Xiamen

Our first stop in our return to China was the city of Xiamen. Because of our flight schedule, we were able to spend a day in the city. Xiamen is a port city directly across from a rebellious little province that shall not be mentioned. Xiamen has a gorgeous setting and excellent air quality (relatively speaking). Prior to the establishment of the People's Republic, many Europeans resided on Gulangyu Island, a small island just off the main part of the city. Because of their presence, the island is covered with buildings built in a style more consistent with Southern Europe than with China. Amy and I arrived on the island at about 10:00 PM, and were immediately struck by the lack of people and the silence, rare sensations indeed in this part of the world. As we walked down the deserted streets, both Amy and I felt that we were on a movie set of a European film. The only clues to our actual location were the Chinese signs and lanterns hanging from every pole.

As we learned the following morning, Gulangyu is actually a bustling, busy place during the daytime hours. However, the island is full of lovely houses, gardens, beaches and views of the city, all within an easy two hour walk. Both Amy and I would like to return to the city, maybe making it our European retreat.