Is there a map online anywhere which shows the destroyed area of Zhongdian? A list of businesses which are still going concerns? I imagine that, for example, Sean's No. 2 Cafe is defunct, but what about the Raven? Or Noah Cafe and Inn? and so on.

Lester Ness

No. 8 bus goes from the train station to Dali Old Town, the West Gate. The main Xia Guan bus station is a few blocks from the train station, perhaps a long walk. A 3-wheeler will take you there if you don't care to walk. Taxi from Xia Guan to Old Dali is pretty expensive.

Lots of earlier societies have harmed or destroyed themselves by screwing up their environments. I first learned of this long ago, studying archaeology (Robert McC. Adams, _The Land Behind Baghdad_), but it's well-known. We are not a bit smarter than the classic Maya or the Mesopotamians of Sasanian dynasty. We just have more powerful technology and can harm ourselves more thoroughly, all the while denying the obvious.

Personally, I wonder why unhappy Americans stay in the USA. My years in China have been the happiest of my life! I hope to spend the rest of my life here.

Does anyone have any experience with Kunming Siya Consultative Services Co., which is offering TESOL classes in Kunming? Apparently they are connected with ACT Chiang Mai and Cornerstone University in Michigan. They have been advertising in Kunming Swap and perhaps other places.