Power and wisdom in the East

On a trip to China last year I saw for myself how the country is flexing its economic muscles, but little did I expect to see some female muscle flexing too.

So as our group assembled for another excursion I was delighted to find our guide for the day was this lady, He Yi.

Needless to say, I don't remember much about that day trip except He Yi's magnificent body. Eventually, I plucked up the courage to ask if she wouldn't mind being in some of my photos 'to give them scale'.

'Just for scale?' she replied with a wink. 'I think you like more than just for scale, no? I think this is what you like from me.' And with that, she began to flex.

Back at the hotel, I asked if she would like to join me for dinner.

She smiled. 'Just dinner you want with me? When you going to say really what you want instead of telling lies? I see you tomorrow for new excursion.' She patted my cheek and left, chuckling to herself.

Needless to say, I didn't sleep a wink that night as my mind raced with all kinds of sick thoughts about what I'd like her to do with me. But in the morning, as our group assembled, we were greeted by our usual guide. There was no sign of He Yi.

Perhaps I dreamt her. But I vowed that in future if I wanted a picture of a woman's muscles, I'd be up front about it.

Ah, the wisdom one finds in the East.