by Roberto Alvarez-Galloso

Created on: July 08, 2008   Last Updated: July 23, 2008

I have visited China in June and July of 2008 and decided to give an overview of visiting Beijing.

PRELUDE

In the 1950's, Cuban Artist Luis Carbonell recorded "La Habana de Hoy" [Present Day La Habana] for the recording label Kubaney. Inspired by the recording and what I have seen in Beijing, the time has come to write about Beijing. Another reason is to correct the misconceptions of Beijing and China that have been invented by a press in the Western World [examples such as CNN, CBS, and the like] bent on eliminating alternative view points so that they can regain the monopoly once enjoyed. I had already written a reply to the comments made by a BBC Journalist in Beijing that in my opinion defamed the people of China and the Olympics.

BEIJING: THE CITY

Beijing is a city that is thriving and growing without limits. Beijing is a city in which the Peking duck coexists with Pizza Hut, KFC, Wendy's, Burger King, Taco Bell and other take away restaurants. There are foods for different tastes and the restaurants are subject to the same laws governing cleanliness when preparing, serving, and cooking food. The cooks and waiters have to wear gloves and hats during their work and the food is inspected to make sure that there are no contaminants. Chinese food in China is less spicy than the version in America. Even though I had rice, coffee, and Coca Cola; the vegetables and noodles [as well as the mushrooms, Peking duck, and the meat] was excellent. The coffee in China [as well as the tea] is great and are served in wine cups. It is a pity that I could not implement that custom in America but it may not be ruled out.

Beijing has a whole lot of traffic with Oldsmobile's, Buicks, Chevrolets, Toyota, and Hyundai's competing with Cars such as King Long. There are even automobiles that run on electricity. The Service Stations with petrol such as Sinochem are present and have used Motor Oil such as Exxon and Mobil for cars. The traffic in Beijing is the same as in New York City and Miami with the Police maintaining order. The traffic lights have signals which are timed to allow drivers to be informed how long they can wait for the change in signals or to continue. Beijing as well as other cities in the People's Republic of China have strict laws governing air, traffic, and street pollution and enforce them to the letter which is a great thing.

The Multinational Recording Companies such as Sony, Universal, and EMI are present alongside the local Recording Companies with the flourishing

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