Up in Smoke

For so long, everywhere we went in China was covered with smoke. No, not the smoke from the coal burning to heat Harbin, but cigarette smoke. Head to a restaurant, smoke. Go to buy vegetables, smoke. Ride in a taxi, smoke. Inside the university hallways, smoke.

But now there may be a slight hope. China is banning smoking in all public places beginning May 1. Before our lungs can celebrate, we'll need a little enforcement.

Here's an example from yesterday. Kanyon and I went to play at a giant indoor playground with clearly marked signs prohibiting food or drink inside the playground. What do we see? We see families with backpacks full of food having a picnic under the no food or drink sign.