"Perhaps the most poignant experience came while we were talking to the local party secretary in Che Jia Va, who gave us directions and pointed out various landmarks -- all the while keeping a stoic face. The town was once home to 13,000 people, and 3,000 are still missing, he says.
As he shows me the damage to his community, I ask how many have died. Tears flow down his cheeks, and he makes no effort to wipe them away. He says that as many as 500 are dead, including his parents, his wife and their two children.
In the midst of his anguish, there is a call over his radio. He's needed again, and he runs off -- with apologies -- to go back to work."
Chinese Practice Eat Bitterness-CNN
05/15 2008, Thursday 18:40
