A Changing World

30 Nov 08, 1.27am (Liuyang Time)
I have eaten some strange but extremely nice dishes in the cause of Fantastic Fireworks over the last few days. Dog, goat and perch to name just three - and all very tasty I might add, but one of the most memorable things about this trip, other than the fireworks and the hospitality, is the obvious way in which our world is changing...
I last visited China two years ago and remembered a country that was 'an emerging economy' with many obvious signs of the gulf between those that have and those that haven't. In those two years the changes here have been immense with many new high rise appartment blocks appearing on the Liuyang skyline, along with a really noticeable increase in the number of cars on the road and the number of people shopping on streets that now boast names like Armani and McDonalds.
We hear stories in the media that China is the world's fastest growing economy and that even in these times of global recession it has but 'slowed down'. However from here it is obvious that the growth continues. People have more disposable income now in the major cities and most of the old and rundown homes I remember from my last visit are being renovated and lived in.
With all the bad news about at the moment it is good to know that for people here things are getting better and the standard of living is improving very fast.
Later today we leave the home of fireworks and fly to the southern China city of Beihai before travelling back to the UK next week knowing that I will take back memories of a more prosperous China than I did on my last visit. For now though it has been another long day and whilst you all set out for your Saturday night on the town I must go to bed and get to sleep, resting on the thought that all our consumerism is making life much better for at least one corner of the world.