Fuzhou is the city I lived for very many years. First I came here in 1952 to attend a primary school. Then I had my college years here from 1959 to 1963. Then I worked here until 1969 when we were sent down to the countryside. Our work place was close to West Lake park and to the Zoo. So in the early morning I could peddle to West Lake. At night, I could hear the roar and fury of the lions.

Fuzhou was hot in summer, steaming hot. It still is, during our July, 2007 trip, but now we have air-conditioning to lessen the discomfort of the heat (reaching 3 digits Fahrenheit). One morning, we also went to West Lake park, and I was very very impressed. It was a vibrant park, full of sounds and songs, full of people exercising, dancing, playing balls, and even playing swords. That is the vitality of an energized city. Here I can see that people are living much better, and at leisure, than in Mao's days. Good for you, my second hometown Fuzhou.