Day 3..... alot of moving around.

On 07 Jun 2011, at 10:53 PM, David J TAN (Gmail) wrote:
Dear all,

Day 3..... alot of moving around.

First my friend insisted that I should visit Yonghegong Lama Temple. It's a palace turned temple. The last temple has a Guiness World tallest or largest sandle wood statue of Buddha, carved in one piece, it's around three story high, very impressive. Reflect the dedication of Buddhist of past to spend effort and money to please their gods.

Then we went to the Gulou area and took a one hour sightseeing tour on tricycle around the Hou Hai (clear water lake) and one houtong (old housing area). I learned alot from the tricycle man about how to tell what is the ranking of officers staying in the house by looking at their doors and also some of the sayings of Beijing, what was its history. We passed by past Prime Ministers' residences and also royal family houses and even Russia's Past President Goberchev's house! I also found out Beijing in the past is divided into five areas: The center is the Palace, the East is for the rich Merchants, the West is important Court Officers, the South is for general workers and North is for poor peasants. Very distinct areas.

After the nice ride, we were off to Tiantan or also known as Temple of Heaven (the famous round temple). My, lots of walking! The audio guide mentioned the history of how that temple became the Temple of Heaven. And what must the Emperor do during the spring festival. He stayed there for three days, supposed to life a simple life and sacrifice and pray for a good harvest for the year to San Tee (Hevenly God). Today is hot, can faint with all the walking, thank God, Tiantan Park has lots and lots of pine trees! I heard one tree is equivalent to 5 air-cons.

Where did we go next? Oh yeah, we drop by the space ship or egg looking Beijing Opera House to take a few pictures. It's bigger than I thought. Very impressive! But many in Beijing and China did not like it as it does not represent China. To me, neither does the Olympic Bird Next for that matter. But it's an iconic building that's very nicely done.

I wanted a little bit of art, so one of the destination that I had wanted to go is 798. It's a factory area turn artist village. It is good start, but it's still a long way to go to compare with some of the more vibrant art villages that I have visited elsewhere around the world. Almost bought an art piece for my nephew's wedding. But the owner not in for me to negotiate price. So will have to find something else or failing which, will give him an angpow.

To round off the day, another very nice meal at a vegetarian restaurant. This time, it's really gourmet food! The food is presented in very expensive, artistic and unique serving dishes. The menu weights a ton! 1 meter long, 40 cm wide and 5 cm thick! Imaging they even have a branch in Tibet, unbeliever, gourmet vegan restaurant up in the mountains! It's call Pure Lotus! The place is full! Yesterday restaurant was also full!

Tomorrow? Off to the mountains to spend time in God's nature among old temples and perhaps to the botanic garden too, if time permit!

Yours in Christ,
David
E-mail: Contak.David@gmail.com