So I showed you the CNN piece that was done on the pollution problems here, but this is just one sad reality of living in Beijing. Thank goodness this year has been much better (pollution wise) than last year.
Days when the pollution is bad we all wear masks when we are outside and all outdoor sporting activities are put on hold. This has been a challenge for our marathon training. We have compensated with runs on the treadmills, in the domes at the girls school. But that becomes old and monotonous quick. We will run outside if the AQI is 200 or lower (mind you it is probably 20 - 25 AQI in cities in the US) but even then you kind of have a hacking little cough for the next few days. I am sure it is to clear out the filth and toxins we have sucked in our lungs. There are also a lot of sinus issues with people during this time. It is a usual occurrence to see the locals "farmer blowing" or "hocking loogies" all over the place.....now I know why. Gotta clean out the pipes! Why waste the money on tissues, right? Yeah, it really doesn't make me feel any better. This is something that I just can't quite get used to.
I still have to get Tucker out a couple of times a day for some exercise or he will drive us crazy all night wanting to play tug of war. I only wish they made masks for dogs. I have thought about inventing them, I mean half of the dogs in my neighborhood wear clothes and shoes. Don't you think people would want to protect their pooch from the pollution as well? I may have to give this some more though!
Despite all of this, we still love Beijing!
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| The girls leaving for school. Julia put on her "stylish" mask but has to wear the 3M one with the filter when she leaves the house, nice try though! |
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| Can you see the sun hiding behind the thick blanket of filth in the air?? |
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| This is looking out our back window. Gloomy! |
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| The morning sun......... trying to burn through an AQI of 500. |
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| My friends and me heading of to Cross Fit with our masks on. |
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