Despite the prosperity, this is a difficult time in China,
for previously disenfranchised groups are seeking inclusion, and the government
fears instability. Military personnel
patrol Beijing International Airport carry machine guns—a warning to would be
terrorists.
Control of the Internet is another such warning. Many sites
are shut down. Access to email is intermittent.
To me, in my state of exhaustion and culture shock, this is extremely
difficult—I crave the connection with home, thought friends here are helping
me.
Yesterday, I visited a Taoist temple with my friend Li Jing
where I saw worshippers lighting incense and posting small prayer flags. There are all sorts of gods, my friend
explained—some for fertility, some for health, some for prosperity. Is there a god of the internet, I wonder, who
can restore my connection to gmail?
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