Old Like Charming

Three of us are found by another English teacher who asks if he can accompany us along with some of his students. We agree and now have guides and another opportunity to explore the thinking of the Chinese. They walk with us back to our hotel and ask to re-join us after dinner.

Arrangements have been made for the group to visit a 400 bed general hospital-"The People's Hospital," of course. The visit begins with a meeting with three of the senior doctors. Many of us are sitting in overstuffed chairs and couches just like the ones in news photos from China. We are given a tour of the facility including a stop in the new-born ward. Most of us have colds, that is OK. However, they ask us to wear slippers so we don't track in dust.

Ballroom Dancing

Ballroom dancing has been allowed here for about 21/2 years. The music is typical ballroom music but we don't recognize any of the songs. When the band takes a break, the music is from tapes and it is all-American. There are five or six couples who dance very well. The other 30 or 40 are a bit stiff and bodily contact is limited.

Our student guests have completed high-school and taught for a couple of years. They are all about 20 years old and have qualified for a two year course in English, psychology, philosophy and the history of the party. They are about 3 months into the course and are fluent with the basics of English.

We give the students introductory ballroom dancing lessons. The girls are shy and physical contact, particularly with foreigners, is clearly awkward. But, they are good sports and we all enjoy the evening.

Wuzhou's markets are lively and interesting. We are getting close enough to the end of the trip that several of our group have chosen to go souvenir shopping instead of dancing.