On Mon, 11 Oct 2004 21:04:32 -0700, T Maki wrote:

Human imagination is insufficient to comprehend the totality
of the experience, both in terms of the musical experience -
which, for the group, was quite a success - and the
environmental factors of the Chinese reality. If I were to
relate some of what I experienced, you would insist that I
was making it up. My own imagination is insufficient to
construct such things.

Actually I'd love to hear the stories... feel free to email me
if you don't want to post it here. I've been to
China a couple of times, it's an overwhelming & fascinating place for
a westerner. What kind of gig where you doing? I heard that Elton
John gave a few concerts over there and wasn't too happy about things.

And don't get me started on the food and sanitary
facilities.

It is always wise to carry your own toilet paper in China...
there is a lot of room for improvement, but compared to even 10 years
ago it's amazing how far they have come. If you were in Tianjin I
would guess it wouldn't be as modernized as Beijing or Shanghai.
Personally I liked the food, it was pretty great in most places, fresh
and unbelievably varied. But when it's bad it's *really* bad. I'm
fairly adventurous but didn't go for the scorpion, pig's blood, or
pickled snake -- maybe next time :^0

For the world's sake, I pray that things change by 2008 -
and more than just on the surface.

I can't see the party giving up control anytime soon... most of the
changes will probably be superficial.

Al

playon wrote:

On Mon, 11 Oct 2004 17:54:38 -0700, T Maki wrote:

Other than
the cell phones ringing in the audience(s), people taking
calls and talking during the performances, and sound system
howls, squeals, general overamplification to a near
unbearable level, and the nearly unbreathable air,
everything was great.

Gee it sounds like a wonderful experience all around!

Al