A Railway Track in Lanzhou
My walk through the poverty stricken railway track in Lanzhou still fascinates me . As you approach the track, which seems to run parallel to the streets above it, you notice a child having his daily rummage through a rubbish heap. A walk down the rocky dust track leads down to the railway line with a train that runs every now and then. It seems to have dropped off some coal as I see some on the dust with dwellers using it to light a flame to keep themselves warm in what must be -10°C. I freeze my way to watch with even more fascination as I see a group of little children lighting matches to keep themselves warm. I offer them a Yuan each, being hard on change myself. One of the children behaves reluctantly while another child takes it.
SPORTS ON A RAILWAY TRACK
I carry on to pass a pool table beside the running railway. I want to play but I am supposed to make visits to the residences that run alongside. I pass children playing badminton and grab the opportunity by asking them to play against me. A little way down I get another chance. A table tennis on the right hand side of the track, and here I get to play. The children combat well at this sport and I enjoy the game thoroughly. But I have to run off to catch up with the others who have now entered an alleyway.
HOME VISIT
I go into the houses where there is nothing more than a concrete slab with some shallow bedding. They have an ancient style coal cooker turned on to keep the house warm. The small room, which is the housing of an entire family, caters for eight people. We have the grandparents, parents and four children. The children stand by the doorway eager to see guests sitting on the bed. I usually drink green tea wherever I go in southern china. Here I am offered hot water, as the family cannot afford the tea.
