The Great Wall of China was even greater, than I could have possibly imagined. 
                  It has to be seen to be believed. It's so much more than just a wall.
                  The entrance gate, so ornate and the towers so formidable..... 
                  with carved stone arches adding a mystical beauty to this awesome wonder of the
                  world.

                  The Forbidden City was an incredible site. Gold-tiled roofs, 9,999 rooms (because
                  only heaven can have 10,000)
                  Delicately crafted handrails of marble and dragons sweeping up the stairways.
                  Nothing can prepare you for the size of this Imperial Palace.
                  One huge square leads into another and another and yet another with endless
                  treasures hidden behind its foreboding walls.
                  The emperor had 2000 concubines for, back in these ancient times, there was no
                  television and an emperor needed distractions.

                  But these poor young women were prisoners, condemned to spend their whole life
                  Within the luxurious boundaries of this city, forbidden to all others.

                  Present-day Beijing is a paradox......Ultra modern and yet ancient at the same time.
                  With a population of 12 million and much much more traffic than Dallas,
                  And yet, in spite of the volume, the traffic moves at a comfortable, sedate pace.
                  Masses of cars and throngs of bicycles merge into one coherent whole, cosmically
                  controlled, the ying intertwining with the yang.
                  And not really much in the way of a traffic jam.

                  The outdoor markets are vibrant and fun. Everything you could imagine for sale.
                  Rolex watches, well kind of. Nike knock-offs, Swords, cd's and software that could
                  land you in jail.
                  But the best bargains could be had after leaving the market.
                  At the end of the street, groups of strolling vendors descended upon our party and
                  desperately plied their wares. 
                  Beautiful silk scarves and tablecloths of superb quality could be had for a pittance.

                  After climbing the steep, steep steps of the Great Wall of China
                  I was so very tired, that nothing could be finer
                  Than a soothing, deep, relaxing massage
                  So, at the hotel, I called downstairs.
                  The Chinese gentlemen To my surprise, said he'd be right there.

                  After a few minutes more, there was a knock at the door.
                  And there, stood Wang Dong Dong - a Chinese treasure for sure.
                  Of all the Chinese wonders great and small, this sweet, lovely girl surely trounced
                  them all.

                  For it was Wang Dong Dong who made an indelible impression
                 upon my heart as well as my eyes.
                  Her sweetness. Her grace. Her smile. Her simplicity, Her innocence were such a
                  pleasant surprise.
                  We met every night at the appointed hour and I received such enchanted attention
                  from this Asian delight. 
                  She proved that in massage she had much expertise.
                  And, simultaneously, she taught me some phrases in Chinese 

                  When I got back home, she emailed me with a beautiful rose attached
                 Saying, "Although we're so far apart, beating together are our hearts.
                  The sound of the violin will send my best wishes to your ear.
                  And, I've been enjoying the memory of these few days while you were here.

                  Now, It's plain for anyone to see that this Chinese pearl is a part of my destiny.
                  Who knows what the future might bring, maybe a Chinese Christmas in Beijing.

                  July 8th 2001 Gordon Nicol 

                 Back in June 2001, I went with the Dallas Asian American Youth Orchestra
                  to Beijing in China. I recorded their performance in Beijing and edited
                  together a two hour video of this incredible trip.
                  We visited the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, the Temple of
                  Heaven, the Dowager's Summer Palace, Tianemen Square and many other
                  wondrous places. It's a whole different world over there, but the western
                  influence is definitely making itself quite apparent.
                  After visiting such an amazing place I was inspired to write this poem......
                  You can see more photos of the beautiful 
                  Wang Dong Dong by clicking on her picture at top of the page