Footsteps in China Intro or Index

Back Day Two in Zouping: Drove about twenty minutes to a somewhat decollectivized TVE (township-village enterprise) that makes corn oil, starter for beers, grain products, etc. The whole place was extremely dirty and polluted. Inside the factory the smell was atrocious, almost unbearable. Despite the fact that the building was brand-new (1999), it looked thirty years old. Next we visited an elementary school for that area. The children were truly adorable but very shy. Soon they're excitement and curiosity to see us overcame their reluctance and giggles. They were between the ages of eight and twelve, and many/some had already begun to speak decent, basic English. The corn company also had a large section of homes for employees. They were relatively nice inside although the kitchen still looked somewhat primitive: all white tile or plaster with a coal-burning stove for heat and use. A farming section was our next stop, a make-shift greenhouse and run-down or just plain simple homes with spares and 1930's-looking furnishings. The courtyard was flattened dirt with a small chicken coop, laundry line, barrels of vegetables and grain and open doorways to rooms. All-in-all very rural and different. After another lunch at the hotel (didn't enjoy any meal at the hotel) we drove four hours to Chufu, the birthplace of Confucius. A very urban place with a large night market. Wandered around it with Mike mostly (he didn't want me walking alone) and on and off wit other. Brought a bracelet and actually saw roast dog for sale in a heated bin resembling that of a glass popcorn warmer you'd find at a movie theatre. The skull with sparse dog meat above the brow and along the cheeks was very disturbing. Ate dinner at some restaurant with almost the entire group: Mike, Caroline, Olivia, Blake, and Emily nearest. Enjoyed dinner before I was called over to the "executive" table with Landry, Howard, Forrest, and the driver of our bus. Forrest told me that I have the kind of personality that Chinese people really like. "You're a happy girl," and that my professors said I was a star pupil. The driver said that I drink like a fish. Both kept toasting with "Bottoms up!" meaning chug it. Felt somewhat uncomfortable so I asked Autumn and Cally over. Dr. Howard acted a bit protective. Chatted with Caroline and Olivia well into the evening. Next: Confucius's Birthplace, the Confucian Family Estate, and pampering.