Long Time Between Drinks

Well it seemed like it was time for a holiday and I chose to visit North Korea. One gets there via Beijing - so I had 2 days there beforehand to give myself some time to adjust and also to check out the art museums.  Spring had sprung and it was very pleasant walking around - not yet at the sweaty hot stage.

 First up was the National Art Museum of China - it was free which was a bonus. They had a show of paintings by an artist from Xingjiang (Western China) which I enjoyed for its mix of traditional and modern style.

This was loitering outside.

I was staying in an old hutong area - fortunately the authorities haven't pulled them all down - they are dotted around the centre of town. It's fun wandering around because you often get lost and it's interesting peering through doors. I later realised that there were a lot of public toilets in the hutong areas so I'm guessing the plumbing may not be too great.

Next up was the Today Art Gallery - I'd ordered some spectacles and this was handy to ass the time while they were being made (2 hours!). Of course after a few art places one starts to get the idea of trying to take arty photos ...

Then it was long hike to the Red Gallery; run by an expat Kiwi. It is part of the watchtower/gate of the old city wall

I liked the works I saw there a lot

Hopefully the video clip below will work