View from Jingshan Park

After strolling about the Forbidden City, the group moved on to Jingshan Park.

Jingshan Park was part of the Forbidden City until the early 1900s, when walls and several gates were torn down to make way for a road cutting between the park and the rear entrance to the palace complex.  There are five peaks in the park and it is worthwhile to climb a bit to get a view of the Forbidden City.

Or at least one could try to get that view.  As mentioned earlier, visibility was not great on that particular day.

Among other activities, one could choose to be photographed in full emperor regalia.

Or one could visit a statue of the Buddha although only the lower two-thirds are visible here.  Someone may have jostled HWMBO's elbow.

In the park, one can also see a plaque indicating where the center of the city of Beijing is located.

I wonder how that exact point was determined.  And when. 

More "Forbidden" Moments

Beijing's "Forbidden City" is enormous and much too laden with centuries of history to cover in a few short posts.  As a matter of fact, all of my posts about China collectively do not amount even to a drop in the very large bucket about that amazing country and the cultures within it.  Having never traveled to China myself, I am limited to commenting about photos from HWMBO's gallery taken at places he visited.  I am thankful to have shared his experiences vicariously and am very grateful for the photos.  There are a few more scenes from his visit to the Forbidden City that I would like to share.

We share a fondness for roof photos, especially for roofs as intricately ornamental as those in the Forbidden City complex.

Here is a close-up.

And here is another roof photo.

Material used in the construction of the Forbidden City included whole logs of precious wood from the jungles of south-western China and large blocks of marble from quarries near Beijing.  The floors were paved with specially baked paving bricks from Suzhou, known as "golden bricks."  There are special ceremonial ramps leading to the terraces that feature elaborate and symbolic bas-relief carvings.   The northern ramp, behind the Hall of Preserved (aka Preserving) Harmony, is carved from a single piece of stone, nearly 55' long, hauled from miles away during the winter, when it could be slid over the ice.  It is the largest such carving in China.

Another feature that is relatively recent is the Nine Dragon Wall, built in 1773 as part of an extensive renovation of the northeastern section of the palace to create a retirement villa for the Qianlong Emperor.

With much of the complex constructed of wood, large water urns can be found about the complex so that water was at the ready for fire-fighting. purposes.

There are lions everywhere, not simply in the Outer Court.  Some look more ferocious than others.

Many ceremonial rooms were also considered sacred.

And one's eyes could also be drawn upward, towards the heavens.

Of course, one of the most impressive sights for me was this one!

Even in the Forbidden City! 

The Not-So "Forbidden" City

What imp of perversity in human nature dislikes the word "forbidden" so much that whatever that description is applied to immediately becomes the object of our utmost desire?  According to the oft-told tale of the Garden of Eden, the first human beings were perfectly happy in their innocence.  That is, they were happy until one small thing was "forbidden" to them.  Ever since the taboo relating to that forbidden fruit was broken by an Eve manipulated by her curiosity and her feckless Adam, all of humankind has suffered the consequences.  One might believe - somewhat apocryphally - that an Almighty and All-Knowing Being would know exactly what would happen in this instance and that the so-called "test" was rigged from the first.  But that is a whole other story.

No matter who and where we are, the word "forbidden" too often lures us into situations where common sense might suggest we had better not go.  Fortunately, for HWMBO and his study group, the word "forbidden," used to describe the Forbidden City, the imperial palace complex used by Chinese emperors from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty, no longer has the meaning it originally held.  Then, it meant that no one could enter or leave the palace without the Emperor's permission.  The consequences of disobedience were dire.  Fortunately, that is no longer the case.

