Guangzhou - (gwäng´jō´) or Canton (kăn´´tŏn´, kăn´tŏn´´) was the last destination in our itinerary. As the trade and cultural centre of South China for more than 2,000 years, Canton hums with around 13 million people. Canton was among the first cities to open up trade with the West in the 16th century, particularly Portugal. In addition, the infamous Opium War involving the British in the mid-19th century opened up China to the world.
This megalopolis seems to stretch forever, with endless mass housing facilities and factories, as well as towering skyscrapers dotting the landscape.
The dragon boat festival here features 120-man boats decked with gongs, drums, lanterns, flags and what-have-you. Unlike in Manila, Singapore and other cities where dragon boating is largely considered a sport, in China it is a cultural festival that dates back centuries. As such, you see a lot of spectators.
We managed 4th in the International category, with Italy finally catching up with us and edging us out. Since we paddled upstream against the current of the Pearl River, the 600 meter course seemed like a kilometer long.
It was my second time in Canton, last year the conditions were different: drizzling, soggy and filled with people to the brim. This time, the sun shone brightly and there were less people milling around.
Bart and I managed to roam a section of the city by asking directions from the concierge and have it written down in Chinese characters. You see, earlier, we walked an entire block only to end up exactly where we started- yes, the street turned out to be a loop.
This megalopolis seems to stretch forever, with endless mass housing facilities and factories, as well as towering skyscrapers dotting the landscape.
The dragon boat festival here features 120-man boats decked with gongs, drums, lanterns, flags and what-have-you. Unlike in Manila, Singapore and other cities where dragon boating is largely considered a sport, in China it is a cultural festival that dates back centuries. As such, you see a lot of spectators.
We managed 4th in the International category, with Italy finally catching up with us and edging us out. Since we paddled upstream against the current of the Pearl River, the 600 meter course seemed like a kilometer long.
It was my second time in Canton, last year the conditions were different: drizzling, soggy and filled with people to the brim. This time, the sun shone brightly and there were less people milling around.
Bart and I managed to roam a section of the city by asking directions from the concierge and have it written down in Chinese characters. You see, earlier, we walked an entire block only to end up exactly where we started- yes, the street turned out to be a loop.
We entered a shop specializing in sports wear. Bart has this habit of selecting pieces and paying for these items separately, such that when the cashier handed him his change, he had to go back and purchase another item. Incredibly, this happened a third time. I think the sales clerk was already making preparations to smack us down.
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