FISM in Beijing
FISM stands for ‘International Federation of Magic Societies’, and was created in 1948.
Every 3 years, FISM holds a championship in a different country, a bit like the Olympics of the magic world. This year it was in Beijing. So my good magical mate Clive Winterton and I ( see pic no. 1), went to observe.
The Championships were very close to the the Birds Nest Stadium (see pic no.2) where the Beijing Olympics were held last year in 2008.
The Magic Championships went on for 6 days with competitors from all over the world gathering to try win the prestigious title of World Champion. The UK had one entrant in the close up competition, and he won! The picture no. 1 shows fellow friends and magicians, and we were celebrating Marc’s win. In the rear standing is Paul Brown, and from left to right in front is myself then Marc Oberon (The Close Up Winner) and Clive Winterton.
The pic number 2 is Beijing’s finest being impressed by magic…
Beijing is a huge city and very modern. I’ve never seen so many vast skyscapers before, and most were beautifully designed-bit like Vegas on steroids at times!
Before the championships, I managed to vist a few places like The Great Wall..of course I had to impress the locals with magic on The Wall…(see pics 4 and 5)
…see the Forbidden City, The Summer Palace.. and too practise an Art I am very fond of - Tai Chi..at the very early hours of the morning I might add (pic no. 6)!
What an amazing trip and I have come back with some great ideas, met some wonderful people and have Amazing memories to keep forever.