Pollution was in the "purple zone" (don't go outside and breathe) range this afternoon in Tianjin. My students and I were outside in our Early Childhood Center garden when my principal came out and said we had to go back inside because the air was too toxic. Who knew?!
An hour and a half later I was back outside killing my lunges in order to participate in community and relationship-building by playing a game of friendly futbal.
I think my throat felt scratchy by the end. I know my voice sounded a bit hoarse.
And yet, it could have been the dust that was kicked up while playing. Pollution tends to go away rather quickly when the wind's blowing...
In my apartment complex we have sitting areas. Some of the sitting areas have gazebos. These gazebos were painted a bright orange three weeks ago. I can still smell the fumes when I pass them by.
Around the same time as the gazebos, guys were coming around to paint our apartment building "gates" (doors). For a full week I was practically choking when I entered the building. Even if I chose the elevator over the stairs -- the smell of the toxic paint was still present. It hasn't been until this last week that the fumes have lulled a bit. Maybe my nose hairs have merely been subdued.
To leave on a high note (hehe) -- there are lilac bushes and cherry trees planted in my apartment complex, and the sweet smell of their blossoms makes up for the noxious fumes of the others. I never expect the coming of their scent and suddenly, I am walking towards them and, "Ahh! How lovely!"
Praise the Lord!!
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