The palace complex of the Forbidden City was built from 1406 to 1420, consists of 980 buildings, and covers 720,000 square meters (7,800,000 square feet).  This makes it, according to one source, among the five most important palace complexes in the world.  According to that same source, the other "palaces" include Versailles in France, Buckingham Palace in the UK, the Kremlin in Russia and, surprisingly, the White House in the US.  I never have thought of the White House as a palace.  However we may venerate (or not, as the case may be) our Presidents, they are not royalty in the sense of the rois of France, the Kings and Queens of England, the Tsars in Russia and, most certainly not in the sense of the former Emperors of China.  In any event, the Forbidden City has its own map posted

for today's visitors, who come in multitudes.

Visitors are greeted at the outer gates by a stern depiction of the late Chairman Mao.

Statues of fierce lions are positioned about the courtyards.

And there are plaques that describe the history of areas such as the Hall of Preserved (or Preserving) Harmony,

that have been destroyed and rebuilt over the centuries.

Today, visitors from all countries of the world can wander freely among the buildings in the palatial complex.

They can even view the throne used by Emperors for centuries

and ponder how Power - no matter how long it may seem to last - is ultimately fleeting.     

Tiananmen Today

On 4 June 1989, Chinese civilians, for the most part workers and students, who had been gathering en masse in and around Tiananmen Square in Beijing's city center since April of that year because of grievances related to inflation, limited career prospects for students and corruption of the Communist party elite, were forced out of the square by the Chinese army.  The protesters, who numbered up to half a million, called for government accountability, freedom of the press, freedom of speech and restoration of workers' control over Chinese industry.  Up to the time that the army arrived, these protests were peaceful.

Initial reports stated that the army fired upon the protesters in Tiananmen Square, but recent discoveries from cables leaked via WikiLeaks have supported the Chinese authorities' account that the army did not actually fire upon protesters in the square itself.  But this is somewhat of a moot point.  The army was merciless as it cut through streets on its way to the square.  Tanks and soldiers destroyed impromptu barricades and other obstacles and fired live ammunition at anyone in their path.  The actual number of civilians killed is not known although estimates range from several hundred to thousands.  Although the Chinese government was widely condemned around the world for its use of force against the protesters, that did not prevent the protesters and their supporters from being arrested, demoted and purged.  Or worse.  Public discussion of this incident is still suppressed in China.

It is one of the great historical ironies that this expansive square, forever linked with 20th-century tyranny and bloodshed, takes its name from the Tiananmen Gate or the Gate of "Heavenly Peace."  It is, however, a testament to the resiliency of the human spirit and one to the resilience of the spirit of the Chinese people in particular because 23 years later, life has fully returned to the area.  Tiananmen Square has also become a major tourist attraction in Beijing.  Thus, HWMBO and his group made their way there as well.

Visibility on the day of their visit was not good

but that did not appear to dampen or squelch visitor enthusiasm at all.

And the group posed for a quick photo

before entering the Forbidden City.

Sampling Chinese Art

After a long pause, I'm heading back to China, or rather to HWMBO's experiences there in May and June.  I understand from one daughter-in-law as well as straight from the source that HWMBO's photos of China provided Thanksgiving Day entertainment for his dinner guests, thus displacing the Big Day's football games. At least until after the photo adventures ....  So here we go again!

Because HWMBO and the group were in China after having studied Oriental art history and because they were staying at the Chinese Central Academy for Fine Arts (CAFA) in Beijing,

it made perfect sense for them to visit with some of the art students.  In fact, much of one day was spent partly in watching student artists at work.

Concentration and dedication were evident in this man's intricate artwork.

They could view displays of highly detailed works such as this painting of traditional musicians

and this very realistic depiction of artifacts being unearthed from an archaeological dig.

Modern and experimental art was also featured at CAFA's Museum.

Not being satisfied merely to watch, many in the group decided to try their hands at copying designs

for some hands-on experience.

Their concentration was palpable

as HWMBO memorialized the moments in his own way.

But the budding artists had some hand-painted results

worthy enough to be taken home

and shared as personal mementos of

their fascinating experience.

What if?

