/////// 10tonfunk

inside the forbidden city, about two years ago. when i first came to china in 05 the walls were so textured and beautiful. fading, soft, hay insulation peeking out in places. now they are red and gawdy, probably how they once were meant to be. restoration is a strange business, we expect these things to look old. the temple of heaven is shiny, red, and young-looking now but it’s lost the dignity it used to have when it still resembled an old soldier. now, it’ s hopped up 18 year old cadet..

cell phone pic of forbidden city taken from a passing taxi on our way to see the martha graham company in the egg. this is why i love living here. it’s easy to forget about the ancient grandeur of the city but the feeling i get every time i realize am passing the forbidden city – or on our left tiananmen- like it ain’t no thing, not even paying attention to it; these are the moments i realize how lucky i am to be here and how much i enjoy it.