existential struggles in greater China and southeast Asia
The langur park’s beloved (and haunted) building number 5 was demolished over a year ago to be replaced by modern new living quarters.  It was completed earlier this year, but the government seized it and resisted handing it over until recently. We think the original inhabitants of building number 5 may have had a hand in the government’s change of heart.
Sanniangwan is a gem along the coast of mainland China.  It is fed by Dafeng Jiang (大風江) river, one of the last unspoiled river basins in China.  The locals have fished this small, shallow-water bay sustainably for generations, and continue to do so using family-owned wooden vessels.
Recently, the langur park residents were treated to a somewhat unusual sight – a double rainbow. Â The second one is there, look closely. Â You should be able to see that the fainter rainbow’s colors are in reverse order of the brighter one.
Seeing the rainbows evoked a favorite song of mine by Richard Thompson. Â Hope it brightens your day.
I like turtles. I’ve liked them as long as I can remember. When I was a kid I liked them so much that I begged my parents to let me keep a parade of red-eared sliders, all of whom died in various tragedies. Eventually I learned that if I really liked turtles, I shouldn’t keep them as pets.
Typhoon Kai-Tak rolled through the park yesterday. We were without power for about 24 hours, but we came out unscathed.
Today, while she was outside sweeping the fallen leaves and branches, XMJ slipped on the mossy stones, fell on her ass, and slammed the back of her head against the hard rock. But her pain was not without reward. As she opened her eyes and looked up into the trees, through the tears and stars she spotted something move.