Beijing is like most other capitals in the world – big, showy, crowded, official. Like others, she has lovely buildings, wide streets, centres of culture, shopping malls, eating places. And on my first visit, in 2009, that is pretty much all I saw. But when I returned there in 2010, it was very different. The friends I had made on the firts visit, were there in all their strength to welcome me. From the moment I arrived till i left some days later, these fine friends shepherded me around. I saw the same things as before, but through their eyes. I was more relaxed in their company and was able to savour the changing moments. An ice-cream here, a soft drink there, a relaxed hour somewhere else – all were special moments ot be captures in photo and taken away for future reference.