tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80460961268091675002024-03-12T15:25:41.574-07:00From Emei MountainBlog for experiencing Emei Mountain and its surrounding area (Sichuan Province, China) in prose, picture and poetry.Cecil Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15551474809860713547noreply@blogger.comBlogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8046096126809167500.post-46439311188025558242009-06-20T02:22:00.002-07:002009-06-21T19:12:02.563-07:00A Traditional Chinese Wedding For EnlivenIt was finally time for our FAO (Foreign Affairs Office) representative to have her wedding. She had spent the last week working on getting our visas taken care of. Seems Sichuan Province has a very strict age limit on foreign teachers. We had already been turned down but the University was pushing for my contract very hard. Ms. Enliven, our FAO rep, was spearheading the effort to get a new visa for us. She now appears to have been successful, even though she was scheduled to have her wedding today. An amazing bit of effort on her part.<br /><br /><div>Actually, she and her husband had been officially married for about three months. This was the official ceremony for family and friends. Enliven had decided to have a traditional ceremony and even claimed she had decided this to give us foreigners a bit of Chinese culture. Knowing her, I would not doubt that she had set this thing up for our benefit as well as her family's. It was greatly appreciated by all of us foreigners!</div><br /><div>We were told to meet the husband's people at the China Bank building at 1000 so Sunee and I were getting ready when I heard Chinese music coming our way. I immediately ran outside on the balcony and saw a troop of musicians, flag bearers and the husband being carried down the hill. The time was 0917. Sunee and I hurried and finished getting ready. As we were just about to leave, the marriage procession was coming back up the hill. We ran out and followed them back up the hill. The parade made a right turn across from the China Bank building and stopped in front of an apartment building. It seems the groom had been carried down the hill to pick up his bride and was now they were being deposited into their new home. She was carried into the apartment complex by the groom. I talked with Tom and found out the whole thing had started an hour early but we had not really missed anything. </div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sj5DGbKOIEI/AAAAAAAAFnE/xkqw4QsdOkk/s1600-h/1Weddingstarts.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sj5DGbKOIEI/AAAAAAAAFnE/xkqw4QsdOkk/s400/1Weddingstarts.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349787185011630146" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The wedding starts almost without us. The troopers are headed down the hill to pick up the brid</i>e. </div><div><br /></div><div>Half an hour and the bride and groom come back out, mount up (bride in sedan chair and husband in an open chair carried by four to six red dressed bearers) and we head off toward the Emei Hotsprings Hotel. Fortunately, Sunee and I caught a ride over to the hotel. It would be another forty minutes or so before the procession would arrive to the hotel, so we make ourselves comfortable with some Emei Mountain green tea. </div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sj5DGIljhsI/AAAAAAAAFm8/_8pg9nm0sFY/s1600-h/2WeddingMarch.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sj5DGIljhsI/AAAAAAAAFm8/_8pg9nm0sFY/s400/2WeddingMarch.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349787180026005186" /></a><i><div style="text-align: center;">Back up the hill to the couple's apartment.</div></i><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sj5DGCjEUyI/AAAAAAAAFm0/fpPL65Wbmhw/s1600-h/3Flagbearers.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sj5DGCjEUyI/AAAAAAAAFm0/fpPL65Wbmhw/s400/3Flagbearers.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349787178404959010" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Flag bearers.</i></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sj5DF4W-DjI/AAAAAAAAFms/jVsS4HOHAaY/s1600-h/4Poses.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sj5DF4W-DjI/AAAAAAAAFms/jVsS4HOHAaY/s400/4Poses.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349787175669861938" /></a><i>Tom poses with two of his students who were among the troopers in the wedding procession.</i><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sj5CN_SbMDI/AAAAAAAAFmk/msPgZ4UglM4/s1600-h/5Players.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sj5CN_SbMDI/AAAAAAAAFmk/msPgZ4UglM4/s400/5Players.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349786215457173554" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>A large group of musicians, carriers and flag bearers made up the procession.</i></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sj5CNqXok0I/AAAAAAAAFmc/0lphnoFunrM/s1600-h/6Sedanchair.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sj5CNqXok0I/AAAAAAAAFmc/0lphnoFunrM/s400/6Sedanchair.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349786209841877826" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The beautiful (and now empty) sedan chair for the bride.</i></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sj5CNsfwwkI/AAAAAAAAFmU/FM4OuNtAB_o/s1600-h/7ShengPlayer.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sj5CNsfwwkI/AAAAAAAAFmU/FM4OuNtAB_o/s400/7ShengPlayer.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349786210412839490" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>One of the musicians with his sheng. This is supposed to be the father of the modern harmonica. I plan to get one before we leave China</i>.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sj5CNQTUI8I/AAAAAAAAFmM/Gt-fCh5IEmg/s1600-h/8BrideLeaves.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sj5CNQTUI8I/AAAAAAAAFmM/Gt-fCh5IEmg/s400/8BrideLeaves.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349786202844439490" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Time to head out to the hotel. Here the bride leaves the apartment.</i></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sj5CM_2P--I/AAAAAAAAFmE/f66zJOa-cQM/s1600-h/9GroomLeaves.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sj5CM_2P--I/AAAAAAAAFmE/f66zJOa-cQM/s400/9GroomLeaves.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349786198427565026" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Of course, the groom also gets to be carried to the hotel along with his bride.</i></div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sj4rBVkAYbI/AAAAAAAAFl0/JtaHrgo-0Og/s1600-h/10Hotel.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sj4rBVkAYbI/AAAAAAAAFl0/JtaHrgo-0Og/s400/10Hotel.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349760709330756018" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Outside the Emei Hotsprings Hotel</i></div><br /><br /><div>As we sat in the lounge, we met the new couples family. Ms. Enliven's father was especially interesting as he was a noted "qi gong" practitioner. We asked him a few questions and then for the next half hour or so, listened to him as he explained what "qi gong" was all about. One could not help but really like this gentleman from Beijing.</div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sj4rBH_KJdI/AAAAAAAAFls/oxSH9iygrNg/s1600-h/11EnlivenFamily.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sj4rBH_KJdI/AAAAAAAAFls/oxSH9iygrNg/s400/11EnlivenFamily.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349760705686545874" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Ms. Enliven's mother and father visit with us as we wait for the wedding procession to arrive</i>.</div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sj4rAx7SQzI/AAAAAAAAFlk/TdNUcCVBy3U/s1600-h/11EnlivenFather.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sj4rAx7SQzI/AAAAAAAAFlk/TdNUcCVBy3U/s400/11EnlivenFather.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349760699764720434" /></a><i><div style="text-align: center;">A famous "qi gong" expert, Ms. Enliven's gladly shared his knowledge with us as we waited in comfort</div></i><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div>At around 1130, the wedding procession arrived and we ran out to get some pictures. We were now very familiar with Chinese weddings as we were given candies and offered cigarettes. The groom and bride officially enter the hotel then disappear into the back, preparing for the upcoming events of ceremony and banquet. We returned to our lounge and Ms. Enliven's father continued to tell us about "qi gong." He impressed both Sunee and I greatly. </div><div><br /></div><div>At around noon, we were all called into the banquet room so the ceremony could begin. The afternoon was spent watching a traditional Chinese wedding ceremony and eating some really great dishes. It was a very rewarding afternoon and very beautiful.</div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sj4rArdrrkI/AAAAAAAAFlc/iOtNscI4KP4/s1600-h/12Arrival.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sj4rArdrrkI/AAAAAAAAFlc/iOtNscI4KP4/s400/12Arrival.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349760698029944386" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The troopers arrive with the bride and groom on their backs. It took about 45 minutes for them to make the trip from the China Bank building to the hotel.</i> </div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sj4pmFCf0VI/AAAAAAAAFlU/1pxgv1eVlME/s1600-h/13GroomArrives.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 231px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sj4pmFCf0VI/AAAAAAAAFlU/1pxgv1eVlME/s400/13GroomArrives.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349759141527146834" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The groom is first delivered to the door of the hotel</i></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sj4plzpY9EI/AAAAAAAAFlM/6xmHA5dqCVE/s1600-h/14BrideArrives.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sj4plzpY9EI/AAAAAAAAFlM/6xmHA5dqCVE/s400/14BrideArrives.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349759136858436674" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Then the bride is united with her groom and they both enter the hotel</i></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sj4plj6df0I/AAAAAAAAFlE/IU_ZIDA1B6A/s1600-h/15Crew.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sj4plj6df0I/AAAAAAAAFlE/IU_ZIDA1B6A/s400/15Crew.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349759132635070274" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>After the bride and groom arrive we still had a few minutes before the ceremony so I had this picture taken with the hard-working troopers</i>.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sj4plZKgkKI/AAAAAAAAFk8/OHlv371GWDo/s1600-h/16Apple.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sj4plZKgkKI/AAAAAAAAFk8/OHlv371GWDo/s400/16Apple.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349759129749590178" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The ceremony started at around noon or a little after. One of the first things I noticed was this apple on the floor leading up to the platform</i>.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sj4plA_a67I/AAAAAAAAFk0/em-GoMILstM/s1600-h/16Fire.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sj4plA_a67I/AAAAAAAAFk0/em-GoMILstM/s400/16Fire.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349759123260631986" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Also we saw this wood burning box aflame a few meters behind the apple. Seems this has a symbolic meaning which I must remember to look up. Dean Jiang tried to explain it but I really did not understand.</i></div><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sj4o6NBsYGI/AAAAAAAAFks/bsXQlOBF7pE/s1600-h/17BrideWaits.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sj4o6NBsYGI/AAAAAAAAFks/bsXQlOBF7pE/s400/17BrideWaits.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349758387757015138" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The bride awaits his her sedan chair. She waited quite awhile for the ceremony to start.</i></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sj4o6JGHiAI/AAAAAAAAFkk/q_gWe-iYMAE/s1600-h/18Beans.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 236px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sj4o6JGHiAI/AAAAAAAAFkk/q_gWe-iYMAE/s400/18Beans.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349758386701830146" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>As we waited for things to start, our tables were full of great looking appetizers for our enjoyment. Here we have some spicy green beans.</i></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sj4o55a7kAI/AAAAAAAAFkc/3QEmcEm9NLk/s1600-h/18Food.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sj4o55a7kAI/AAAAAAAAFkc/3QEmcEm9NLk/s400/18Food.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349758382494158850" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The appetizers on the lazy susan ready for tasting.</i></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sj4o5na3HxI/AAAAAAAAFkU/sH_xP8_oDCI/s1600-h/18Ham.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 219px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sj4o5na3HxI/AAAAAAAAFkU/sH_xP8_oDCI/s400/18Ham.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349758377662029586" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Nice sliced pieces of beef.