China= Sooooo Awesome!!!!

First, I really want to thank everyone who supported me and made this trip a possibility. This place is a whole other world. Some of it I suppose is due to the fact that we (everyone in the band) are foreigners but this place is something else. The first thing that got my attention is the weather here. Always hazy! There hasn't been a day where at least a good amount hasn't been thick with either pollution (in more industial areas) or just fog in the mountains near Xiaolin in DengFeng (pronounced: dooeng-fooeng). The next difference is just the cites themselves. Besides half the street devoted entirely to bikes, the buildings are somewhat haphazard and I swear there is no such thing as upkeep in China. Besides basic cleaning, there doesn't seem to be much new paint or rust control. Speaking of which, almost every single bicycle around here is rusty! I don't get it. They just are. And people in the city are different from people in our cities. They don't rush very often and it's rare that someone ever looks like they trying really hard to get somewhere. Mostly people just are sitting in the parks or on the sidewalk. Anywhere and it's so odd because I rarely see someone in America just sitting and enjoying life. Speaking of the people, most everyone is really, really nice. And if they aren't you can tell by the permanent stern look stuck to their face. The case has been for me that anyone who doesn't frown all the time is extremely nice and helpful. No matter if you are on the bus and exchanging waves or hunting through the hotel looking for the pool or spa. Chinese people consistently make an effort to help any person (well at least someone not from china).
Well it's getting late and I don't wanna be sleepy for any part of this trip. There's so much more to say about what's going on but it'll probably be better in person when I get home. Thanks again everyone!!

David Hepfer