I am having lunch with Ward Todd and Jean Miller Spoljaric today; Ward is the head of the local Chamber of Commerce and Jean an old friend is a new travel writer. China is the topic that both want to discuss. I though a lot about it last evening, just what I would have to say.

Would the Hyatt’s marvelous hotels with their modern rooms interest anyone? Perhaps the rapidly disappearing hutongs (old village style areas) would be of interest? Food is a question I have been asked most about. As usual I went through pictures taken that seem to get lost in the culling of my favorites. I found myself going back to the one above.

While walking through an upscale hutong I snapped a photo of the door of a cigarette shop. The hand shot out as I took the shot to block it. The scowl from the owner was one of the few I received in China. I am not sure why he objected, the shop looked prosperous. In a way I equate it to business in China, look but not to closely. Buy but on our terms. I am sure that on their trips to China, Ward and Jean will reach their own conclusions, China demands it.