</i></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sj4o5T0BfTI/AAAAAAAAFkM/U326wcoFpZo/s1600-h/18Meat.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 204px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sj4o5T0BfTI/AAAAAAAAFkM/U326wcoFpZo/s400/18Meat.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349758372398857522" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>This turned out to be some spicy fish slivers. I did not care for them as they had too many small bones. </i></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sj4ne42pZPI/AAAAAAAAFkE/BW5R-nmM8fc/s1600-h/18Pickled.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 269px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sj4ne42pZPI/AAAAAAAAFkE/BW5R-nmM8fc/s400/18Pickled.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349756818973877490" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Pickled radishes made into a beautiful flower. They were as good as they looked.</i></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sj4neu8fP9I/AAAAAAAAFj8/vjKXbf7hjbQ/s1600-h/18SpicyVeg.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 232px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sj4neu8fP9I/AAAAAAAAFj8/vjKXbf7hjbQ/s400/18SpicyVeg.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349756816314023890" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Plainly sliced cucumbers (I think) in a really hot but subtle sauce. These were great.</i></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sj4neaT2RRI/AAAAAAAAFj0/HDSLPnJmLJw/s1600-h/19HereBride.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sj4neaT2RRI/AAAAAAAAFj0/HDSLPnJmLJw/s400/19HereBride.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349756810774856978" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The ceremony starts and the bride is helped out of here sedan chair and guided up to join her waiting groom. Notice her face is completely covered. Very traditional.</i></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sj4neUWcVBI/AAAAAAAAFjs/-ZXwWvLs0ZQ/s1600-h/20Couple.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sj4neUWcVBI/AAAAAAAAFjs/-ZXwWvLs0ZQ/s400/20Couple.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349756809175127058" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The bride and groom as the ceremony starts.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sj4neKfsfQI/AAAAAAAAFjk/zmnoQOHTAN4/s1600-h/20Couple2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sj4neKfsfQI/AAAAAAAAFjk/zmnoQOHTAN4/s400/20Couple2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349756806529580290" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Eventually the groom lifts the veil to reveal the lovely bride and they take a seat before the audience</i>.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sj4m2_rirGI/AAAAAAAAFjc/mxUJazug63Q/s1600-h/21bowing.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 297px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sj4m2_rirGI/AAAAAAAAFjc/mxUJazug63Q/s400/21bowing.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349756133611580514" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>A lot of stuff goes on during this very long ceremony. Here the couple kneels in respect of their in-laws and eventually offer them tea</i>.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sj4m2XZS5hI/AAAAAAAAFjE/oj6lX1dwdDI/s1600-h/22WeddingParty.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sj4m2XZS5hI/AAAAAAAAFjE/oj6lX1dwdDI/s400/22WeddingParty.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349756122797630994" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>A group shot of the foreigners with Ms. Enliven's parents and, of course, her husband.</i></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sj4m2FWMSlI/AAAAAAAAFi8/v-P7TtlyF84/s1600-h/22Enliven2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sj4m2FWMSlI/AAAAAAAAFi8/v-P7TtlyF84/s400/22Enliven2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349756117952776786" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The beautiful bride near the end of the ceremony. Hundreds of pictures were taken of various friends and relations</i>.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sj4m2t6BJVI/AAAAAAAAFjU/rQXiKjgDzsc/s1600-h/23Defiance.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sj4m2t6BJVI/AAAAAAAAFjU/rQXiKjgDzsc/s400/23Defiance.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349756128840459602" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Never mess with a Chinese bride!</i></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sj4m2o0_oDI/AAAAAAAAFjM/9SX5fXsCopY/s1600-h/24PartyOVer.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sj4m2o0_oDI/AAAAAAAAFjM/9SX5fXsCopY/s400/24PartyOVer.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349756127477211186" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>All things must come to an end. Here two little Chinese girls bid us farewell.</i> </div><div><br /></div><div>Actually we went upstairs to play some mahjong. Since neither Sunee nor I really understand the game, it did not take us long to give up on it. Soon, very soon we will get serious and learn to play.<br /><br /></div>Cecil Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15551474809860713547noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8046096126809167500.post-24990615121035322552009-06-18T02:22:00.000-07:002009-06-23T06:18:54.478-07:00My Teachers' Class GraduationThursday at 1600 (4 PM), I went to the official graduation ceremony for the teachers who had attended the first English training class at SW Jiaotong University. We met in a large conference room in Number Four Building, Second Floor. Several University administrators were present as was our own Dean Jiang. <div><br /></div><div>Basically we discussed the successes and critiqued the course. The teachers all gave glowing reports and it now appears that this course will be offered again next semester. </div><div><br /></div><div>When we were approached about this class at the War Luncheon (see earlier post), I was apprehensive about the class. First, to be in front of a bunch of teachers is a teacher's worst nightmare. Imagine the possibility of being evaluated every second. </div><div><br /></div><div>Secondly, I did not know the English levels of the teachers. To what level does one teach? To the advanced students, the middle students or the lower students. There is no simple answer and thus I was a bit worried.</div><div><br /></div><div>As it turned out, the teachers and I got along really great and ended up working together to reach our goals. I had a great time and look forward to more of the same next semester.</div><div><img src="http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif" alt="Font size" border="0" class="gl_size" /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">These are some of the pictures taken during the certificate ceremony</span></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sj7pwZUCPhI/AAAAAAAAFns/CjOlapIF1CM/s1600-h/EchoGroup.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 170px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sj7pwZUCPhI/AAAAAAAAFns/CjOlapIF1CM/s400/EchoGroup.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349970425000640018" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sj7pwWAO1QI/AAAAAAAAFnk/2ob1iKY-iXA/s1600-h/Fun01.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sj7pwWAO1QI/AAAAAAAAFnk/2ob1iKY-iXA/s400/Fun01.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349970424112272642" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sj7pwHNCKlI/AAAAAAAAFnc/dQu7Ql4IArI/s1600-h/Teachers03.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sj7pwHNCKlI/AAAAAAAAFnc/dQu7Ql4IArI/s400/Teachers03.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349970420139436626" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sj7pvw2j2ZI/AAAAAAAAFnU/Ake8lC65bhg/s1600-h/Teachers02.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sj7pvw2j2ZI/AAAAAAAAFnU/Ake8lC65bhg/s400/Teachers02.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349970414139595154" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sj7pvzWMEjI/AAAAAAAAFnM/MlcT_U0YY8w/s1600-h/Teachers01.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sj7pvzWMEjI/AAAAAAAAFnM/MlcT_U0YY8w/s400/Teachers01.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349970414809125426" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SkDSzRRFEbI/AAAAAAAAFoE/x69CrF1zafY/s1600-h/GroupTeach.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 219px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SkDSzRRFEbI/AAAAAAAAFoE/x69CrF1zafY/s400/GroupTeach.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350508135566348722" /></a>This is the teachers group posing for a shot in front of one of the famous professors at Jiaoda. A very impressive group of teachers.Cecil Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15551474809860713547noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8046096126809167500.post-82546112552942979482009-05-24T07:26:00.000-07:002009-05-30T18:36:50.607-07:00An Academic Trip To Crouching Tiger TempleWe scheduled a visit to Fuhu Temple for a couple of my students who were to write a travel journal article about the temple. Ms. Winter and Ms. Lorry were supposed to show up at around 1430 Sunday afternoon but were able to make it a little after 1500 due to class commitments. We had called Yanmao to coordinate the trip so eveything was set. <div><br /></div><div>We took a bus to Emei Mountain, getting off at the little village nearest Fuhu Temple. The temple is another fifteen minute walk up the mountain.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SiFBX9aqs0I/AAAAAAAAFiA/1_UcjgN12Hc/s1600-h/1WalkFuhu.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SiFBX9aqs0I/AAAAAAAAFiA/1_UcjgN12Hc/s400/1WalkFuhu.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341622512917328706" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Ms. Lorry, Ms. Winter and Sunee all walk casually up the mountain to the temple. It was a great day to be out and about on the mountain.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SiFBX15sTGI/AAAAAAAAFh4/9xtCQHzJtsU/s1600-h/2Instructions.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 224px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SiFBX15sTGI/AAAAAAAAFh4/9xtCQHzJtsU/s400/2Instructions.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341622510899973218" /></a>Yanmao greets us and invites us in to the meeting room for tea and interviews. Here she introduces the concepts behind being a nun on Emei Mountain ant Fuhu Temple.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SiFBXuNx7hI/AAAAAAAAFhw/uwI-_cDxfjY/s1600-h/3SuneeListens.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SiFBXuNx7hI/AAAAAAAAFhw/uwI-_cDxfjY/s400/3SuneeListens.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341622508836744722" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Sunee relaxes and listens intently to the lecture on being a nun.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SiFBXf7TDxI/AAAAAAAAFho/9jxJ1Jp-dHk/s1600-h/3LorryListens.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SiFBXf7TDxI/AAAAAAAAFho/9jxJ1Jp-dHk/s400/3LorryListens.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341622505001127698" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Lorry also listens with interest.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SiFBXYPvdRI/AAAAAAAAFhg/PwZHEaSa3iA/s1600-h/3WinterListens.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SiFBXYPvdRI/AAAAAAAAFhg/PwZHEaSa3iA/s400/3WinterListens.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341622502939391250" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Ms Winter as well.</div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SiFA-uwejlI/AAAAAAAAFhY/6FDAhH6x-8g/s1600-h/4Notetaking.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 224px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SiFA-uwejlI/AAAAAAAAFhY/6FDAhH6x-8g/s400/4Notetaking.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341622079485546066" /></a>Both Ms. Winter and Ms. Lorry asked questions and took detailed notes about what Yanmao was telling them.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SiFA-hliDcI/AAAAAAAAFhQ/aULA8Lj_xgE/s1600-h/5Bookonnuns.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SiFA-hliDcI/AAAAAAAAFhQ/aULA8Lj_xgE/s400/5Bookonnuns.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341622075949977026" /></a>Here Yanmao shows a book written about the nunneries on Emei Mountain. It is written in both Chinese and English. She was kind enough to loan us the book for a few weeks. </div><div><br /></div><div>After more than an hour of interviews and getting to know Buddhism from a nun's prospective, Yanmao invited us to share a meal with her. She took us outside to observe the ceremony that occurred prior to sharing food.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SiFA-dFhwiI/AAAAAAAAFhI/Mw4h6OiSyxU/s1600-h/5Morewalk.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 211px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SiFA-dFhwiI/AAAAAAAAFhI/Mw4h6OiSyxU/s400/5Morewalk.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341622074741998114" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">After prayers the nuns walked and chanted around the base of their living quarters.