Human history is a unique mixture of success and failure, victory and defeat, love and war. The massacre was one such event that has caused the death of many innocent people and those who start a massacre in order to satisfy their thirst for vengeance and for human egos.

A cloak of smoke descended on Nanjing for Halloween. And rain drizzled. Everywhere people in hoodies and under umbrellas. It was as if Halloween could not happen under clear skies and clement weather. Halloween brought Autumn to Nanjing. However there is not much that can dampen the spirit of Nanjingren when it comes to an excuse for a night out.

It is not unusual to be walking down a street in China and “Kapow”, bang, bang, bang – fireworks just start going off all around you. It could be because there is a funeral, a shop opening, someone getting married, a birthday, or just to honour some long lost ancestor and bring luck and good fortune.

Today is my birthday – YES – it really is, and I have been at the Chinese Military hospital in Nanjing seeking treatment.