Day 24 – Getting lost in an old Chinese ghetto

By bogaert

I had two remaining sites in mind that I wanted to see in Xiamen. I recovered a bit from yesterday during a lazy morning and took a taxi in the afternoon. The first ride took me to a viewpoint along the shoreline. I walked all away to the top for a nice view over the park and the shoreline. Thereafter, I descended along the cliffs until I reached the beach. The pathway was a bit weird, full of missing wood planking, and full of people who didn’t care about it. I walked a while along the beach and then took another taxi. The second ride took me to an old Chinese ghetto. I entered the ghetto, and tried to keep a south-west heading. The streets were getting quite narrow, with no vehicles. But every few streets I hit a closed gate. After more then an hour of trying to get out I changed my strategy. I walked back in the opposite direction for a while and then changed my heading to north-west. The streets were dirty and smelly. I kept my camera away in my bag. I also kept my sunglasses on, to make sure people don’t see which way I am looking or to show them my anxiety. Having two cell phones in my pocket helped to keep calm. Actually the area was probably very safe; it was just quite unusual for me to walk around in this kind of environment. I have seen dirtier areas than this one, but here the language remains a barrier in case you need help. A police agent on an electric bike passed a few times by and was a bit confused seeing a foreigner walking around. I kept walking at a reasonable high pace, hoping to hit larger streets where taxis would be available. After another 30 minutes the streets were getting wider and more vehicles were around. It took a while till I spotted the first taxi, but a few corners further I could halt a taxi which was available. Another ride, this tome straight back to the hotel, ready to jump under a hot shower! Then, all set for the team dinner and evening event.

#ibmcsc china

Viewpoint