China is a land that wants to perpetuate an image of beauty and success. You see this in the way the Chinese spend money on fancy clothing, or the way the Chinese handled the national anthem at the Olympics - foisting a much prettier, more ideal Chinese girl in front of the global audience. I can't blame them - America is the same way - but there are literally tens of millions of Chinese that you don't see on the TV- or in the tourism brochures. These men, women and children are part of the largest migration of mankind that has ever existed - at least that is what I've been told. They head toward the east coast and cities such as Shanghai searching for prosperity - not unlike the early immigrants arriving in New York's harbors at the turn of the century - all looking for a better life. I got an intimate look at this side of China last week - as a family of four "moved" into the vacant lot behind my apartment. For a week they lived amongst the rubble of a demolished building - spending their day picking out pieces of metal and aluminum cans to sell to the highest bidder. They left yesterday - but it will be a while before I forget them. They made a point to smile and say "Ni hao" every time I passed - seemingly oblivious to the conditions surrounding them. That is what I will remember most - the smiles and good cheer - and that is what I am beginning to feel is the true spirit of China.
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