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!

This time last week we were at the studio of Cold Tea, a free monthly on-line magazine. Alex (a photographer) and Gianni (the Editor) set up the magazine 4 years ago as a way of sharing artists’ work and its representation of the evolving cultural scene (the magazine’s slogan reads ”Youth talks, picture tells”).

We shared some DVDs from the creative projects Abbie, Paige, Alice, Dylan and Luke had been involved in and we saw the work of another photographer, audio artist, illustrator and film maker who are responsible for different sections of the magazine. They were all impressed by the level of creative confidence and ability achieved by our group at such a young age. Later on Alex showed Luke and Dylan how to create the right lighting for an indoor photo shoot. Luke has already posted some of his favourites from the 171 snapped that afternoon (see ‘What a week’). Thanks for a great afternoon guys – and all the extra tips Luke:o)

Guess who?

Booked a private tour to the Great Wall today. We picked the furthest point at Sima tai, as it is less touristed. A 3 hour drive there in a private car, with a monosyllabic guide resenting working on Sunday. The wall was rugged and spectacular – though I can’t decide which I liked best, the wall or the little cable car which takes you half way up the mountain to reach it. We were tailed by local farmers the whole way who hoped to sell us souvenirs. Felt guilty for not buying anything, as they have limited means of making money.

Can anyone tell me how the long the wall is and whether you really can see it from the moon, as our guide didn’t seem to know!

All that spiritual renewal was followed by a blissful couple of hours shopping for beads and knick-knacks down winding side streets, followed by caffiene in a very groovy coffeee shop called Waiting for Godot. Didn’t make it back to the hotel until 10:00 when we had a very late dinner. Have also mastered the metro very well now.