Let's clear the air

It’s imperative we do so. Honestly, it really can’t go on like this…

After spending the early hours of the morning in the baggage area of Beijing international airport (I was waiting for the first metro and this was the most comfortable place – honestly) I then make it through customs, grab a coffee and wait for the sun to rise. I finish my coffee and read a bit more of my book, before checking the time. Looking out at 6 am, I suspect the sun should have risen but I can’t see much light. I look out again and glance around. I realise that the dimly glowing grey matter that’s sprawled across the sky was a sign that the day had begun. Well.. I thought… I think this is as much light as we’re gonna get, better head into town.

Unfortunately, I was right. I didn’t see a patch of real sky for two and a half days. The fog and pollution had descended into Beijing creating an all-encompassing substance that filled up the sky. There is grey everywhere you look. It gets in your eyes, your nose, your lungs and, if you’re not careful, your soul.

They’ve got to get this cleared up and they know it but it’s going to take a lot of effort and a lot of consideration. We’re talking about the capital city of the world’s factory here.


For me, and my time here, it was however time to sleep through the grey. I was exhausted and jetlagged.