Lee took this shot from our bedroom balcony. You can see the ubiquitous (I had to get that big word in somewhere) bicycles. An article that I read yesterday stated that the Chinese are moving from bicycles to cars, but that this causes some problems for Chinese cities. This courtyard is enclosed by two buildings and walls on both ends.

This view is just to the left of the one above. Lee likes the tile roofs on the three small buildings. The tile roof is supported by logs, which you really can't see in the photo. We don't know what the buildings are used for at this time. In the background you can see many more apartment buildings. Henan Province is the most populous in China, with 99 million people. Luoyang has a population of 6.2 million....and is considered only a middle-sized city by the Chinese. Luoyang is over 4,000 years old.

This courtyard is on the east side of our apartment building. More bikes...as you can see. There is also some exercise equipment among the bicycles. You can see how many of the balconys are enclosed by class...much like a three-season porch in New Hampshire.

Did we mention that everyone rides a bicycle? Just go on up to the third floor and knock on the "HAM" door, otherwise known as 25-2-302. Sorry...we don't know what street we live on yet...but we do know the city.

We think it will be really pretty in the spring when all the trees start to bud. This is the street-side view of our apartment. Notice the fellow on the bicycle....

Copyright 2004, Dr. Lee Williams

Last Modified: 18 January 2004

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