First week of September, 2009: initial impressions of Luoyang:
Streets are wide and tree-lined.
The apartment complex where I live
Oldsters practicing martial arts in the central square of the complex in the morning. Chinese seem very exercise oriented, and I see a lot of people exercising in the parks in the mornings. Tai chi and badminton seem to be the most popular along with just hanging out.
The outdoor market where I get an omelette in the mornings and a vegetarian burrito in the evening.
The indoor market where I buy a lot of my produce, which I have to blanch before use--or I get really sick :( Below: spices at the same market.