A green oasis in the center of a smoggy city. This is Bai Yun Shan, where my friends entertained me for a Saturday. I was one of just 3 foreigners there that day.

You'd never know you're in the middle of Guangzhou.

People, people, everywhere.

"Ren Shan, Ren Hai." Go on Saturday and expect crowds. Foreigners don't hang out here.

In Chinese thinking, by treating your feet you can heal your whole body. So like the others I pulled off my shoes and went down the pebbled rock path in my socks. Felt great.

In the clearing was a packed crowd of 50-somethings and older, singing old Communist Party and Chairman Mao songs from their youth. Reliving the good ol' days.

English of excellent, priority the first.

Xiao Shan and Gong Yanhong, two lovely young friends who were my guide for the day.

And you thought it was bad in L.A. ...