Email Sent on July 23

Hi Everyone,

Just got off the cruise ship, coming down the Yangtze River (3rd largest in the world). It was an amazing trip, going through the Three Gorges and seeing the Three Gorge Dam Project. I felt that I was on a journey with Dad (Gung Gung) and saw the river as he saw it. The mountains are exactly as artists portray them and as Dad described them. They are magestic and inspiring. Each gorge is a little different - the one that is craggy is breathtaking.We are witnessing history in the making. The building of the dam, which has received negative publicity in the West seems to have been accepted and embraced by some. Of course, there are people who oppose the project, but as I talk to some locals, the young people do not mind the re-location as it means new apartments with all the amenities (AC, internet etc.). The old people are sad to leave their homes and farms, poor as they are. The city dwellers who owned their own homes received a new home. The people in apartments get a new apartment. New cities have been built for the relocation, either higher up the land or across the river. It is amazing how fast the buildings and bridges have been built. This project has been in the plans for decades, but work started in 1992 and will finish in 2009. Farmers who have lost their land will be relocated in other parts of the country (no choice) or helped to live in the cities, either taught a new trade or fall on menial work as porters/coolies. This has got to be one of the hardest work in spirit and body. The loads that these small men carry is staggering. If you want an eye opener in valuing what you have in Canada, come to China. Life is hard for the poor. And there are many, many poor people in China.

Back to the dam....the water is rising and will continue to until completion. Cities and farms will be covered and under water. Islands are destroyed to make way for the expected bigger ships carrying cargo. Because of the natural silt buildup, the expectation for the dam, which will produce hydro electricity for 15% of the population, is approx. 30 years. Can you imagine the 83 million U.S. $ that is spent to build this dam will last only a blink of an eye in Chinese history, which dates back to A.D. People speak of their own experience with the dam project and the young people seem okay with it. Of course, I did not talk to anyone older or a farmer. But there is an unease to speak critically of the project because of the fear of 'big brother'.

We landed in Yichang, which has its share of poor people. But we also saw a neigbourhood of 'rich' houses, which were built in a western style. There is such a gap between rich and poor.

Off to Shanghai today with visits to 2 other cities and back to Shanghai (for shopping). Where has my money gone? Dunno! Well, internet is very slow here. Waited 10 minutes for hotmail. I have an hour for less than 3 Canadian dollars. Tim wants some time to check his email.

How is my garden, Courtney and Tommy?*

Well, I will write later.

Mom/Melodie


*You're garden was more than well taken care of - Courtney