I step out of my apartment to soak in the outdoors and the music of nature that's come alive again. It's Sunday and the students at the university here in Huainan are taking it easy. Most, like me, are enjoying the sunshine, unmindful of the heat. I walk towards the city centre.Winter has finally stepped aside to let the other seasons do their thing here. It seemed to last for ever and ever. Spring Festival came and with it came the firecrackers that announced a season of merry-making. But, the ...

I step out of my apartment to soak in the outdoors and the music of nature that's come alive again. It's Sunday and the students at the university here in Huainan are taking it easy. Most, like me, are enjoying the sunshine, unmindful of the heat. I walk towards the city centre.Winter has finally stepped aside to let the other seasons do their thing here. It seemed to last for ever and ever. Spring Festival came and with it came the firecrackers that announced a season of merry-making. But, the ...