Japan Adventure

The Badaling Great Wall gate as we leave.
















Back on the bus with Gill as we drive back toward the city. We were told that the average annual salary in Beijing is about 3500 yuan, which is about $580 US per year. If I remember correctly, 100 yuan is worth about $13 US. "People are quite happy with this & can live just fine." However, later we were told that it takes pretty much all your salary to pay for an apartment & utilities.

Our other Chinese guide, Phoebe (self-named from "Friends" TV show) told us that many young couples in China prefer to live "DINK" -- which means "Double Income No Kid" although the one-child only rule has eased a little in recent years. Now, if you are an only child AND you marry an only child -- ta-da! you can have TWO children . . . I have to wonder if this influences exactly who you marry? AND has it slowed down any of the disposal of baby girls that we used to hear so much about . . .

Our guides were amazed to hear that we had 4 children & 5 grandchildren! Like parents, most grandparents only have one . . .