Tues, 4/10.  I’m using a VPN service to get around Chinese censures.  I just had a strange event which I can’t explain.  This is my second post; my first post got eaten.  Fortunately I’m having a swell time.  China is fun with admirable leadership.  (Several times Jacky has looked around before making a (generally favorable) comment about his country.  Habit, I guess.

We walked around the Chinese equivalent of Fifth Avenue.  Nice shops.  Very large Apple store that was just like every other Apple Store.  Even got an offer for assistance in English.  Less normal was a six story building only for food, “First Food Hall”.  They had the delicious sweet beef jerky I like so much.  Many Japanese outlets, thought the sushi looked old.

Took the experimental/demonstration Magnetic Levitation Train (Maglev) to the airport.  (The bus followed with our bags.)  180 MPH.  Very fast, but a money losing proposition.  They’ve got the science down, but not the costs.

Shanghai is a bustling town, but we’re all ready for some real China.  The flight to Beijing was normal. Beijing was much clearer than we expected, I guess because of high winds.  Hotel is on the historic grounds of a former princess’s home.  Quiet.  Saw a Harley-Davidson!  Nothing in Shanghai but scooters.