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SiFA-FgxzJI/AAAAAAAAFhA/QnLMknT5zck/s1600-h/5WalkingNuns.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SiFA-FgxzJI/AAAAAAAAFhA/QnLMknT5zck/s400/5WalkingNuns.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341622068413844626" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Chanting and walking is part of the Pure Land Buddhist sects rituals.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SiFA99SVkBI/AAAAAAAAFg4/gO_Cz3HIpE0/s1600-h/6Nunwatch.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SiFA99SVkBI/AAAAAAAAFg4/gO_Cz3HIpE0/s400/6Nunwatch.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341622066205790226" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">A closer view of the rituals.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SiE8yxh43cI/AAAAAAAAFgI/khIrfy-GcXk/s1600-h/7LivingQuarters.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SiE8yxh43cI/AAAAAAAAFgI/khIrfy-GcXk/s400/7LivingQuarters.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341617476024720834" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Nuns' living quarters.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SiE8ypL8liI/AAAAAAAAFgA/fb_nOzYmT0Y/s1600-h/8Respect.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SiE8ypL8liI/AAAAAAAAFgA/fb_nOzYmT0Y/s400/8Respect.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341617473785206306" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Ms. Lorry and Ms. Winter with Yanmao in respectful pose.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SiE8yuCLI1I/AAAAAAAAFf4/8OMLVgN5jRU/s1600-h/9PrayInstruction.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SiE8yuCLI1I/AAAAAAAAFf4/8OMLVgN5jRU/s400/9PrayInstruction.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341617475086394194" /></a>Ms. Winter asked a question about prayers and Yanmao immediately took us to the small prayer room to give instructions on the proper way to show respect and pray. This was an interesting demonstration and practical experience for us all.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SiE8ybDJ9DI/AAAAAAAAFfw/yMuhwgYtILY/s1600-h/10buddhacat.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SiE8ybDJ9DI/AAAAAAAAFfw/yMuhwgYtILY/s400/10buddhacat.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341617469990237234" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">After a vegetarian lunch and on the way out, Ms. Winter meets and greets a cat that is cared for by the nuns. As I was taking additional pictures of the cat, one of the nuns invited me back to see the cat's family.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SiE8yF-1pUI/AAAAAAAAFfo/kb6qrL93MDQ/s1600-h/10Buddhacat2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SiE8yF-1pUI/AAAAAAAAFfo/kb6qrL93MDQ/s400/10Buddhacat2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341617464334984514" /></a><div style="text-align: right;">Ms. Lorry holds one of the temple cat's kittens, a fluff of white cotton.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SiE8IJ7BNuI/AAAAAAAAFfg/EZuVY-fTdPI/s1600-h/10Buddhacat3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SiE8IJ7BNuI/AAAAAAAAFfg/EZuVY-fTdPI/s400/10Buddhacat3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341616743838201570" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Mother cat is not happy.</div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SiHNE_xXAKI/AAAAAAAAFiI/HHKX2EyAchE/s1600-h/11ByeBye.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SiHNE_xXAKI/AAAAAAAAFiI/HHKX2EyAchE/s400/11ByeBye.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341776118759751842" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Yanmao bids us a fond farewell as we go explore the Fuhu Temple.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SiE8H4qEj4I/AAAAAAAAFfY/w1R-fJ0oKvM/s1600-h/12wrongtree.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SiE8H4qEj4I/AAAAAAAAFfY/w1R-fJ0oKvM/s400/12wrongtree.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341616739203714946" /></a>In the book Yanmao had loaned us, I read about some rare trees in the courtyard of the temple. Here the students pose by what we thought was a rare tree only to find out later it was not so rare.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SiE8Ho4GPmI/AAAAAAAAFfQ/158jLczwDnw/s1600-h/13Housepagoda.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SiE8Ho4GPmI/AAAAAAAAFfQ/158jLczwDnw/s400/13Housepagoda.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341616734967578210" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">In this building is the 13th century pagoda which celebrates the meeting of thousands of Buddhist across China during that period.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SiE8Hno290I/AAAAAAAAFfI/i1tsJbRnTFY/s1600-h/14AlwaysNice.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SiE8Hno290I/AAAAAAAAFfI/i1tsJbRnTFY/s400/14AlwaysNice.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341616734635226946" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Can't help taking this beautiful stand in front of the bronze pagoda.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SiE8HZvU3fI/AAAAAAAAFfA/XqhHbbeufGY/s1600-h/15thirteenthCent.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SiE8HZvU3fI/AAAAAAAAFfA/XqhHbbeufGY/s400/15thirteenthCent.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341616730904255986" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Ms. Lorry and Ms. Winter pose in front of one of the oldest relics in the temple, the 13th Century bronze pagoda.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SiE7H58q-AI/AAAAAAAAFe4/CqbQFTC2pNo/s1600-h/16NiguVisits.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SiE7H58q-AI/AAAAAAAAFe4/CqbQFTC2pNo/s400/16NiguVisits.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341615640038537218" /></a>Sunee visits with some of the nuns in front of the Hall of 500 Arhats. They were very delightful.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SiHNFeEwJXI/AAAAAAAAFiY/jGJAvs9Cxsg/s1600-h/17Golden1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SiHNFeEwJXI/AAAAAAAAFiY/jGJAvs9Cxsg/s400/17Golden1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341776126894155122" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">One of the huge Buddha images inside the Hall of 500 Arhats.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SiE7H-ZGQGI/AAAAAAAAFew/_pBs67Kzw_A/s1600-h/17LuckyArhot.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SiE7H-ZGQGI/AAAAAAAAFew/_pBs67Kzw_A/s400/17LuckyArhot.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341615641231507554" /></a>Ms. Lorry poses with her "lucky" Arhat. She found one that she liked then added her age to its number and found the corresponding sum. This was supposed to represent her lucky arhat.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SiHNFFE0PbI/AAAAAAAAFiQ/91IitqAj6L8/s1600-h/17CEntrance.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SiHNFFE0PbI/AAAAAAAAFiQ/91IitqAj6L8/s400/17CEntrance.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341776120183537074" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">I pose in the doorway of the Hall of 500 Arhats. Not too often I get my picture taken for this blog so figured I better take advantage.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SiE7HkvNw1I/AAAAAAAAFeo/4pKqgv2025Q/s1600-h/18RightTree.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SiE7HkvNw1I/AAAAAAAAFeo/4pKqgv2025Q/s400/18RightTree.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341615634344952658" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">This is one of the real rare trees the book mentioned. Its pedigree goes back to the time of the dinosaurs and is often called dinosaur food.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SiE7HT0ThEI/AAAAAAAAFeg/e1gMPw8Mi4Q/s1600-h/19Spider.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 289px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SiE7HT0ThEI/AAAAAAAAFeg/e1gMPw8Mi4Q/s400/19Spider.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341615629802898498" /></a>A spider makes his web on dinosaur food. Can this be considered an art photo? You judge.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SiE7HNBrJzI/AAAAAAAAFeY/uR5wLCJMJdA/s1600-h/20FuhuTemple.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SiE7HNBrJzI/AAAAAAAAFeY/uR5wLCJMJdA/s400/20FuhuTemple.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341615627979925298" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">My final photo of Fuhu Temple from above the main courtyard. Absolutely beautiful!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Our visit to the temple was a resounding success. The two students had a great time and learned a lot. Now let's see how well they write their article for the class. </div>Cecil Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15551474809860713547noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8046096126809167500.post-74705387077599760622009-05-20T18:04:00.000-07:002009-05-23T06:36:15.547-07:00Gap Guys' Farewell DinnerIt is the last week for the Gap Guys at Southwest Jiaotong University so we got together for a final dinner. At first, it was going to be on Thursday, May 21, but then it was changed to Wednesday. I had my teacher's class on Wednesday so we started the dinner at 5:30 with a promise that I could teach my class even if I may be a bit late. <div><br /></div><div>Unfortunately, someone did not make it clear to Tom that the dinner had been changed from Thursday to Wednesday and he was no where to be found. Later, I found out that he was doing his normal Wednesday afternoon thing at the gym. We all felt bad that we could not find Tom.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUOGwcGQqI/AAAAAAAAFME/EcPnV6cQa40/s1600-h/1Restaurant.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUOGwcGQqI/AAAAAAAAFME/EcPnV6cQa40/s400/1Restaurant.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338188442562347682" /></a>This is the restaurant we held the Gap Guys Final Dinner. The ladies our front were friendly but a bit shy. Of course, I spoke to them in English as if they all understood every word I said. Got a feeling they all wanted to do a smack down on me so I immediately greeted them in Chinese. Smack downs hurt!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUOGj4NtVI/AAAAAAAAFL8/uzUFRnenKSc/s1600-h/2Goodluck.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUOGj4NtVI/AAAAAAAAFL8/uzUFRnenKSc/s400/2Goodluck.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338188439190615378" /></a>As we made our way up the stairs to our feasting room we saw two lion's heads stuck on the wall. These were the real things from those lion dances we see all the time. Obviously for good luck and good profit.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUOGQDyrvI/AAAAAAAAFL0/6B2MrXZIz2g/s1600-h/3Settings.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUOGQDyrvI/AAAAAAAAFL0/6B2MrXZIz2g/s400/3Settings.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338188433870466802" /></a>Our feasting room was cozy but what caught our eyes were the beautiful yellow and blue dragon place settings. I had seen some similar to these in the tea district in Chengdu and lusted after them. They were very stunning against the black of the table top. The table was a huge round "hot pot" style table with the outer area able to revolve around the stationary hot pot in the middle.</div><div><br /></div><div>On the way to the restaurant, we asked Zoe about the type of food we were going to have. When she said "hot pot" we all showed the same kind of disappointment. None of us really liked hot pot that much.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUOGeEXDZI/AAAAAAAAFLs/ee0qgE_FTCE/s1600-h/4Orders.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUOGeEXDZI/AAAAAAAAFLs/ee0qgE_FTCE/s400/4Orders.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338188437630946706" /></a>During the course of Zoe's ordering, we found out the style would not really be the Sichuan hot pot we had come to . . . well, not like so much. The broth would be light with chicken and the most mushrooms anyone in the room had ever seen.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUNOUegfqI/AAAAAAAAFLE/2OJnIso-FQI/s1600-h/5Success.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUNOUegfqI/AAAAAAAAFLE/2OJnIso-FQI/s400/5Success.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338187472983588514" /></a>With the ordering done, Zoe clued us in on exactly what we would be eating and it did sound pretty good. No Sichuan hot pot this evening.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUNOVj7AeI/AAAAAAAAFK8/nWuvPHNS3Ts/s1600-h/6About-ready.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUNOVj7AeI/AAAAAAAAFK8/nWuvPHNS3Ts/s400/6About-ready.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338187473274733026" /></a>Along with the basic clear (sort of) soup came an interesting array of snacks or appetizers. On the far right just in the picture are some hot spicy peanuts. Next was some strange popcorn kinda things (more like cracked corn). Then we got some thinly sliced and very nice beef . Going around the table to the left were the typical Sichuan "kimchi-like" radishes and then a bunch of green onions for the soup. The stuff was very Tom delicious!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUNOONMOoI/AAAAAAAAFK0/ZwDr2v9cZgE/s1600-h/6JohnPhotos.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUNOONMOoI/AAAAAAAAFK0/ZwDr2v9cZgE/s400/6JohnPhotos.