Weather forecast

I woke up this morning to clearer skies, meaning I could actually see the apartment buildings across the street from our university. The good visibility always happens the day after a good rainstorm, and we had one yesterday. You can tell exactly how the day is going to be (usually) by looking out our window to see the apartment buildings: Smoggy? Yes, no sun to be seen today. Less smoggy? Oh it'll just be hot and humid. Clear? What?!?! (That's only happened maybe three times since I've been here.)

I know that the news reports from Beijing have said that the air quality is indeed improved (not visibly, but by scientific measurement) but I am not sure that this is the case. I personally have not noticed an improvement, except maybe in the pollution caused by the traffic reduction rule. I know that we are becoming more used to the air here, but it's still by no means vastly improved. I feel bad for the marathon runners.

The air situation was actually mentioned by two of my fellow Chinese photo volunteers. One was talking about her brother, who lives in the States, and how much 'different the environment is' there. The other said that there weren't as many birds in Beijing because of the air quality-- this is true, there are a few sparrows and that's about it, besides the caged birds that are popular pets. I was very surprised to hear the situation mentioned by any citizens here.

I'm going to go enjoy the view while I can...