This seems a land of great contrast – even within a single city. I know that these contrasts exist in any city in the world, but are more apparent in Nanning right now because I can be here to see them; the immediate is always foremost in ones mind. The most common visage I see on faces is one of persistence and stoicism.

All of these disparate lives, livelihoods and lifestyles are fitted like a great puzzle that never gets solved. Another woman will sweep the street in front of McDonalds when the current one leaves this pale; McDonalds will be unchanged. Another store will replace the typewriter shop in a few years; the same mason that built it will raise its replacement. It is the same in China as everywhere else. One difference in China is that there will be fewer people here in a decade to do the work as the one-child policy takes effect. I understand from friends, though, that this policy is not strictly enforced in rural areas where many families have several children. The limit there is also higher, with 2 children allowed if the firstborn is a girl.

My colleague, Sun Yong Min, once told me that, "Life is cheap in China"; I imagine that is so, unless you are part of the transaction taking place – cheap is relative.