Of course, people quickly point out China's negatives, but their
success in the battle against poverty was undeniable.
Back to my story of the day, there were opportunities to capture
modern Nanning. Still, behind MacDonald’s, Pizza Hut and KFC were
tiny alleys. I weakened and headed off down the dark and narrow
lane. The area was a fascinating one. People still pushed building
materials in three-wheeled carts, laundry hung from lines strung
across the cobblestone lanes, and red lanterns adorned traditional
single-storey dwellings. Doorways led to unknown destinations, and
sagging tiled roofs, crooked windows and doors made far more
interesting pictures than the modern structures. Great was my
excitement when, by rounding a corner, I came upon the silversmith
hard at work, melting and pounding tiny silver pellets into fine
jewellery.
My passport and Vietnamese visa returned, leaving only three more
visa pages, meaning I needed an SA Embassy.
As the day wore on, I wasn't sure going to Vietnam was such a good
idea. Having already cycled Vietnam, the only reason for going there
was to pass the time (waiting until the weather improved) before
heading to Shanghai, situated in the opposite direction. However, the
more I looked at my options, the more apparent it became that it
would be a costly diversion, whatever my decision.