Eric's Beijing Diary

The whole west side looks like it has been bombed. It's really sad. All those restaurants...bulldozed. Mule carts are standing at the ready to pick up the refuse. It's for the Olympics, I'm sure. China's infernal image consciousness is starting to get to me. OK, let's concede that the restaurants were small store-front places that didn't exactly beautify the neighborhood. But they really weren't hurting anyone, and they were doing business. I am afraid the whole place is going to be a lot more sterile, now. A lively community bustling with life is going to become...who knows what? They tore down the Wudaokou Market. The Wudaokou Market was a barter market which combined a flea market type area with a farmer's market that sold every type of fresh meat, produce and extraneous foodstuff you can imagine. Fortunately, my favorite Hunan restaurant is still standing. I am keeping my fingers crossed. And what I'm really worried about is what will replace that rich variety of restaurants. I'll keep you posted, but I am not optimistic.