We are in the belly of the volcano. Having climbed through all its percolating substructure, with everything breaking up more around us as we approach the surface, we can see the red sky above us. It is almost unrecognizable, hemmed in as it is by the concrete walls continuing up through space. The cranes on the crest of the walls are silent now, but the volcano roars beneath us, and the occasional spark glints in the sky above.
Climb through the forest, walk through the village, and hoist yourself onto the rivulet meandering away from the mountain to enter the volcano. Always be careful not to fall into her depths, or to arouse the suspicions of the inhabitants.
The Shanghai World Financial Center, slated for completion in 2008, will be the second tallest building in the world, rising 492 meters above ground. It will have the world’s highest outdoor observation terrace. At 3:18 am, the circle of sky visible through the center of the construction appears red. The workers are mute, standing still as we walk past them.