Hongqiao Airport

This morning the driver brought me up to Hongqiao Airport; he was quick and I now find myself with about two and a half hours to play with before I get on the plane for Yichang.
When I arrived in China some eighteen months ago, it was difficult to find a wireless connection at Shanghai's domestic airport. It is now very easy! Moreover, there were no western papers available and a read on the plane was limited to the paperback in your bag, 'The Shanghai Times' or 'The China Daily'. Today, I purchased 'The Financial Times' and 'The South China Daily' (HK), preferring them to 'The International Herald Tribune', 'The Wall Street Journal' and a weekly edition of England's 'Express'.
China appears to be improving but it is inconsistent and the western papers could become as difficult to access as they were eighteen months ago in the time it takes you to say "abracadabra" or something similarly ridiculous. This inconsistency is shown in a number of areas and it was with sheer amazement that I read recently of China complaining about the tourists not coming. They are not coming, of course, because it is being made extremely difficult for them to get a visa; they don't give them a visa and then they complain about them not coming. Inconsistencies like this are a part and parcel of this country. However, for now I will sup my coffee, avail myself of the wireless connection, browse in my newly acquired journals and wait for my plane.
The picture was taken in the little cafe downstairs in Hongqiao Airport, where a great wireless connection is available. On the table you can see my recently acquired western newspapers.