"I finished reading "Walden Pond" during the Labor Day vacation - I plan to read one good book during future long holidays," said Liu Zhiwen, a Beijing citizen.
To prevent the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), many people stayed at home rather than go out traveling. They read books, listened to music, cooked, and cleaned their houses.
"I bought hundreds of books after receiving my Masters Degree, but I didn't read any of them carefully," said Liu." I love traveling, but when I look back over this quiet vacation, I found time passed without noticing. From now on, wherever I go, I will always carry a book with me."
Lin Zheng, a music lover, had the same idea. He listened to 14tapes of Richard Wagner's opera the "Ring Cycle".
"I spent almost a whole month's salary to buy these tapes two years ago, but did not have enough time for a complete listening. Only now, in the SARS period when we can not move, can I really enjoy the tapes," he said.
During the holiday, Jin Yan learned from her husband how to cook. "I have never cooked during our three years of marriage. My husband said we should cook rather than eat outside at the moment.
"I will try to cook more meals in the future," she said.
Sun Youtong, 53, played Chinese chess at the corner of Xuanwumen street. He served in a government department for 30 years. "In the past, I could not rest during holidays because of my children visiting. Because of SARS, they stayed at home, so I am more relaxed than before," he said.
Many families cleaned house and urged their children to play the piano. They all agreed they were experiencing a different and interesting Labor Day vacation.
(Xinhua News Agency May 3, 2003)
