Visiting Tiananmen Square was quite moving. All the Nuffield team clearly recall the dramatic pictures of the tank and the defiant protestors; it was surreal to think that was the place it all happened. Surveylance cameras sat on the surrounding rooftops making them look like prickly hedgehogs and security personnel were prominent. I guess the Tiananmen Square represents western view of the struggle for freedom of speech in China.
Interestingly, we spoke to a twenty three year old Chinese expat who had returned briefly to China. They knew nothing about the political unrest in Tiananmen Square until they travelled overseas recently. Right next to the Square there is the Forbidden City, an ancient fortress that speaks of the former glory days of previous Chinese Emperors and Dynasties. The City itself was build around the time that William and his invading Norman army won the Battle of Hastings. It is beautiful and impressive.
Speaking of impressive, we travelled to the Great Wall. It is hard to describe how magnificent it is; words do not do it justice. It is 21,000kms long with guard towers regularly dotted along the way, weaving and winding up steep mountain sides and along ridge lines. All I could think is that the Mongols must have been pretty bad neighbours to go to that extent to shut them out.
The next day we left for USA. China was fun, challenging, interesting, inspiring, frustrating and confusing. It didn't disappoint.
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