Completing the Trifecta

Following a long weekend here in Hanoi, I popped up (?) to China, more specifically Beijing, for a jaunt around the nations capital. Beijing was a fascinating place. In my 4 short days I was able to climb The Great Wall, visit infamous Tiananmen square, visit Mao, go to the Forbidden City, hit the downtown bars, walk around the parks, and indulge in chinese foods. Of course, living in Hanoi, this also meant indulging in a cheeseburger, as I never see the arches for like, 6 months at a time.

My first impression (and I think that's all I got, as it was such a short visit) was that Beijing was a modern city. It was not unlike Singapore to a tourist. This was interesting, as we know China is a developing country; and I saw a first-world city. I think China is the type of place that you need to spend, say 6 months, travelling around the countryside, to really get a feel for it.

Anyway, the focus on this post is to reflect on one, main event. One of the most important things that I did was finish off completing the trifecta of embalmed communist leaders. And they say some are good in the state they are for another 100 years! I know I have many more to see, but I have now been through the tombs of Ho Chi Minh, Lenin and Mao! Strange for a suburban girl from outer Melbourne! It's amazing to see the difference in the way each country presents and represents their beliefs and reverie for their leader. The white gloves that are

manhandling you through, as the guards will not touch the people with their naked hands. The proximity of the serious guard who has his bayonet posed in your direction ready to strike. The cold and darkness of some tombs, and the over-the-top flamboyance of others. And of course, the new one for me in China- the souvenier shop, right at the head of the embalmed leader. Interesting.

However, I had a fantastic time, and the part of the great wall that I was recommended (the walk from JinShanLing to Simatai) was amazing. Would definitely pop back for a visit there one day.