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338187471300344450" /></a>John, into his professional photographer mode, takes pictures of everything in sight. When he first arrived to Emei, he barely took a picture. Now he is Mr. Photo.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUNOOnDB8I/AAAAAAAAFKs/sCjPR7_lLn8/s1600-h/6Mushrooms.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUNOOnDB8I/AAAAAAAAFKs/sCjPR7_lLn8/s400/6Mushrooms.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338187471408793538" /></a>The chicken and the mushrooms are "dumped" into the heated broth and in a few minutes we start eating all the mushrooms in the world. They were very good and hearty.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUM3YLcpwI/AAAAAAAAFKk/NZBP3SAT3c0/s1600-h/7Robsophi.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUM3YLcpwI/AAAAAAAAFKk/NZBP3SAT3c0/s400/7Robsophi.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338187078840395522" /></a>Robert and Sophie share some interesting stories about the Gap Guys visit to our university. It was probably pretty rare for Gappers like Dave and John to get to spend time at a university since they were newly minted HS grads and not yet in college. I thought their time here was absolutely off the charts for us, our students and them. They were the same age as most of the students they interacted with so it was much more enjoyable for everyone involved.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUM3JwTotI/AAAAAAAAFKc/opBcxQvm9RM/s1600-h/8Enliven.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUM3JwTotI/AAAAAAAAFKc/opBcxQvm9RM/s400/8Enliven.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338187074968462034" /></a>Enliven (Eleven) does her normal helpful stuff to insure we all had a great time with plenty to eat. She helps Zoe take care of all us Lao Wai while we are at the university.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUM3Gq7fyI/AAAAAAAAFKU/m3aMiOc3nqM/s1600-h/9Serve.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUM3Gq7fyI/AAAAAAAAFKU/m3aMiOc3nqM/s400/9Serve.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338187074140602146" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Lots of 'shrooms! Lots of food. Lots of fun!</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUM25pP1LI/AAAAAAAAFKM/QHeBffoJgV0/s1600-h/10Sweet.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUM25pP1LI/AAAAAAAAFKM/QHeBffoJgV0/s400/10Sweet.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338187070643885234" /></a>These were some sweet sticky rice cakes that were so good we ordered another dish of them.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUM2hzhZeI/AAAAAAAAFKE/Iy4vWTi0XpU/s1600-h/11Participants.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUM2hzhZeI/AAAAAAAAFKE/Iy4vWTi0XpU/s400/11Participants.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338187064244528610" /></a></div>Here is our group outside the restaurant after having a great meal. We all got to say good bye to our Gap Guys. There plan was to travel to Xian on Friday via train and then on to Beijing. From Beijing they would fly to Kunming and then travel to Dali, Lijiang and maybe Shangri-la. They would then return to Emei to pick up their suitcases Sunee helped them buy and then it is off to Thailand and eventually England and their colleges. It was a real pleasure having them visit us, help us, party with us these last three months. Wish they could have stayed longer.Cecil Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15551474809860713547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8046096126809167500.post-69028622075681879412009-05-16T02:15:00.001-07:002009-05-23T07:24:15.134-07:00A Saturday Chinese Wedding LuncheonWe were invited to attend our apartment's managers who live downstairs on the first floor. Their job is to insure our apartment is in good order and maintain the utilities and repairs. Their daughter was getting married. Robert volunteered to take us to the hotel where the reception was being held. We also were accompanied by Gap Guy Ivan of Leshan Vocational and Technology College fame. The party started at around 1100 so off we went.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUQcQc7WaI/AAAAAAAAFN8/h3w85UxZeYQ/s1600-h/1TheHotel.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUQcQc7WaI/AAAAAAAAFN8/h3w85UxZeYQ/s400/1TheHotel.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338191010956269986" /></a>Here is the hotel where the reception was held. It is a famous Emei Mountain Hot Springs hotel and very nice. It is located only a few minutes from our apartment but we had to wait on the main road for Ivan to arrive via taxi from the bus station. He arrived, we stuffed him in the car and we went to the reception. The reception started at around 1100 and we arrived just in time.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShF4WRKQKII/AAAAAAAAFJU/2FnekY14PaM/s1600-h/Arrival.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShF4WRKQKII/AAAAAAAAFJU/2FnekY14PaM/s400/Arrival.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337179357369608322" /></a>Robert, Sunee and Ivan (along with me the photographer) arrive ready for a good time.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUQcF_SjgI/AAAAAAAAFN0/cIc8LlkCd1g/s1600-h/2weddingfamily.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUQcF_SjgI/AAAAAAAAFN0/cIc8LlkCd1g/s400/2weddingfamily.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338191008147607042" /></a>Here we have the bride and groom along with the brides mother and father, our apartment managers. We were greeted with candy and other goodies including cigarettes.<div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUQcDLzdPI/AAAAAAAAFNs/rdXqM2f_1gw/s1600-h/3couple.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUQcDLzdPI/AAAAAAAAFNs/rdXqM2f_1gw/s400/3couple.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338191007394788594" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Bride and Groom greeting all their guests.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUQb2WOTlI/AAAAAAAAFNk/Nlo6ecA8IC4/s1600-h/4WedGroup.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUQb2WOTlI/AAAAAAAAFNk/Nlo6ecA8IC4/s400/4WedGroup.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338191003948830290" /></a>I had as many people as I could get in the picture as we were about to enter the main part of the hotel.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUQbj-10aI/AAAAAAAAFNc/whNMQy1YR9I/s1600-h/5Cigarettes.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUQbj-10aI/AAAAAAAAFNc/whNMQy1YR9I/s400/5Cigarettes.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338190999018918306" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Cigarettes anyone? A very Chinese tradition.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUP1mnmWYI/AAAAAAAAFNU/A6m-0TRKim8/s1600-h/6Hospitable.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUP1mnmWYI/AAAAAAAAFNU/A6m-0TRKim8/s400/6Hospitable.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338190346891712898" /></a>We sat out in the garden area for a while having tea and then went to the dining area for the official reception. This lady, a friend of Robert, visited with us as we waited for the reception to begin in the dining area. She was lovely and very hospitable.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUP1bXx7oI/AAAAAAAAFNM/Z1lfMmVwfTA/s1600-h/7wait.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUP1bXx7oI/AAAAAAAAFNM/Z1lfMmVwfTA/s400/7wait.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338190343872573058" /></a>Ivan was hungry. Ivan is always hungry as you can tell from his looks as we were waiting for things to start.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUP1Z6oDuI/AAAAAAAAFNE/MTjZkdwSDFE/s1600-h/8presents.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUP1Z6oDuI/AAAAAAAAFNE/MTjZkdwSDFE/s400/8presents.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338190343481855714" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Sunee checks out the candies we were given as gifts as we arrived to the hotel. They were cute.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUP1GqnKgI/AAAAAAAAFM8/hptho8iyj9w/s1600-h/9threepresents.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUP1GqnKgI/AAAAAAAAFM8/hptho8iyj9w/s400/9threepresents.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338190338314414594" /></a>The three of us (Ivan, Sunee and I) build a pyramid with our candy packages. Cute! We obviously had a few minutes to entertain ourselves while we waited for the party to begin.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUP09F9B8I/AAAAAAAAFM0/KTLG-370Gz8/s1600-h/10ToFront.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUP09F9B8I/AAAAAAAAFM0/KTLG-370Gz8/s400/10ToFront.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338190335744739266" /></a>The party begins with fireworks. As the bride and groom walked toward the stage, all kinds of fireworks went off along the way. This one was the last just before they reached the stage to begin the ceremony. This wedding appeared to be almost entirely Western in dress and style. Obviously the fireworks was a Chinese twist.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUPPrDZOuI/AAAAAAAAFMs/KMuhFi2Ocao/s1600-h/11Strange.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUPPrDZOuI/AAAAAAAAFMs/KMuhFi2Ocao/s400/11Strange.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338189695247006434" /></a>Strange situation here where this little girl recited the vows and the couple repeated them. Never saw that in Western Culture. The little girl was definitely cute, though.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUPPa7f0_I/AAAAAAAAFMk/EGzki8i0Yh0/s1600-h/12Couple.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 290px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUPPa7f0_I/AAAAAAAAFMk/EGzki8i0Yh0/s400/12Couple.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338189690918917106" /></a>Another shot of the little girl reading the vows and the couple repeating them. Notice the picture of the couple in the background. Matches well, huh?</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUPO2Z9ArI/AAAAAAAAFMc/cS3bzl3UHWM/s1600-h/13candles.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUPO2Z9ArI/AAAAAAAAFMc/cS3bzl3UHWM/s400/13candles.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338189681114546866" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The lighting of the candles.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUPO973zHI/AAAAAAAAFMU/7l5A2pzGi8I/s1600-h/14champaign.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUPO973zHI/AAAAAAAAFMU/7l5A2pzGi8I/s400/14champaign.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338189683135859826" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The pouring of the champaign and then the toast. Very Western, indeed.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUPOns_dKI/AAAAAAAAFMM/pRNct-khYRY/s1600-h/15Celebrate.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUPOns_dKI/AAAAAAAAFMM/pRNct-khYRY/s400/15Celebrate.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338189677167867042" /></a></div><br />More fireworks go off as the couple finishes the vows and celebrate their wedding. This was a Western-style wedding with only a few Chinese things thrown in. The food was fairly good and the company was fun. It was a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon at Emei. We wish the couple happiness and a long profitable relationship. We just have too much fun here at Emei Mountain!<div><br /></div>Cecil Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15551474809860713547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8046096126809167500.post-1129283630706604492009-05-14T23:19:00.000-07:002009-05-24T18:02:58.844-07:00Trip To Baogua Temple To Meet The Abbot (May 14)We set up our first visit with the monk from Baogua Temple we had met at Xiao Lin's pharmacy last weekend. We went to meet him at 1000 along with the Gap Guys. As we started to walk to the temple, we decided to take a van instead since it was nearing 1000. Good thing we did as the usual way we walk to the temple was completely blocked with new construction. The van driver tried to go that way but had to turn around and take the long way. We arrived to the Temple right at 1000. We called Monk Sin and he came to get us.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUWBVW0akI/AAAAAAAAFQE/1emU8Eueysc/s1600-h/18Entrance.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUWBVW0akI/AAAAAAAAFQE/1emU8Eueysc/s400/18Entrance.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338197145486125634" /></a>Here we are waiting for Monk Sin to come get us. The place was medium busy so we had no problem going.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Visiting the Supreme Abbot of Emeish</span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">a</span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">n</span></b></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShF2DZOhDEI/AAAAAAAAFJE/SUGTO0po11k/s1600-h/Abbot1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShF2DZOhDEI/AAAAAAAAFJE/SUGTO0po11k/s400/Abbot1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337176834094206018" /></a>As we walked into the front courtyard of the Temple, Monk Sin led us to a small building on the right hand side. There we had the great privilege of meeting Abbot Tongyang, the Supreme Abbot of Emei Mountain. According to Monk Sin, he is 98. According to the monk who was his assistant, the Supreme Abbot is over 110. The internet had him as 102 years old. No question that he is old.