Let there be heat!

Topic of the day: There's finally heating!!

 

Even though modern day China oozes capitalism from almost every pore, traces of Communism still remains.  Case and point: in various other countries of the world, once winter rolls around, one is able to turn on their heat (granted, if they have a heating system) any time their little heart desires.  Not so in China.  In the Middle Kingdom, the party decides every year when the heat comes on.  If it's too cold for one's taste before the heat comes on, the only solution would be to pile on the layers of clothes.  Luckily, the temperature now is still pretty mild (considering the season) & the set day for the heat to start this year is today, November 15th!  This means no more waking up in chilly rooms!

 

Beijing is very lucky in that almost all buildings have central heating.  Further south, starting from around the Shanghai area, there is no central heating.  Anywhere.  The few winters when I was in China & was down in Shanghai visiting family, I remember everyone would sit in a freezing living room, wearing heavy coats, gloves, hats - the whole nine yards.  Even public institutions - like schools - have no heating.  Kids would go to school & try to keep warm all day in their coats & gloves.  I believe the same is true for western China.  I think I've heard that very few guesthouses in Tibet have heating.  We barely had any during the Gansu/Qinghai trip.  

 

Winter is rough in China, indeed.  But, one have to find happiness in all the little things: I'll be very happy to sleep in a cozy room tonight.  :)