Just heading out for my holidays, three weeks back home with my wife, my dog and my parents, (my dad turns 80 at the end of July). Jas and I have been busy post hernia operation with a quick overnight to Shanghai via highspeed train. The Chinese are building more and more highspeed in an effort to a) connect the country, b) continue infrastructure programs to stave of inflation and keep economic growth, and c) to prove they can. They are bidding on the California highspeed rail project amongst others. Unfortunately it has encountered a few problems. Namely the Minister in charge being removed over corruption and embezzlement allegations. Oh and the train has been running at 300 kph instead of 350 kph due to safety concerns. It doesn't seem to faze most people here. They also have had more than a dozen stoppages over power issues. I guess safety be dammed. Our trip wasn't stalled, and if was not a bad way to get from Beijing to Shanghai. Comfortable and roomy.
It looks like my chapter here is closing. I informed the company in the winter that I preferred not to renew my contract and there is hope that I will have a job in Ottawa come this fall. There is no time frame as of yet, so I return to Beijing mid August and wait to here when to move home.
Other than that, not much new here. The weather is warm, many, many hot, humid, ugly days here filled with pollution. Interrupted by 2 or 3 days in a row of nice blue sky sunny warm days.
Anyways some of you I may see in the coming weeks, others I will see you this fall.
Cheers
Barry