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYIRSkn4KI/AAAAAAAAFUc/X3_F7bEweZY/s1600-h/1Abbot2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 224px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYIRSkn4KI/AAAAAAAAFUc/X3_F7bEweZY/s400/1Abbot2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338463501430546594" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Another group shot with Monk Sin and the Supreme Abbot.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYIRKzPwSI/AAAAAAAAFUU/c7MPIcTRXBc/s1600-h/2Thaigift.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYIRKzPwSI/AAAAAAAAFUU/c7MPIcTRXBc/s400/2Thaigift.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338463499344396578" /></a>Sunee presents the Supreme Abbot with a gift from Thailand. They are coasters for tea. He seemed to really appreciate the gift.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYIQxG9KHI/AAAAAAAAFUM/bb68UoMfcOE/s1600-h/3Pictures.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYIQxG9KHI/AAAAAAAAFUM/bb68UoMfcOE/s400/3Pictures.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338463492447742066" /></a>Sunee explains what the gift is and about the Thai elephants on each one. Dave, of course, is busy recording the event.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYIQy-w7gI/AAAAAAAAFUE/iuP8xHopNjY/s1600-h/4Abbottgift1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYIQy-w7gI/AAAAAAAAFUE/iuP8xHopNjY/s400/4Abbottgift1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338463492950257154" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The Supreme Abbot presents Dave with prayer beads and shows him how to use them. </div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYIQsExkCI/AAAAAAAAFT8/3HcW5fqI0wM/s1600-h/4Abbottgift2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYIQsExkCI/AAAAAAAAFT8/3HcW5fqI0wM/s400/4Abbottgift2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338463491096416290" /></a>I even get prayer beads from the Supreme Abbot. I kept trying to put them on my wrists but he insisted that I use them right away as in NOW.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYG1kgLMoI/AAAAAAAAFT0/jQjdblrnXhI/s1600-h/4Abbottgift3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 360px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYG1kgLMoI/AAAAAAAAFT0/jQjdblrnXhI/s400/4Abbottgift3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338461925695763074" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">John gets his prayer beads.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYG1t6nocI/AAAAAAAAFTs/2WSjQbZVB7Q/s1600-h/5Abbott.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYG1t6nocI/AAAAAAAAFTs/2WSjQbZVB7Q/s400/5Abbott.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338461928222597570" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The Supreme Abbot demonstrates how to correctly use the prayer beads.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYG1S_2IbI/AAAAAAAAFTk/05itjzXYK-0/s1600-h/5Abbott2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYG1S_2IbI/AAAAAAAAFTk/05itjzXYK-0/s400/5Abbott2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338461920996762034" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The Supreme Abbot of Emei Mountain is reported to be well over 100 years old.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYG1Dm34zI/AAAAAAAAFTc/Xyx5n5mSDn4/s1600-h/5Abbottgifts.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYG1Dm34zI/AAAAAAAAFTc/Xyx5n5mSDn4/s400/5Abbottgifts.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338461916865487666" /></a><div style="text-align: left;">When the Supreme Abbot was talking with Sunee, he wanted to know if I beat her. She said no but that she beats me. At over 100 years old, the Abbot still had a great sense of humor.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Visiting Baogua Templ</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">e</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">With our exciting visit with the Supreme Abbot over, we were invited to have lunch at the temple. It was served at 1130 so we had a little over an hour to visit other parts of the temple. The hour was well spent.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYG0xyAlnI/AAAAAAAAFTU/HUtRYg_TV38/s1600-h/6BuddhaHead1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYG0xyAlnI/AAAAAAAAFTU/HUtRYg_TV38/s400/6BuddhaHead1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338461912080356978" /></a>In the back of the room where we had visited with the Abbot were three Buddha images. They all great for photo ops. Here is an up-close head view of one of them.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUi6XH8bFI/AAAAAAAAFTM/CQokU_pxRyY/s1600-h/6BuddhaHead2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUi6XH8bFI/AAAAAAAAFTM/CQokU_pxRyY/s400/6BuddhaHead2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338211319352683602" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Another close-up of one of the images.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUi6GTio8I/AAAAAAAAFTE/Ei-BrBNzuYg/s1600-h/6FullBuddha.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUi6GTio8I/AAAAAAAAFTE/Ei-BrBNzuYg/s400/6FullBuddha.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338211314837922754" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">A full frontal view of the Buddha image on the far left.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUi5-GZcnI/AAAAAAAAFS8/2gQX90Tp8Ow/s1600-h/7AnotherBuddha.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 378px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUi5-GZcnI/AAAAAAAAFS8/2gQX90Tp8Ow/s400/7AnotherBuddha.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338211312635310706" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">This image with the Buddha on an elephant stood on the far right.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUi51GBczI/AAAAAAAAFS0/VMVfdve-X84/s1600-h/8chopsticks.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUi51GBczI/AAAAAAAAFS0/VMVfdve-X84/s400/8chopsticks.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338211310217818930" /></a>After we left the Abbot, we checked out the dining area which was just around the corner. Here I find a bunch of chopsticks ready to use in the upcoming lunch.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUi5j1H43I/AAAAAAAAFSs/Gn2YtaRlYwo/s1600-h/9Corner.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUi5j1H43I/AAAAAAAAFSs/Gn2YtaRlYwo/s400/9Corner.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338211305583534962" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">One of two doorways leading into the giant dining hall where we would be having our lunch.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUeO9fvbzI/AAAAAAAAFSc/4DOlmM3VSEI/s1600-h/9Courtyard.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUeO9fvbzI/AAAAAAAAFSc/4DOlmM3VSEI/s400/9Courtyard.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338206175692287794" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">First courtyard upon entering Baogua Temple.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUeOj7uKJI/AAAAAAAAFSU/JPCwxO9F3l0/s1600-h/10candle.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUeOj7uKJI/AAAAAAAAFSU/JPCwxO9F3l0/s400/10candle.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338206168830322834" /></a>This was taken in the second courtyard where I found these giant candles burning brightly.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUeOiG30QI/AAAAAAAAFSM/zgzeIrvw13I/s1600-h/10Punks.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUeOiG30QI/AAAAAAAAFSM/zgzeIrvw13I/s400/10Punks.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338206168340222210" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Incense sticks in the second courtyard incense burner. These were actually taken by John. </div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUeOUd3SNI/AAAAAAAAFSE/iTM6dJ3i3pk/s1600-h/11Fish.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUeOUd3SNI/AAAAAAAAFSE/iTM6dJ3i3pk/s400/11Fish.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338206164678559954" /></a>The giant fish in the second courtyard. Sunee thought it would be a good idea to drum it like she had seen a monk do. She was immediately reprimanded for her actions. Guess only monks can do the drumming. Here John and Dave check out the coloring of the fish.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUbRJmSjYI/AAAAAAAAFRs/NnOM9dQ4EWE/s1600-h/12Follower.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUbRJmSjYI/AAAAAAAAFRs/NnOM9dQ4EWE/s400/12Follower.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338202914765835650" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">This is a great shot from John in the second courtyard. </div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUbRLIBIXI/AAAAAAAAFRk/mjZdefjlle4/s1600-h/12Guard.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUbRLIBIXI/AAAAAAAAFRk/mjZdefjlle4/s400/12Guard.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338202915175735666" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Guard dogs. Guard dogs. They are everywhere around the Temple.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUbQ-X8jaI/AAAAAAAAFRc/DIscyiyUjTY/s1600-h/12Moving.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUbQ-X8jaI/AAAAAAAAFRc/DIscyiyUjTY/s400/12Moving.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338202911752883618" /></a>Last time I was here, I saw all the paper mache figures over on the left courtyard of the temple. Sunee would not let me take pictures because they are for dead people. John got this one and it turned out really well.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUbQ1JC3WI/AAAAAAAAFRU/2JxKxFcr-L4/s1600-h/13Explains.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUbQ1JC3WI/AAAAAAAAFRU/2JxKxFcr-L4/s400/13Explains.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338202909274463586" /></a>Dave asked Sunee several questions about the area and things in the courtyards. Sunee relates her experiences of Buddhism and points out common things between Thailand and China.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUbQ6MfCgI/AAAAAAAAFRM/DF71Etz5TiQ/s1600-h/13MoreExplains.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 296px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUbQ6MfCgI/AAAAAAAAFRM/DF71Etz5TiQ/s400/13MoreExplains.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338202910631070210" /></a>John takes another great picture of the discussion in the third courtyard area between Sunee and Dave.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUXZp4H6tI/AAAAAAAAFQs/4BPEuo8jl2k/s1600-h/16Doorway.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUXZp4H6tI/AAAAAAAAFQs/4BPEuo8jl2k/s400/16Doorway.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338198662823013074" /></a>This doorway, tourist forbidden, off to the right in the back of the first major building. The reds were very brilliant.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUXaAl7W5I/AAAAAAAAFRE/EFOAw8IYwZ0/s1600-h/14OldFence.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUXaAl7W5I/AAAAAAAAFRE/EFOAw8IYwZ0/s400/14OldFence.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338198668920707986" /></a>I have taken several pictures of the fences at the top of the stairs leading to the middle building. These fences are obviously very old. Song Dynasty maybe?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUXZ_fw24I/AAAAAAAAFQ8/a28UcXlhnto/s1600-h/15Prayers.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUXZ_fw24I/AAAAAAAAFQ8/a28UcXlhnto/s400/15Prayers.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338198668626418562" /></a>Sunee at the back of the first major building. A beautiful table and huge mural add to the interest of the area.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUXZlia_bI/AAAAAAAAFQ0/0thU_fI8Bg4/s1600-h/16BuddhaNice.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUXZlia_bI/AAAAAAAAFQ0/0thU_fI8Bg4/s400/16BuddhaNice.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338198661658246578" /></a>John took this picture inside the commercial area of the temple. This Buddha is for sale if anyone is interested. <div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">A Vegetarian Lunch</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">At 1130 we walked back over to the dining area and with around 50 or 60 other pilgrims had a great vegetarian lunch. The organization was well established so there was no waiting to get our vittles. They were well worth the wait. </div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUXZS5MaeI/AAAAAAAAFQk/Ygkwoj5LaEI/s1600-h/17Rice.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUXZS5MaeI/AAAAAAAAFQk/Ygkwoj5LaEI/s400/17Rice.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338198656653486562" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Sunee starts things off by getting us all some rice to eat.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUWB2JX7pI/AAAAAAAAFQc/NKx6hkRSjVg/s1600-h/17RiceVeggies.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUWB2JX7pI/AAAAAAAAFQc/NKx6hkRSjVg/s400/17RiceVeggies.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338197154288103058" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Our vegetarian lunch served by the Temple. Plenty of vegetables and plenty of rice.