After our adventures to the Great Wall, it was back to work for us both on Monday. First thing we had arranged a meeting with Hammer Films, who had approached us after Lindsey’s inspirational presentation at the conference (Lindsey and I thought it was inspirational, so it was good to learn someone else did, too!) Had an interesting and constructive conversation, and there might be lots of scope to do interesting things together – watch this space!
After that we managed to squeeze in a whistle stop viewing of the Forbidden City (a huge complex where all the generations of Emperor’s, their families, concubines and staff lived, but which was forbidden to the general populace). Lovely place architecturally, but very busy with visitors. Had to be photographed alongside one of them, which is wearing a bit thin now. The whole site is being tidied up and improved for the Olympics (which depends on your perspective, I rather liked it how it was on my last visit).
After that, we dashed to the 798 district – this used to be a huge complex of munitions factories and warehouses in west Beijing, which – after lying empty for a while – was taken over by artists for studios and galleries. It is now full of commercial contemporary art galleries, with a few cafes bars and studios. We met Jian Yi there, a film maker who I have met before. It was nice to catch up with him again, and he gave us a quick tour.
After that – back to the great vegetarian restaurant by the Lama Temple where we both over ordered (as usual) and sampled hot rice wine for our last meal. Rice wine is a little stronger than I realised… then, off round the shops and to the market looking for alarm clocks on the way back to hotel. Beijing is a nice place to walk around, once you get off the tourist areas, as everyone is active and out and about at all hours. eating, walking dogs and generally loitering. Getting chilly, though, and I think snow is on the way.
Anyway, after an uneventful flight back (which is easy for me to say now, but I really didn’t enjoy the turbulence) I am in the land of jetlag and laundry. Hope to catch up with the whole Guangzhou group soon!
