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Without knowing the context, an onlooker might have thought on that warm spring day in 2012

that New York University was welcoming a foreign dignitary or Hollywood

star.

A wide van pulls up in front of a university building. Chen Guangcheng steps out.

A moment of jubilation and liberation

for the blind human rights activist Chen

Chen.

A New York moment too with flash

books and well-wishers and their wholehearted support.

Less than a week ago, Guangcheng was still at the hospital in Beijing, getting treatment for the bones he broke in his foot while escaping health rest.

From his hospital rooms surrounded by Chinese police, he dialed into a congressional hearing and expressed his

wishes to come to the US. Now still uncutches he set foot on American soil.

It takes him a moment to study himself.

A man breaks out of the crowd and rushes forward to shake Guangcheng's hand.

It's Republican Congressman Chris Smith, who convene the hearing Guangcheng's vocal by phone.

Professor Jerry Cohen, who helped make the arrangements for Guangcheng to come to NYU, is there too.au Guangcheng's wife Wei Jin and Congressman Smith look on from the side.

It's Jerry who stands beside Guangcheng in front of the cameras and microphones.

I will say a few simple words to everyone here.

Ma'am, when you translate speaking to the microphone.

He looks at him admiringly as Guangcheng addresses the crowd through an interpreter.

...