On a very sultry Friday afternoon, took a trip to visit the tombs of Sun Yat Sen and the first Ming dynasty emporer. Very different. Located on the foothillf of the Purple Mountain. Beautiful sycamore lined streets. We took a tourist shuttle from the subway station to the foot of the Sun Yat Sen Mausoleum. Even thoug he was the founder of the Republic of China (now Taiwan), he was not an enemy of the communists and envisioned a multi-party system. Unfortunately, he died before his dream of turning China into a republic was realized. Control was then taken over by Chang Kai Shek - whose ruthless hatred against the communists led to the eventual overthrow. How different China would be if he hadn't died. It's interesting to see that modern China reveres him and his memory. Needless to say, I didn't make the climb up the 392 steps - especially with light rain turning the stone steps into slides. Another shuttle took us to the Ming tomb - resting place of the fist emporer of the Ming dynasty - who had made Nanjing his capital. After his death, the capital was moved to Beijing. A path of stone animals led to a palace like structure with a wall behind - somewhere behind the wall is his tomb buried in the huge field behind it. Those who buried him there buried themselves with him so the secret could not be found. Returned home a lather of sweat!!! Enjoyed the green relative quiet space of Purple Mountain.
