by Melissa Block

Wednesday, April 2, 6:52 a.m. Chengdu Time

According to timeanddate.com, the sun rose today in Chengdu at 6:52 am. I'll have to take their word for it. I was up at darkness at six, looking for the first hints of sunrise, and watched the sky turn from inky black to dark gray to a somewhat lighter gray. The dense, damp haze clamped onto the city and didn't let go all day. I've heard this is typical of Chengdu, and I've read this: "It is said that if a dog sees the sun, he will bark at the intruder." I'll keep my ears tuned for those barking dogs.