Beijing: Forbidden City

We are the only Westerners. Only Chinese tourists. It’s crazy full!

Everyone wearing Beijing bikinis and on their face and extra sleeves

to make sure they stay as white as possible!!

It’s 40 degrees

It was too hot to be outside so we had a coffee in a little international book shop in a mall!

All books on show where about XI! XI as a kid, Xi as a student, the great leader XI, XI ism! otal personality cult.

Dali - Yunnan style lunch

Delicious Yunnan style lunch on Joshua’s recommendation in a Hutong (which have all been rebuild for Beijing olympics)

Dinner with Marie and Mr. Peng who runs one of Beijings only independent gallery/ art space. Because he has a Canadian passport it is easier to support young artists who criticize the regime.

By chance he happens to know Herr Loewe a Chinese artist who studied in Kassel who we randomly met on the street when trying to get a cab!

Marie with her cool e scooter

Coen speaking at WEF

Many inspiring panels

Meeting old friends

Chinese premier Li speaking

Starting to read 1 of 4!!! Books on the governance of China by XI! Sounds pretty freaking dry!!