Live From Optical Valley

Just a quick update on the day’s events… Today we visited Wuhan’s East Lake Optical Valley High Tech Development Zone. We visited a company (Chutian Laser) that manufactures industrial and medical laser equipment. We saw a few of their products in action, including a small machine used to etch designs into metal parts. We also had a laser light show. I have photos and movies, which I’ll post when I’m able.

We had a bit a reprieve from the weather today, it only got up to 36 degrees C and the skies were overcast, so it was relatively comfortable. (In other words, I can walk a mile or two and not be drenched when I arrive at my destination.)

During my free time today, I jumped in a cab and 10 yuan later arrived at the Wuhan Foreign Languages Bookstore. It was disappointing though, compared to the Wangfujing Bookstore in Beijing. Oh well, I did get to walk around Zhong Nan Lu and do some people-watching and window shopping. I also did something that I’m hesitant to admit, but here goes. I slipped into McDonald’s for lunch. Now, before you go all Judge Judy on me, I have to say first that the food that they’re providing us is all top-rate, really good stuff. I find, though, that after a week and a half of Chinese food, I really miss sandwiches. So there, I ate a Big Mac for lunch in Wuhan. Judge me.