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUWBg3gZwI/AAAAAAAAFQU/HsgEmup1p_g/s1600-h/17VeggielunchDave.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUWBg3gZwI/AAAAAAAAFQU/HsgEmup1p_g/s400/17VeggielunchDave.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338197148576016130" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Dave tries some of the vegetables we were served. The tofu was especially "Tom delicious."</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUWBrF4-0I/AAAAAAAAFQM/jyKuUGWmOsw/s1600-h/17Washup.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 224px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUWBrF4-0I/AAAAAAAAFQM/jyKuUGWmOsw/s400/17Washup.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338197151320701762" /></a><br />After lunch, we had to clean up our dishes so they could be placed in the modern dish water in the kitchen. The water was very hot on the side Sunee and the Gap Guys were using.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUWBcmHuMI/AAAAAAAAFP8/2K8qDg3tpvI/s1600-h/19emeimap.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 191px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShUWBcmHuMI/AAAAAAAAFP8/2K8qDg3tpvI/s400/19emeimap.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338197147429353666" /></a>A huge ceramic mural of Emei Mountain showing all the temples and the various geological points. This thing was in the dining room area and was really big. With this we come to the end of our wonderful visit to Baogua Temple. This is the headquarters for all the monks on Emeishan and usually the first temple to be visited when one comes to Emei Mountain.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /></div></div>Cecil Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15551474809860713547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8046096126809167500.post-33083704485674243072009-05-14T23:18:00.000-07:002009-05-23T06:58:56.401-07:00English Culture Week: Debate NightIt is debate competition time for the English Culture Week. Not my favorite but I was, once again, asked (along with the Gap Guys) to judge the competition. Hey, it is always fun to get involved in anything to do with English!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShF3M_8RPJI/AAAAAAAAFJM/F8c7Pj_NtQ0/s1600-h/YaoinCharge.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShF3M_8RPJI/AAAAAAAAFJM/F8c7Pj_NtQ0/s400/YaoinCharge.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337178098617105554" /></a>The head dude, the Master of Ceremony, the big monitor turned out to be none other than Mr. Yao. What a great job he did in making sure everything went smoothly.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/She7Rdh6XjI/AAAAAAAAFbA/RN5tVjmQ9qY/s1600-h/2FLDTeam.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/She7Rdh6XjI/AAAAAAAAFbA/RN5tVjmQ9qY/s400/2FLDTeam.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338941791930048050" /></a>The Foreign Language Department had made it to the finals and was represented by Giselle, Craig, Killua and Amelia. A nightmare for anyone who dares to compete against them.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/She7REVP77I/AAAAAAAAFa4/ETX-dRMnQxE/s1600-h/3Craigpoint.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/She7REVP77I/AAAAAAAAFa4/ETX-dRMnQxE/s400/3Craigpoint.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338941785166049202" /></a>Craig, in his usual overwhelming command of the English language, makes a "head breaking" statement in defense of the groups position.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/She7Q-2SSLI/AAAAAAAAFaw/infa0z1CkZA/s1600-h/4KilluaPoint.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/She7Q-2SSLI/AAAAAAAAFaw/infa0z1CkZA/s400/4KilluaPoint.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338941783694002354" /></a>Killua does her own "vulcan mind meld" as she destroys the opposition's stated position. Killua used to talk 180 MPH in English when I first met her two years ago. She has slowed down a bit and hovers (forcing herself) at around 120 MPH. I figure by the time she graduates she will be able to have people keep up with her at a more normal 60 MPH. Slackers will never be able to run with her, though!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/She7Q_ntUGI/AAAAAAAAFao/Erp2D79Oi3Y/s1600-h/5DanielAsks.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/She7Q_ntUGI/AAAAAAAAFao/Erp2D79Oi3Y/s400/5DanielAsks.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338941783901294690" /></a>From the audience, Daniel (a brilliant linguist in his own right) asks a question to the two opposing sides.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/She7QhjDSII/AAAAAAAAFag/lqoDkjwGkBA/s1600-h/6winners.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/She7QhjDSII/AAAAAAAAFag/lqoDkjwGkBA/s400/6winners.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338941775828699266" /></a>And the winners are, of course, our own Foreign Language Department. The number two guy on the opposing team (first on the left) did 90% of the talking for the team so we gave him the best debater award. Actually, the competition was not really close as the Foreign Language Department had stacked the team with some real "English monsters." Great evening of competition.Cecil Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15551474809860713547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8046096126809167500.post-17870104464968794992009-05-11T09:11:00.000-07:002009-05-24T22:32:23.163-07:00English Culture Week: Drama Night<div style="text-align: left;">Welcome to another night of drama sponsored by the Annual English Culture Week. The last two weeks saw many dramas competing for the privilege of performing during the English Culture Week. The six finalist were selected and entered into the final competition on Monday, May 11. Here they are with the results.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">The Prince And The Pauper</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">The first play was called The Prince And The Beggar. I was unsure exactly what it was about but within a few minutes knew what it was. It was a Chinese version of the all-time favorite - The Prince And The Pauper. Same story: bored prince looks for excitement so he changes places with a common beggar so he can taste the outside world.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShaxqO47WgI/AAAAAAAAFaY/yuMhhoVfZIs/s1600-h/1Intro.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShaxqO47WgI/AAAAAAAAFaY/yuMhhoVfZIs/s400/1Intro.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338649747403790850" /></a>The start of the night's program introduced the main players for each drama. Here we have the prince and the pauper (beggar).<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Shavxs6B-SI/AAAAAAAAFaI/BBYWDhOSuSQ/s1600-h/3BoredPrince.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Shavxs6B-SI/AAAAAAAAFaI/BBYWDhOSuSQ/s400/3BoredPrince.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338647676697311522" /></a>The prince was bored so he changes places with a pauper. The pauper likes being the prince so he sends out his guards to kill all the paupers. The story runs for a while with the real prince suffering a lot and is finally brought in by one of the servants to confront the fake prince.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShavxagZEuI/AAAAAAAAFaA/EHabnNco4QY/s1600-h/4Who%27stheprince.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShavxagZEuI/AAAAAAAAFaA/EHabnNco4QY/s400/4Who%27stheprince.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338647671757935330" /></a>The king comes in and cannot tell who is who so he questions both of these "princes."<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShavxZec9HI/AAAAAAAAFZ4/0r-Jhp4aQpE/s1600-h/5checkingformarks.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShavxZec9HI/AAAAAAAAFZ4/0r-Jhp4aQpE/s400/5checkingformarks.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338647671481365618" /></a>Finally, the king makes the two princes submit to a body check because the real prince has a birthmark on his . . . Well, you get the idea. The real prince is restored to his rightful place.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Shavxx0Y3tI/AAAAAAAAFaQ/YoNYVBX6hd8/s1600-h/2TheKingArrives.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 186px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Shavxx0Y3tI/AAAAAAAAFaQ/YoNYVBX6hd8/s400/2TheKingArrives.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338647678015823570" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">And the pauper is dragged away to be done with. The play was a bit overdone but it did have some interesting twists - Chinese style</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs</b></div><br />How about a Chinese Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. This play seems to be a favorite among the students.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShavxPhhGRI/AAAAAAAAFZw/55_BJRsdR3g/s1600-h/1Evilqueen.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShavxPhhGRI/AAAAAAAAFZw/55_BJRsdR3g/s400/1Evilqueen.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338647668809865490" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The evil queen who reeks of beauty, thinks of beauty and demands beauty. </div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShaHqwz-ymI/AAAAAAAAFZo/stx58ackfJA/s1600-h/2QueenandMirror.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShaHqwz-ymI/AAAAAAAAFZo/stx58ackfJA/s400/2QueenandMirror.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338603577021483618" /></a>The queen checks out her beauty with the magic mirror "on the wall, who's the fairest of them all?" Of course, the mirror tells her she is beautiful but Snow White is much more beautiful. The queen decides to do Snow White in so she can be the most beautiful.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShaHq3loZxI/AAAAAAAAFZg/Z9F9Bzq70F0/s1600-h/3KillSnowwhite.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShaHq3loZxI/AAAAAAAAFZg/Z9F9Bzq70F0/s400/3KillSnowwhite.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338603578840344338" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Here she is telling her assassin to take Snow White and kill her immediately. </div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShaHq9y47zI/AAAAAAAAFZY/1qxizJw6Y6o/s1600-h/4TooBeautiful.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShaHq9y47zI/AAAAAAAAFZY/1qxizJw6Y6o/s400/4TooBeautiful.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338603580506566450" /></a>The assassin finds Snow White but is overwhelmed with her beauty and cannot kill her. This part is really funny because Snow White is ugly with a capital 'U".<div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShaHqlGnfEI/AAAAAAAAFZQ/2NhS7wLktgg/s1600-h/5Surgery.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShaHqlGnfEI/AAAAAAAAFZQ/2NhS7wLktgg/s400/5Surgery.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338603573878422594" /></a>Instead of killing Snow White, the assassin kills a dear and with Snow White's help, he cuts out the heart and takes it back for the queen to see he has done the dastardly deed she had told him to do.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShaHqRn7r8I/AAAAAAAAFZI/f-F1ngYQn4o/s1600-h/6Escape.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShaHqRn7r8I/AAAAAAAAFZI/f-F1ngYQn4o/s400/6Escape.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338603568649449410" /></a>Snow White runs away into the forest and comes across a tiny house. Tired of running she, of course, falls asleep on the couch.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShaDs5go1tI/AAAAAAAAFZA/4jP0nStyAjo/s1600-h/7SevenDwarfs.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 197px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShaDs5go1tI/AAAAAAAAFZA/4jP0nStyAjo/s400/7SevenDwarfs.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338599215669499602" /></a>Hi ho. Hi ho. The Seven Dwarfs show up. There are only six because one is attending college at Southwest Jiaotong University. They adopt Snow White and all is well for now.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShaDsj3dBfI/AAAAAAAAFY4/v-FfRD9wzbo/s1600-h/8Poisoned.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShaDsj3dBfI/AAAAAAAAFY4/v-FfRD9wzbo/s400/8Poisoned.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338599209859614194" /></a>The queen finds out that Snow White is alive thanks to her magic mirror. She takes it upon herself to do Snow White in herself. She dresses up as an old lady and sells Snow White a poisoned banana. Bam! Snow White hits the deck and is out cold.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShaDsobmyrI/AAAAAAAAFYw/upov7JUKNLw/s1600-h/9Princearrives.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShaDsobmyrI/AAAAAAAAFYw/upov7JUKNLw/s400/9Princearrives.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338599211084991154" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Of course, her prince comes by looking for a good time.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShaDsVWLIkI/AAAAAAAAFYo/5qCIGkonnbw/s1600-h/10Kiss.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShaDsVWLIkI/AAAAAAAAFYo/5qCIGkonnbw/s400/10Kiss.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338599205961933378" /></a>He sees the down and out Snow White, falls in love and kisses her to bring her back to life.