A VIP's Commmunism
Finally, Saturday is here! I start a five day holiday today since May 1-3 is int'l socialist workers day/s (labor day) in China. Most Chinese actually work today and get Mon-Friday off. Some get a little more time off. I'm happy with Mon-Wed off.
I returned from Hangzhou on Wednesday and tried to catch up on backlogged emails on Thursday (I get over a hundred a day) . Yesterday I went to a hospital opening, a plastics tradeshow and an industrial zone and then to the "Millionaire Fair".
First the hospital - it's government financed and operated by a medical university. The hospital is as good or better to my untrained eye as any I've seen in the US. Almost all of the equipment was imported from US, Europe or Japan. The building and facilities were modern, first-rate and attractive. What struck me was that in this communist government operated hospital there was a "VIP-unit" for rich or powerful patients. It included a VIP recovery room and lounge. A friend explained to me that hospital presidents in China are among some of the most powerful people here. These presidents are not trained management types - they are renowned medical specialists and when they get to the top they become the personal physicians to China's communist leaders - and those connections give them considerable juju.
Second, the Millionaire Fair - it is a tradeshow of luxury goods for the filthy rich. It was complete decadence. Masseratis, Spyders, Remy Martin, secluded resorts, fashion show, and dozens of Chinese models dressed like 16th century European royalty. At the entrance there were several Chinese in their underwear, painted gold from top to bottom. What that was supposed to be about - I don't know.
Incidentally, this showcase of extravagance was held in the Friendship Exhibition Center which was built in the 1960s by the Soviets as a symbol of socialist brotherhood with the Communist Chinese. Mao would croak if he could see this now (and I'd pay to see it).
The real treat however was watching the audience of millionaires or millionaire wannabees. Some pretty interesting fashions were to be seen. The Europeans in the audience were perhaps the most entertaining. One fellow was wearing a black bedspread. As I left, passing by a Rolls Royce on display I noticed several homeless people sleeping on the sidewalk.
Finally, Saturday is here! I start a five day holiday today since May 1-3 is int'l socialist workers day/s (labor day) in China. Most Chinese actually work today and get Mon-Friday off. Some get a little more time off. I'm happy with Mon-Wed off.
I returned from Hangzhou on Wednesday and tried to catch up on backlogged emails on Thursday (I get over a hundred a day) . Yesterday I went to a hospital opening, a plastics tradeshow and an industrial zone and then to the "Millionaire Fair".
First the hospital - it's government financed and operated by a medical university. The hospital is as good or better to my untrained eye as any I've seen in the US. Almost all of the equipment was imported from US, Europe or Japan. The building and facilities were modern, first-rate and attractive. What struck me was that in this communist government operated hospital there was a "VIP-unit" for rich or powerful patients. It included a VIP recovery room and lounge. A friend explained to me that hospital presidents in China are among some of the most powerful people here. These presidents are not trained management types - they are renowned medical specialists and when they get to the top they become the personal physicians to China's communist leaders - and those connections give them considerable juju.
Second, the Millionaire Fair - it is a tradeshow of luxury goods for the filthy rich. It was complete decadence. Masseratis, Spyders, Remy Martin, secluded resorts, fashion show, and dozens of Chinese models dressed like 16th century European royalty. At the entrance there were several Chinese in their underwear, painted gold from top to bottom. What that was supposed to be about - I don't know.
Incidentally, this showcase of extravagance was held in the Friendship Exhibition Center which was built in the 1960s by the Soviets as a symbol of socialist brotherhood with the Communist Chinese. Mao would croak if he could see this now (and I'd pay to see it).
The real treat however was watching the audience of millionaires or millionaire wannabees. Some pretty interesting fashions were to be seen. The Europeans in the audience were perhaps the most entertaining. One fellow was wearing a black bedspread. As I left, passing by a Rolls Royce on display I noticed several homeless people sleeping on the sidewalk.
posted by Kevcham at 7:24 PM
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