HAPPY ROOMS AND THE GOLDEN MASK DYNASTY SHOW

HAPPY ROOMS AND THE GOLDEN MASK DYNASTY SHOW

By now, I could just spy Lisa’s umbrella with its white Cruise First flag hanging limply in the midday sun as we traversed Tiananmen Square where lines of locals and tourists snaked across its wide expanse in an organised way. No random walking on this location redolent with ancient as well as modern historical significance. Chinese guards stood at attention beneath an umbrella of sorts. When I got a little too close to steal some shade, I was quickly moved on. And on we walked for six uninterrupted hours in unrelenting heat over seven kilometres through the old Forbidden City or Imperial Palace ruled by so many emperors across the Dynasties of Chinese history for 600 years. This tour was very challenging for this age group particularly for those whose energy levels were dangerously low after just three hours sleep in the past 24 hours.

There might have been one stop for a “Happy Room”. Now, happy rooms are those with conventional Western plumbing. Unfortunately, particularly for the ladies, many are Unhappy Rooms where you squat-and-go. Again, very difficult for some of the older generation who may squat but have difficulty returning to an upright position! The consequences are not worth reflecting on for too long where the fragrance in the air is certainly not cherry blossom in bloom.

Just before we were released to find something to eat late in the afternoon, we were informed that this evening’s optional tour was really not all that optional. Tonight was a show not to be missed - cost: $75 each. If one was determined not to go, then one could find somewhere to sit nearby for about an hour and a half. We duly paid our money and took up our seats close to the front in a very large packed theatre. Yes, we were Shanghaied (again) in Beijing and the show was worth every Rem and more. It was brilliant for its story, its production and its special effects.

The Golden Mask Dynasty Show is a large scale Chinese musical drama. It is a fairy tale about wars, royalty and romance. A Queen who wears a golden mask creates a splendid Dynasty. Throughout the years of war, the Golden Mask Dynasty defeats the Blue Mask Dynasty. However, the Queen declares a total amnesty and the King of the Blue Mask Dynasty is moved by her mercy and trust. Soon they fall in love with each other. Unfortunately, there comes a catastrophic natural disaster of floods and the Queen sacrifices herself to save her people. Now, there is nothing worse than someone trying to tell you about a great movie they have seen, so I won’t try except to describe an actual flood with torrents of water cascading over rocks and drowning actors was recreated on stage. Unbelievable.

An hour’s bus ride back to the hotel and day one concluded an exhausting but exhilarating day.