Abstract

Some friends who recently returned from China have told us of a new phenomenon in certain parts of Peking. For protection against additional tremors during the earthquakes, temporary covers were erected on the sidewalks with whatever material was available. However, a month later these temporary structures were still standing and seem to have become permanent fixtures. Tremendous ingenuity was shown in simply locating construction materials for these “second homes”—they were acquired illegitimately or on the black market. Even individualism was encouraged as these supposedly temporary shelters were crudely decorated. And if there is no rush to demolish the shacks, it is because, our friends tell us, among other things, they frequently serve as locations for a rendez-vous.