National Day in China

October 1, National Day of the People's Republic of China
From Sara Naumann

"The People's Central Government of PRC is the only legal government to stand for all people of PRC. Our government is willing to establish diplomatic relationship with any foreign government that agrees to abide by the principles of equality, mutual benefit, mutual respect for territorial integrity..."
-Chairman Mao Zedong from the Announcement of the People's Central Government of PRC

The PRC's National Day was declared at three o'clock on October 1, 1949, in front of 300,000 people during a ceremony in Tian'anmen Squeare. Chairman Mao declared the founding of the People's Republic and waved the first five-star PRC flag.

In past times, the day was marked by large political gatherings and speeches, military parades, state banquets and the like. Since 2000, as China's economy developed, the national holiday lasts seven days and most workers are given time off to visit relatives and take time for traveling.

With a week off, many Chinese travel domestically and internationally. Travel fares double and triple and advance bookings must be made weeks, even months ahead for international travel. Hoards of tour groups flock to the major tourist destinations of China, so you can forget having a quite moment to ponder how the Great Wall was built.

If you can avoid it, it's advisable not to travel domestically during the week around October 1st. The latest statistics released publicly are from 2000 but according to these, 59.82 million people traveled during National Day holidays that year. Over two-thirds of all hotel beds were booked in major tourist destinations such as Beijing and Shanghai. However, if you are in China, you'll find the weather is usually very nice, and after October 1, almost everything from shops and restaurants to the post office will be open for business." (end)
www.about.com

Suzhou, China
Most of the teachers at SMIC are traveling to other parts of Asia this week, like Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam... I decided to stay here in the apartment and take a few day trips to other cities in China. Wednesday, I'll be traveling to Suzhou (pronounced Soo' Joe). Suzhou is referred to as the "backyard of China" and is on the map at the top of this entry. It's very close to Shanghai in relation to the rest of China, only north about 2 hours. It's known for it's silk markets and it's beautiful gardens. I'm headed there with 5 other people. The good news is: the tour is for just the six of us; no big groups that have to follow a man in a khaki jumpsuit with a microphone, a straw hat and a big blue flag. Plus, it will be in English. The bad news is: We have to leave at 6:30am. At least we'll get there and have the whole day to shop - I mean, uh.... look around and admire all the pretty flowers.

This week will be nice to just unwind and relax, get caught up on some lesson planning, and spend some time in the Truth. It's going to be a great week!

E