Yesterday not only marked Thanksgiving in the US, but was the 49th anniversary of the event that, IMO, set the demarcation line for nearly everything bad that would happen in my country for the rest of the 20th century.  On 22 November 1963, John F. Kennedy, the youthful and charismatic 35th President of my country, was assassinated, supposedly by a lone and disgruntled ex-Marine ex-defector to the then-Soviet Union.  President Kennedy had barely completed his first 1000 days in office.

One of the smaller tragedies relating to this horrific event was that Lee Harvey Oswald, described by the Warren Commission as acting alone, did not live long enough to be thoroughly questioned about the "how" and "why" of his action.  Oswald himself was shot and killed two days later by a nightclub owner named Jack Ruby who had ties to organized crime figures.  Oswald's shooting took place while he was being transferred from one holding area to another.  TV cameras recorded the event live.  Those images were seared into my consciousness, along with others from those truly nightmarish days.

Many - perhaps even most - Americans have never accepted the Warren Commission's official conclusions.  There have been several documentaries and feature films advocating alternative theories.  There will most likely continue to be more such productions.  But none has provided proof found that would support any one of those theories persuasively enough over the findings of the Warren Commission for the Commission's conclusions to change in any significant way.  Like many Americans, I have my own conjecture as to what transpired, why and who was behind it.  Like all others, I have no proof that my conclusions are true.  So my thoughts will remain my own - unless some day I am able to articulate them plausibly enough - at least for a fictional treatment.

In November 1963, I was a college senior in my birth state of Montana.  Even at the time, I knew that I would enter the Peace Corps immediately after graduation.  As I did.  The Peace Corps was created in the early years of the Kennedy Administration and was just one of the "liberal" ideas that the US right-wing hated about Kennedy.  Here is a YouTube video that gives one idea of the depth of right-wing hatred toward Kennedy during the Kennedy era.

The rabid right-wing in those days was a distinct minority.  In a state as sparsely populated as Montana, such figures stood out starkly, however.  We knew them for who and what they were.  Then they were recognized by mainstream elements in both major political parties, Republicans and Democrats alike, as nut cases.  Unfortunately, what I have seen over the years is that these certifiable nut cases have gradually and firmly carved themselves a very powerful niche in today's Republican Party.  So much so that hatred and vituperation towards political figures, especially those who are Democrats, have become commonplace among Republicans.

During the second Clinton Administration, for example, these wingnuts impeached President Clinton for not coming clean about receiving a blow job.  While I concur that the whole episode was sordid and certainly wish that it had never happened at all, it was a private transgression that was no one's business other than those directly concerned.  The act took place between consenting adults after all.  It certainly did not rise to the level of what the US Constitution defines as impeachable offenses: "treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors."  Nor did the majority of the US public consider it so.

But the right-wing nut jobs (RWNJs) put the whole country through this very expensive ordeal, when the President's attention should have been on other matters, most notably the rising growth of global terrorism.  Ultimately, the Senate did not vote for impeachment.   The moaning, wailing and gnashing of teeth from the President's RW enemies raised a stink throughout the land.   But that hullaballoo was nothing compared to the reactions of the RWNJs when President Obama was elected.  And now re-elected.

What if the Kennedy assassination had never happened?  Would we have ceased our war in Vietnam much earlier, avoided two more assassinations of major charismatic figures: Martin Luther King and Robert F. Kennedy, JFK's younger brother?  Would we have avoided the anguish of Watergate and the Reagan foreign policy follies (e.g., arming the most radical of Islamic elements who were later responsible for the worst single tragedy on US soil), RW social policies that began dismantling the social safety net and insane trickle-down economic policies that laid the basis for the global economic crisis?

Unfortunately, we will never know.  But I will always wonder, "What if?"

If only.

Being Thankful, Part 2

With HWMBO valiantly hosting part of our far-flung brood, the rest are gathering in various locations with friends or family or both.  Elder son, Proud Dad T, and Sweet Momma H are hosting most members of her family and I am sure that Prince Tyger and Prince Lightning will ensure that the day is not dull.  They certainly livened up my summer and I am thankful that they and their parents are well.  I am even more thankful that I will soon get to see them again.  Here's a reminder of the perpetual motion duo, wholly occupied for a moment with Proud Dad T.