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShaDsR4IX3I/AAAAAAAAFYg/Q7bcXnPk7Rg/s1600-h/11Marriage.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShaDsR4IX3I/AAAAAAAAFYg/Q7bcXnPk7Rg/s400/11Marriage.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338599205030616946" /></a>They get married and Snow White carries him off into the sunset or something like that. The guy who played Snow White made the whole drama. He had a great time and made everyone laugh.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Journey To The West</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">This drama I did not figure out until the very end. It is the classical story by the same name except the drama here was called A Chinese Odyssey. I see this story all the time in series form on TV. The Monk, the Monkey King, a pig and another guy are traveling to the west in China on their way to India.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYT6LUPTcI/AAAAAAAAFYY/dWlrtKCdHkA/s1600-h/1Intro.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYT6LUPTcI/AAAAAAAAFYY/dWlrtKCdHkA/s400/1Intro.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338476298485321154" /></a>During the introduction, these two came out dressed beautifully. Again, I was clueless until very late into the drama.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYT5ygQOmI/AAAAAAAAFYQ/xSAqKtP0hE0/s1600-h/2Storyline.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYT5ygQOmI/AAAAAAAAFYQ/xSAqKtP0hE0/s400/2Storyline.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338476291824826978" /></a>The monkey in yellow seems to be a bad guy or lazy guy or something. He also has several girlfriends and a wife, or so it seemed.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYT5kJpHsI/AAAAAAAAFYI/4UbRcl8NIgs/s1600-h/3confront.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYT5kJpHsI/AAAAAAAAFYI/4UbRcl8NIgs/s400/3confront.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338476287971892930" /></a>The wife catches him in the act and . . . Lucky for the monkey that he is a smooth talker. The English was also hard to follow.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYTifw5UNI/AAAAAAAAFYA/akkkx-1N79A/s1600-h/4Begging.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYTifw5UNI/AAAAAAAAFYA/akkkx-1N79A/s400/4Begging.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338475891657363666" /></a>The monk shows up and tries to reform the monkey and invites him along on his journey. Most of the story is about how the monkey refused and continued in his bad ways.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYTiVC7XWI/AAAAAAAAFX4/X7FkctXcS9s/s1600-h/5Threeproblem.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYTiVC7XWI/AAAAAAAAFX4/X7FkctXcS9s/s400/5Threeproblem.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338475888780205410" /></a>I am not sure what happens, but something happened to change the monkey and he leaves everything behind to find that monk.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYTiJGzZQI/AAAAAAAAFXw/0HAnhokvWlE/s1600-h/6Accept.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYTiJGzZQI/AAAAAAAAFXw/0HAnhokvWlE/s400/6Accept.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338475885575234818" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">He finds the monk and changes his life with the monk's help.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYThyMq6uI/AAAAAAAAFXo/FDZKqOP65gM/s1600-h/7MonkeyKing.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYThyMq6uI/AAAAAAAAFXo/FDZKqOP65gM/s400/7MonkeyKing.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338475879425829602" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">He officially becomes the monkey king.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYTht6NJVI/AAAAAAAAFXg/Syr85aF1k1k/s1600-h/8Journeytowest.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYTht6NJVI/AAAAAAAAFXg/Syr85aF1k1k/s400/8Journeytowest.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338475878274639186" /></a>And then it is off to India to pick up some Buddhist books to bring back to China. The English was weak and the story was boring. Other than that the drama was ok.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>A Midsummer Night's Dream</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Shakespeare's dramas are hard even for native English speakers. This was a daring try at doing one of Shakespeare's weirdest (IMHO) plays. They never quite got it right but the costumes were great and the effort was high.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYQIJmF3ZI/AAAAAAAAFXY/zAEVknajOiw/s1600-h/1Intro.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYQIJmF3ZI/AAAAAAAAFXY/zAEVknajOiw/s400/1Intro.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338472140494986642" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Introducing the main players.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYPwzeT_tI/AAAAAAAAFXQ/5K3LCkHiBT8/s1600-h/2Puck.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYPwzeT_tI/AAAAAAAAFXQ/5K3LCkHiBT8/s400/2Puck.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338471739419786962" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">This guy played the perfect Puck.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYPwt4mGTI/AAAAAAAAFXI/i6tiqF3V0Eg/s1600-h/3Love.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYPwt4mGTI/AAAAAAAAFXI/i6tiqF3V0Eg/s400/3Love.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338471737919412530" /></a>Someone was in love with someone who was in love with someone else who was in love with the first someone. Well, something like that. It was truly mixed up<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYPwQxKLuI/AAAAAAAAFXA/z_Cwg8ixVbI/s1600-h/4Sleep.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYPwQxKLuI/AAAAAAAAFXA/z_Cwg8ixVbI/s400/4Sleep.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338471730103594722" /></a>While falling asleep in the forest after chasing each other there, someone gets sprinkled with magic dust by Puck. She awakes and finds she is in love with someone but not the first someone but someone else.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYPwV1I6iI/AAAAAAAAFW4/rgcGepuPuE0/s1600-h/5Confront.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYPwV1I6iI/AAAAAAAAFW4/rgcGepuPuE0/s400/5Confront.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338471731462466082" /></a>Confused by someone who was in love with someone else the first someone finds he has been sprinkled with dust so he is in love with that someone else. Hey, it was very confusing!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYPwGQMX5I/AAAAAAAAFWw/ueOYSXEunbg/s1600-h/6Consternation.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYPwGQMX5I/AAAAAAAAFWw/ueOYSXEunbg/s400/6Consternation.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338471727280971666" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">In the end, everyone who was supposed to be in love got together and they all lived happily ever after, I think.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Too much Shakespeare destroys one's sense of humor. Can you imagine the language these students had to change to make it understandable?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Sister Act</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">This is drama comes from the movie of the same name. I think it was starring Whoopi Goldberg. Mostly students from Class 3 Sophomores. I watched them practice before the presentation and the director - Lucy - was a serious slave-driver. In the end, her efforts paid off as this was, by far, the slickest and most professional drama by a long ways. The only reason it came in second and not first was its weak storyline. The costumes were perfect as was the singing and everything else. </div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYNKhGTmbI/AAAAAAAAFWk/BMpcIY2PCxI/s1600-h/1StoryTell.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYNKhGTmbI/AAAAAAAAFWk/BMpcIY2PCxI/s400/1StoryTell.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338468882628975026" /></a>Mr. Pete and Ms. Grace acted as the voices for the introduction of the play and followed along with commentaries as to what was going on. They also played bit parts in the action.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYNKR7SyqI/AAAAAAAAFWc/QEuPY2FM3xo/s1600-h/2lucyalisha.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYNKR7SyqI/AAAAAAAAFWc/QEuPY2FM3xo/s400/2lucyalisha.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338468878556252834" /></a><br />Mary Clare is a nun who moves to a new nunnery. There she is unconventional in her outlook on life. Stated earlier but without much background, she was really not a nun but a pro singer who had gotten in trouble with the Mafia and is now hiding out. Again, weak story line because it really was not brought out that clearly. Ms. Alicia played one of the nuns who was influenced by Mary's evil and sinful ways.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYMtK-AAcI/AAAAAAAAFWU/Bz2mtU7_bdc/s1600-h/3singing.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYMtK-AAcI/AAAAAAAAFWU/Bz2mtU7_bdc/s400/3singing.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338468378472350146" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">This is the nunnery choir. Basically they sucked for want of a better word.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYMs4AsCZI/AAAAAAAAFWM/VlOewmDBHcc/s1600-h/4Baddies.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYMs4AsCZI/AAAAAAAAFWM/VlOewmDBHcc/s400/4Baddies.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338468373383350674" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Mary and two of her innocents sneak out and have a great time at a local bar. Yeh, like nuns go to local bars!</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYMsrvcoVI/AAAAAAAAFWE/9GrxG2pT1Wc/s1600-h/5MotherSuperior.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYMsrvcoVI/AAAAAAAAFWE/9GrxG2pT1Wc/s400/5MotherSuperior.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338468370089812306" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Mother Superior (Ms. Marian) is furious with the actions of Mary and her followers and starts to cause some problems.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYMsnFmcnI/AAAAAAAAFV8/5XlI1vRXzHM/s1600-h/6Gracepeek.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYMsnFmcnI/AAAAAAAAFV8/5XlI1vRXzHM/s400/6Gracepeek.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338468368840553074" /></a>But Mary takes over the choir and changes them from "suck" to really great. This gets all the nuns behind her and the choir is very successful.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYMsVAegCI/AAAAAAAAFV0/23CFTVgg_QY/s1600-h/6LucyPort.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYMsVAegCI/AAAAAAAAFV0/23CFTVgg_QY/s400/6LucyPort.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338468363987222562" /></a>Mary (as played by the director, Ms. Lucy) is unconventional but a brilliant singer and performer and she works miracles with the choir.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYMJlBU4HI/AAAAAAAAFVs/Xk6jEmfL5bM/s1600-h/6Nuns.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYMJlBU4HI/AAAAAAAAFVs/Xk6jEmfL5bM/s400/6Nuns.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338467766990332018" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The Choir.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYMJUe3C-I/AAAAAAAAFVk/OEGZ12L5NA0/s1600-h/6singers.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYMJUe3C-I/AAAAAAAAFVk/OEGZ12L5NA0/s400/6singers.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338467762550803426" /></a>Mary conducting a beautiful performance by the choir. Even Mother Superior is impressed.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYMJFuJhaI/AAAAAAAAFVc/uZbEGCPMxCU/s1600-h/6Trainingsingers.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 202px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYMJFuJhaI/AAAAAAAAFVc/uZbEGCPMxCU/s400/6Trainingsingers.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338467758588396962" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">More music. More conducting. A visual success if there ever was one.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYMI0ZTotI/AAAAAAAAFVU/ef4YO8ZVHm0/s1600-h/7Moreworking.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYMI0ZTotI/AAAAAAAAFVU/ef4YO8ZVHm0/s400/7Moreworking.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338467753937576658" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The nuns are happy working and singing and doing their thing.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYMIyxdHBI/AAAAAAAAFVM/Zep9DGeuCPI/s1600-h/7Working.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYMIyxdHBI/AAAAAAAAFVM/Zep9DGeuCPI/s400/7Working.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338467753501989906" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">More working and singing and cleaning up the nunnery.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYLirvrzPI/AAAAAAAAFVE/zIRU08kWo1Q/s1600-h/8MarAlishPortrait.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYLirvrzPI/AAAAAAAAFVE/zIRU08kWo1Q/s400/8MarAlishPortrait.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338467098780486898" /></a>Mother Superior here is definitely happy with the progress both of her nuns and the choir.