These are the last pictures from Greg and Theresa's visit to China. That is, of course, the famous picture of the Great Helmsman, Chairman Mao at Tian'anmen. Tian'anmen is usual translated as the Gate of Heavenly Peace. Tian is sky or heaven, An is peace, and Men is gate or door.
I'm still about a 2 months behind on pictures. I have actually sorted and processed all the pictures but posting them has been a challenge. The 25th anniversary of the June 4, 1989 Tian'anmen Square incident (or massacre depending on your perspective) has been the occasion of significant tightening of internet access. In addition, Google is being punished in China now - presumably for their cooperation with the NSA on spying. This blog is published on Google servers so I have to use a VPN to publish it. The restrictions have generally slowed down traffic between China and the rest of the world so even the VPN is spotty.
We had a pretty nice day for their visit. This is inside the Forbidden City in the administrative area as opposed to the emperor's residence area.
I always forget to look up. The ceilings took a lot of work.
This is one of the throne rooms where the emperor would hold court.
I think I have published a picture of this ceramic tile decoration before but I think the light is nice on this picture.
Here are Greg and Theresa in front of the interlocking tree of love in the Forbidden City. These trees are called Lianli and were commonly used in the Forbidden City.
Allegedly the last emperor Puyi and his wife Wanrong had their picture taken there. I don't advise reading their story - it is depressing. Wanrong
I thought the detail of this incense burner is interesting. The dragon has been central to Chinese culture for many centuries.
No idea how old this tree is but it sure has an interesting form.
Earlier in the day we had visited the Panjiayuan flea market. Margot and Theresa discuss something while Greg looks bored.
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