The highs and lows of China

The information coming from the earthquake hit area of China is very distressing and the people here are rallying to do what they can. Money is being collected and people are donating their blood in a more enthusiastic manner.

The distress of the people over this is obvious.

At the same time, cities are preparing for the arrival of the Olympic flame. The torch will be in this city on Saturday, and the city is preparing.

We had rehearsals a couple of weeks ago, and now the city is decorating in welcome of the torch.

I was in the city of Shaoxing yesterday and there are barricades along the busy streets - causing more traffic chaos, but all in readiness for the event that so many have been anticipating.

Colourful banners and flags have been erected along the route - and it is quite a pretty picture.

The torch will pass this college - so I will probably go and see what I can. There are bound to be crowds and crowds of people. I laugh when my students tell me it could be too crowded. I remind them that I am tall - and could see over the heads of most of the shorter Chinese people.

In any case, whether I am close or further away, I will know that I was close by on this historic occasion.

Sweet and sour. Soured by the devastation of the earthquake, and sweetened by the Olympic Torch celebrations.