More Daxu

Nice trip with our guide Bing today.  Things I learned:

Electric mopeds are powered by lead acid batteries, last about 2 years and have 30-40 miles of range, much like my Geo Metro!  Lithium batteries are still too expensive for most people here. Our other guide said most people would rather drive electric moped that pay the high cost for electric car.  You can buy a moped for about $500 US dollars, and the electric cars sounded more expensive than in the US.

Income tax rate starts at 12% and goes up for higher incomes, much like here.  Lots of toll roads for some people.  Bing felt the tax rates were quite high and the government is sitting on a lot of cash.

The practice of mulitgeneration families living together is on the decline.  Our guide and his wife do not live with their parents.

Developers can build the concrete structure for a high rise condo in as little as 3 months, then they may sit empty for a while until they start selling the units.  The buyer then picks out finishing features such as windows, flooring, fixtures, etc.  The third floor is the most desireable, then 4th floor is second best.  Apparently you want to be off the ground for better air quality and theft deterent, but if you are too high then the elevator ride is longer.

Much of the meal preparation and medicine is about balancing the ying and the yang. For example, after a spicy meal you would serve watermelon (balancing an acid with a base, simple chemistry really).  If you have a fever or a cold, then you take medicines to remove the excess heat (yang) or cold (ying).

Light sprinkles today....

Courtyard in dwelling

Old school squatty potty, not much different than a biffy really....

Ferry for crossing the river to the island, large metal stake at the front of the boat is shoved into the beach to hold the boat in place while people load/unload.

Mmmm Mmmm good, tastes like chicken!  Oh yeah, it is chicken! This chicken was "all in" for this meal!

Remains of one of the chicken feet in a small bowl