Mao Needs a Dusting

Several days ago in Beijing I went to the Revolutionary Military Museum, an imposing building with a Red Star atop. The lobby is dominated by a statue of Mao who has been neglected by an army of cleaners if you forgive the pun. Surprising really since so many things in this city are spotless. His former car is in the background and floors have different themes. I now have a good appreciation for the Communist-Kuomintang split in the twenties, the reconciliation to fight the Japanese occupation years later and lastly China's participation in the Korean War. The tunnel display depicting guerrilla underground tactics in the villages to fight off the Japanese invaders was excellent. Since that visit I have met up with Helen, a student I met my first day in China. A visit to the Summer Palace and a couple of restaurants were on the agenda. Yesterday was the Great Wall (how many Wonders of the World have I now seen, not counting Keith Richards?)at the town where it enters the sea, Shanhaiguan. It is both hilly and ancient, the hutong neighbourhoods offering up good photos. Posting has been troublesome and I have lost several posts in the last few days so I hope to get photos up to-morrow if this resort(I am in Beidaihe) has the resources. Ciao