Since Iamwei wrote about our touring experience so well in his journal, I can only add a few points here:  Joe’s touching hands and smile, the meeting room where different countries discuss Economic issues, the art exhibition, and the library.

 From the entrance to the individual meeting rooms, wherever Joe smiles and pats the guards’ shoulders, “Open sesame!” the UN door is wide open to reveal its treasures to four of Joe’s strange Chinese friends.  Literally we are just strangers who met a few minutes ago for the purpose of touring this best spot in New York City. What makes the guards entrust us to let sit on the Secretary General’s seat on the giant round shaped King?Arthur knights table in the deep heart of the organization? The rest of the touring population is not permitted to that seating. What made Joe trust us in his heart? Looking at Joe’s smile, I was wondering whether it is his diplomacy or it is the reflection of a crystal clear heart?

 The answer lies on a piece of a Japanese artist’s painting in the UN exhibition.  There was a Chinese photographer’s black and white mountain-view composition displayed with a Japanese artist’s subconscious painting in UN.  Joe mentioned the exhibition had drawn both Chinese and Japanese foreign ministers’ attention and speech. It is perhaps one of the diplomatic ways to soften the recent China-Japan dispute upon the Japanese WWII ceremonials.   Joe likes a particular piece of painting that contains a “clear brook” on the background of blue-greenish “forest”. I did not see the brook or forest. To me, it was an oil painting with cooling color, quiet tune, plain texture, and simple dimension with heavy influence of oriental arts such as the woodcut prints. It is symbolic and subconscious. Joe’s comment enabled me to see the spiritual water in what was otherwise a blue mood expression.  

Joe kindly offered the additional trip to the Economic room, thanks Joe and big bow.  Looking around the big hollowed room, I was curious about the decision-making process among so many countries’ representatives. It turned out people make general agreements in cafeterias, restaurants, etc. before coming into this meeting room. No wonder diplomatic people like Joe are so well rounded. Standing by him I was imaging myself sitting in this room to participate the Economics discussion.

 The only regret I have for the UN trip is the giant library building I was curious about. It occupies one entire side of the UN rectangle plaza. I would have been very interested to see different libraries and have been dreaming about built one once I get rich.  Yet Joe had spent two hours and half for us. What more favor can I ask from this kind gentleman? Besides, It opens only to the UN staff and diplomacy. Joe, what book collections do you have in there? What is the architecture specialty in there?  ….