. It is also quite common to be stopped in the street or supermarket to be asked if you could have your photo taken. It’s bizarre to have this kind of celebrity status.
Xifeng is a mixture of new and old and amongst the above sights you will also see lots of 4x4 cruising the streets and quite stylish dressers. The two images of the town are quite incongruous.
At the weekend I visited a rural primary school which was great fun. The staff and the kids were very friendly and hospitable, despite their environment being quite poor. We caught the bus and the school was quite a long walk from the main road. The Head very generously gave me a lift back on his motorbike. No helmet of course!
Work is still an interesting experience and slowly if not reluctantly I am getting used to the constant changes and postponements on a daily basis!
Sabine

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Comments

[kiko85]

pengyuan primary school???