I am thankful that this past summer I got to see my most precious Princess Butterfly and to spend lots of one-on-one time with her - I have photos galore from the experience.  Here she is with her second cousin, my grand-niece, Princess Jelly Bean, whom she adores.

The feeling appears to be mutual.  I got to witness their bonding first-hand last summer when I met my grand-niece for the first time.

Visiting my niece Princess B, one of my 2011 summer guests, on her own turf was especially fun because I got to see my "baby" sis Sweet Momma N too.

I am thankful that I got to visit with both of Princess Butterfly's parents even though the two have, like HWMBO and I, been in different geographic locations for most of this year.  Proud Dad S and I spent time together in the mountains of Montana,

and two other sisters were able to come and see me there as well.  We spent some time clowning around as well as watching meteor showers together!

This year has been full of renewing acquaintances and seeing people I hadn't seen in years.  For that I am very grateful.  And among the things for which I have the most gratitude this year is that President Barack Obama was re-elected to a second term.  President Obama would be the first to admit that he is far from perfect.  But, IMO, he is head and shoulders above the best alternative that the opposition could propose this year.

Thank you to all of my fellow Americans who stood in long lines and voted.  My road was an easy one.  As an absentee voter whose voting residence is in a "blue" state, things went smoothly for me.  That was not the case for many others.  I am most thankful that we can all celebrate this holiday with the election results that we have.  Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

Being Thankful, Part 1

Today in the US, my family members are celebrating Thanksgiving Day, aka "Turkey" Day because the most traditional menu includes roast turkey.  Complete with trimmings including stuffing (dressing), mashed potatoes and gravy, yams (sweet potatoes), various green vegetables, either in casseroles or simply steamed with butter and seasonings, molded and green salads, various condiment dishes including pickles, raw carrots, celery and radishes and some form of cranberry sauce (either molded in can form or, as I prefer, freshly cooked and cooled with a bit of bourbon added, the turkey makes for a substantial meal.  When desserts including the traditional pumpkin, mince and pecan pies are added to the mix, a meal for one person can generally account for enough calories to feed a third-world family of four for a month.

OK, I exaggerate.  Sadly, not by enough.  Even in my own country today, there are many - far too many - who will not be having a meal anything like the one that my family members will enjoy.  All we can do is to keep trying to change these circumstances.  For everyone, everywhere.  But it won't happen overnight and it won't be easy.

In the meantime, there are many things for which I personally am very thankful.  First of all, I am most thankful for my wonderful HWMBO, who has put up with me for 31+ years, most likely because he hasn't had to live with me full-time for that long!  I am very thankful that he got to realize a dream and travel to China.  I am less thankful that I wasn't able to accompany him.

And yes, I will get around to posting some more photos of his adventures in China.  I've just fallen very much behind this month.

Today he is hosting part of the family - the ones living closest to him in Maryland - but he won't be cooking even though he is an excellent cook.  He has ordered everything from our local Wegeman's market.  All he will have to do will be to reheat the food and serve.  It will be interesting to see how this works out.

Among his guests will be Proud Dad J and Sweet Momma D with Princes D & J - here shown at their 2011 celebration in Ocean City, MD -

and Proud Dad B, accompanied by the Double Cs.  Sweet Momma T will spend the day with her family.

Our daughter, Sweet Momma K, who is a nurse, will be on duty today so she will celebrate her Thanksgiving at a more convenient time.  But she has much to celebrate this year.  She became a grandmother last summer when our Princess A gave birth to a daughter.  And here she is, Sweet Princess N, in all her glory - the newest member of the dynasty.

This event made me a great-grandmother.  For this, I should be thankful??!!  All things considered, yes indeedy!