Shiny China

Whilst sipping a cappuccino this morning, a rather interesting scene unfolded before me. I was smiling as I watched the tiny tots spin round on the carousel in front of the cafe window. The parents were waving and grinning, cameras flashing and their expectations higher than the children’s. Everyone was generally having a good time, me included, when the ride slowed unexpectedly to a stop and the families were ushered away by men in suits. The kids’ smiles began to crack and tears pricked their big beautiful brown eyes.

A slim female celeb in a floaty dress took her place astride a horse. She was soon joined by a flashy looking interviewer who smiled and joked as he tried to keep his balance. The horses  lurched forwards.

In the background, an old man was minding his own business whilst sweeping the street. A crew member grumpily snatched the broom from his hands, gave the place a cursory brush and then pushed the old man away. Looking pleased with himself, he rejoined the suits. The street sweeper was united with the disgruntled families, kept at bay and craning his neck to see what was happening.

That's better. China was looking shiny and new, ready for the CCTV cameras.