Smog

 Yes, that black substance is definitely coal  (with a nod to Beyond the Fringe.)

Heating plant for the south campus of Jilin University

What does smog look like? Hard to say, because you can't see anything. About 8 pm last night what looked like a heavy mist, then a fog, rolled in.  There was a slight smell of smoke in the air. When sun rose it looked like a heavy winter mist, not unreasonable as the temperature has been hovering around freezing.

A quick check of this web site  http://aqicn.org/map/china/  revealed that the air quality index in Changchun is very, very high. You might have seen the following news reports:  http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/record-high-smog-in-china-closes-schools-roads-1.2129037  and http://qz.com/137562/chinas-northeast-hit-by-air-pollution-so-bad-you-cant-see-your-own-fingers-in-front-of-you/   

First of all, to concerned family and friends:  we are being smart, not exercising outside and keeping the windows closed. This afternoon we are going out to buys some masks like in the articles and I have ordered some more that filter out more of the particulates.  We are also going to get an air cleaner or two for our apartment. We need our lungs for singing and paddling and biking, not to mention breathing.

This afternoon the sky is much clearer, not the bright blue that we have had most days since arriving two months ago, but with visibility back closer to normal.  Interesting to reflect that we can and will return to our relatively clean air in Ottawa.  How long until we face the same situation there? Will Nykka and other little ones in her generation have to buy masks to wear outside when they grow up?

The young teachers form California have been so concerned about cold weather, and of course this is  worse. You can always get warm with the right gear.  But there some funny moments. Both Tyler and Ryan wore scarves up over their faces to get to class (as did I.) We all managed to startle each other.

Brings to mind stories my dad Harry told of the big London smogs in the early 50's, when he had to follow the buses to walk home.

So, go outside and take some deep breaths.  And please take two extra ones for David and me.

XO EE