One important street is deranged by the demolition required to widen it. Piles of rubbish are everywhere (above).

When Li Mang, my friend, interpreter and guide, and I had set off down this street, I suggested that she take some pictures of the wreckage because, when I had elsewhere tried to take a picture of a poor woman, an old man had vigorously protested, fearing that this big nose (Westerner) wanted to show only the seamy side of life in China. My companion, however, said our efforts at photography would be all the more resented if pictures were taken by an apparent lackey for the capitalist foreigner!

I then proposed that we separate so that only she would be seen as the photographer. It was too late for that, she protested, saying that all eyes had been focused on me for some time and word of my presence had traveled up and down the street.

By now we were both angry, but a new proposal solved the problem. Li Mang said that, without holding the camera to my eye, I could aim and simply click away without attracting attention. The success of this tactic is shown in the pictures above and below.

The confusion of the street is exacerbated by the city's preparation for a big conference of Chinese businessmen from all over the country. The streets of Nanjing are suffering beautification, repair, and flowery adornment to impress the out-of-towners.

The poor street peddlers are being forced to move, taking their carts and stalls with them. It must be a heavy burden to add to the wreckage of their distress. Such a mop-up operation is, however, not uncommon when visitors are being welcomed, and so the poor may find it easier to adjust for the few days of their disappearance.