Another Year

We have all been commenting how this summer, while admittedly hot, happened late this year, and has been considerably milder from the previous one. The biggest difference has been the lack of smog that seemed ever-present during the summer months last year. It is indeed a welcome change, and the foreigners have a great time speculating as to the cause, since Shenzhen will play host to the 2011 Universiade Games. Could it be the new charge to bring electric public transit vehicles into wider use? Perhaps it is the result of a concerted effort to reduce emissions across the spectrum (doubtful given the construction and manufacturing here)? Our favorite answer, and one that really isn't outside the realm of possibility: weather engineering to fuel advertisement for next year's games and help with the general perception of the city as it gets ready to unveil a host of new civic projects, including high speed link up with Central Hong Kong. Russia and China have both admitted to weather engineering, and as crazy as it sounds... actually it is crazy, but who cares, I'll take my sunshine anyway I can get it.

Another oddity out here. Smaller bedrooms do not necessarily mean smaller AC units, and while this may sound delightful on the front, it is actually a bit of a problem out here. Last summer our assistant caught a cold on two occasions for forgetting to bring her AC to a normal level before dozing off for the evening. Many people complain of similar immune responses, and one that I have encountered in my new bedroom: dehydration. But Chris, haven't you been known to enjoy a few pints in the evening and also play two sports over there? Yes and yes, but it is in fact something that is reality out here. It sounds rather trivial but add dehydration to a UV index of 10, and heat indexes consistently over 100F, and you've got to be slightly concerned. Honestly, who'd have thought one would need a humidifier in a tropical locale in the middle of the summer.... go figure.

Dog Days

As with summer anywhere, things tend to slow down a bit productivity is eased, daydreams are focused on beaches and sitting beneath shaded trees, and getting out of China. Offices with proper (see: excessive) air conditioning will curb this natural tendency a bit, but cannot stifle it completely. Such is summer in Shenzhen. This year the summer has come much later, and thankfully, has not been nearly as smoggy. I credit China's weather engineering departments with the nice conditions.

Business is plugging along, and there is little if anything new to report other than yet another apartment that I am calling home. Landlord's do not seem to keen to honor contracts if they can break it in a way that benefits their short term (see: wallet) interests. Ours sold our unit and moved us to another location, which to our delight is nicer, larger, and has a HD flatscreen with speakers. This of course means I've been playing video games in my downtime instead of reading, as a good expat is wont to do.

What else to say really? Hope to get back to the States soon, looks like I'll be out in China for a bit longer. Anyway, here's a picture of the gang at our friend Isaac's birthday party in Hong Kong a few months back