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYLiHVtLlI/AAAAAAAAFU0/f5uhqUsGYTk/s1600-h/9Choir.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYLiHVtLlI/AAAAAAAAFU0/f5uhqUsGYTk/s400/9Choir.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338467089007849042" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">A brilliant performance.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYLh7CRE2I/AAAAAAAAFUs/VI_EPqFo-Xc/s1600-h/9Listening.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 255px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYLh7CRE2I/AAAAAAAAFUs/VI_EPqFo-Xc/s400/9Listening.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338467085705089890" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The nuns listening in on the scolding of Mary by Mother Superior.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYLh14SNJI/AAAAAAAAFUk/0wQbCePSqAA/s1600-h/10Finalscene.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 158px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/ShYLh14SNJI/AAAAAAAAFUk/0wQbCePSqAA/s400/10Finalscene.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338467084321043602" /></a>And they all live happily ever after. Well the nuns did but we are not sure what really happens to Mary.<br /><br /></div><div>Slick is the best word to describe this drama. The dancing was perfectly choreographed. The acting was super and Lucy won best female actor. Also, check out the costumes. Absolutely are work of art. Now if only it could have had a better story line.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:7;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:48px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Beauty And The Beast</span></span></div><br /><br />The winning drama! The best actor! A magnificent performance! This was from the fairy tale by the same name and it was well-directed and carried out. There was no question as to which of the six dramas was the winner. Everyone in the auditorium realized this as the play unfolded.<div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgqkV_3fMXI/AAAAAAAAFEU/IrJQ7QJjvJU/s1600-h/1Intro.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgqkV_3fMXI/AAAAAAAAFEU/IrJQ7QJjvJU/s400/1Intro.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335257406402146674" /></a>The Beast, as played by Mr. Yao, and The Beauty, as played by Ms. Cecilia, are introduced along with the key players from the other five dramas. It was not too long ago that Mr. Yao had approached me concerning his "poor English." Both my wife and I assured him that his English was easily understood and all he needed was more confidence. Do believe this week proved our advice was true. Not only did Mr. Yao win the best actor award, he also was the main man at the following evening's English week debate, came in second in the dubbing competition and was the translator for the Vice President at the English Week closing. An impressive performance all week placed Mr. Yao in the university's elite speakers of English.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgqkVxHXPrI/AAAAAAAAFEM/CFDJnwRN_xk/s1600-h/2MsInnocent.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgqkVxHXPrI/AAAAAAAAFEM/CFDJnwRN_xk/s400/2MsInnocent.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335257402442202802" /></a>Ms. Cecilia played the beautiful and yet innocent Ms. Bella. Looks are not deceiving.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgqkV-ntN8I/AAAAAAAAFEE/JLaMdqUphDQ/s1600-h/3Badguy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgqkV-ntN8I/AAAAAAAAFEE/JLaMdqUphDQ/s400/3Badguy.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335257406067521474" /></a>When I saw this guy come on stage as the bad guy, I did not recognize him and had to ask who he was. This is our very own James from our Junior class. He made a great bad guy.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgqkJpaVdsI/AAAAAAAAFD8/5-tyOb1YAUs/s1600-h/5Schemes.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgqkJpaVdsI/AAAAAAAAFD8/5-tyOb1YAUs/s400/5Schemes.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335257194215864002" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The bad guy had evil designs on The Beauty and her innocence.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgqkJfFc-GI/AAAAAAAAFD0/mbKSmOG8TjM/s1600-h/6Whystudy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgqkJfFc-GI/AAAAAAAAFD0/mbKSmOG8TjM/s400/6Whystudy.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335257191443920994" /></a>The Beauty was a good student, always carrying a textbook around to read. No need for such things, according to the bad guy. His future wife will not need education!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgqkJRT5A4I/AAAAAAAAFDs/AyYEb4uwRoA/s1600-h/7CaptedFather.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgqkJRT5A4I/AAAAAAAAFDs/AyYEb4uwRoA/s400/7CaptedFather.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335257187746382722" /></a><br />Beauty's father is captured while walking in the forest bad a monster, a beast of fierce temperament. Get out. Run away. The fathers begs his daughter to leave before the evil beast returns.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgqkJJafnTI/AAAAAAAAFDk/8hjvFk9HNvw/s1600-h/8Beast.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgqkJJafnTI/AAAAAAAAFDk/8hjvFk9HNvw/s400/8Beast.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335257185626594610" /></a>The Beast! Once a handsome prince who made the mistake of not giving charity to a passing beggar. The beggar was a witch who saw the selfishness in the prince and turned him into the awful beast. He is trapped forever in his own selfishness as an ugly unwanted monster beast.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgqkJFwdQBI/AAAAAAAAFDc/pyzxo4Pqaxw/s1600-h/9TheStory.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgqkJFwdQBI/AAAAAAAAFDc/pyzxo4Pqaxw/s400/9TheStory.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335257184644972562" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The story of this poor but evil creature is told by one of his servants who refuse to give up on him.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sgqj3BJCFUI/AAAAAAAAFDU/nbn5VN2NZd4/s1600-h/10Together.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sgqj3BJCFUI/AAAAAAAAFDU/nbn5VN2NZd4/s400/10Together.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335256874168227138" /></a>The Beauty talks The Beast into exchanging her for her father, against her father's wishes. She now is a captive of the beast and this was their first dinner together. The Beast, obviously taken by her charms treats her as his princess. The Beauty is not impressed and eventually escapes into the surrounding forest.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sgqj3KKZ3AI/AAAAAAAAFDM/c3cR57NccMo/s1600-h/11Lostinforest.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sgqj3KKZ3AI/AAAAAAAAFDM/c3cR57NccMo/s400/11Lostinforest.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335256876589898754" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Lost in the forest, The Beauty is scared and helpless.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sgqj25VlxsI/AAAAAAAAFDE/tfVBCkEF3oU/s1600-h/12Helpinforest.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sgqj25VlxsI/AAAAAAAAFDE/tfVBCkEF3oU/s400/12Helpinforest.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335256872073414338" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Saved at last, The Beauty thanks here saviors only to find out the truth.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sgqj2zPPdqI/AAAAAAAAFC8/owNA0GLCkLU/s1600-h/13Gangsters.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sgqj2zPPdqI/AAAAAAAAFC8/owNA0GLCkLU/s400/13Gangsters.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335256870436173474" /></a>They are all evil GANGSTERS as Mr. Jack, the director, yells for everyone to here. He is another bad guy who is interested only in The Beauty's charms.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sgqj2uF8EyI/AAAAAAAAFC0/q96qJkbooxU/s1600-h/14Capturedagain.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sgqj2uF8EyI/AAAAAAAAFC0/q96qJkbooxU/s400/14Capturedagain.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335256869054976802" /></a>Captured once more but this time by the bad gangsters who have evil plans, she is taken away.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgqjnPo0toI/AAAAAAAAFCs/Q2TtDSeR-Ys/s1600-h/15Rescued.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 223px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgqjnPo0toI/AAAAAAAAFCs/Q2TtDSeR-Ys/s400/15Rescued.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335256603181758082" /></a>Before the gangsters get out of the forest with their prize, they meet The Beast who saves The Beauty.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sgqjm7_fGEI/AAAAAAAAFCk/IvRCb3KIRCw/s1600-h/16Rippedagain.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sgqjm7_fGEI/AAAAAAAAFCk/IvRCb3KIRCw/s400/16Rippedagain.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335256597908101186" /></a>In the meantime, The Beauty's father hires the other bad guy to free his daughter. The Beauty is free thanks to The Beast. The bad guy takes this opportunity to let his evil intentions known and to double cross the father.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sgqjmx9E7DI/AAAAAAAAFCc/GC9Nm549qmg/s1600-h/17DeadlyAttack.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 264px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sgqjmx9E7DI/AAAAAAAAFCc/GC9Nm549qmg/s400/17DeadlyAttack.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335256595213642802" /></a>The Beast once more comes to the rescue but is mortally wounded by the defeated bad guy. he lays dying in the arms of The Beast.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sgqjm96EsqI/AAAAAAAAFCU/IeB5mOF3pKQ/s1600-h/18HappyEnding.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sgqjm96EsqI/AAAAAAAAFCU/IeB5mOF3pKQ/s400/18HappyEnding.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335256598422270626" /></a>Love in The Beast's heart breaks the spell of witch and he emerges as the handsome prince once more.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgqjmgkFO-I/AAAAAAAAFCM/pBAeHC8s39I/s1600-h/20BeastBeauty.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgqjmgkFO-I/AAAAAAAAFCM/pBAeHC8s39I/s400/20BeastBeauty.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335256590545402850" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The handsome prince, Giselle, and The Beauty pose for a picture.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgqFTt6J3SI/AAAAAAAAFCE/NiOyfnGUMtE/s1600-h/winners3a.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 195px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgqFTt6J3SI/AAAAAAAAFCE/NiOyfnGUMtE/s400/winners3a.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335223282361294114" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The entire crew of The Beauty and The Beast pose for a group picture.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgqCWrVXLqI/AAAAAAAAFB8/wArQCfWAgk4/s1600-h/MoreComments.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 209px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgqCWrVXLqI/AAAAAAAAFB8/wArQCfWAgk4/s400/MoreComments.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335220034674831010" /></a>I am asked to comment on all the plays and so I comment on all the plays. This seems to be my job in any competition. I love it, of course.<br /><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgqCWXQz_jI/AAAAAAAAFB0/Kp_ITCSCtqg/s1600-h/Comments.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 261px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgqCWXQz_jI/AAAAAAAAFB0/Kp_ITCSCtqg/s400/Comments.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335220029287038514" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The evening wrap of comments followed by the finishing of the evenings competition. Another great evening of fun at Southwest Jiaotong University - Emei Branch.</div></div>Cecil Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15551474809860713547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8046096126809167500.post-36576057471748458182009-05-05T04:58:00.000-07:002009-05-08T23:21:08.138-07:00Sunrise on Wawu Mountain and LiuJiang Ancient City (May 3)I, like one of the "older" FBI agents in the movie The Rock, have to get up two or three times at night. The place I must move to rapidly was many meters away. Fortunately, growing up as a country boy in Oklahoma, I discovered at an early age the concept of a tree. A tree was not far from the door of our accomodations. Quick trip out, quick trip in. Was it cold!<br /><br />Sunee and I both did not sleep well because when we moved a little, the cold outside came under the warm blankets. We were on top of a very high mountain and this is what we called an "adventure!"<br /><br />At around 0530, one of our fellow sojourners along the next wall came by and woke us up. Well, he tried first to wake Dave and Ivan but with no luck so he woke me up. Time to get ready and see the sunrise! It was cold but it was also the reason we had put up with this pain so we got up. In so doing, I began the slow anguished and unappreciated attempt to awaken our Gap Guys.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgN8qL4uXjI/AAAAAAAAFA0/JPGuvn7TgHA/s1600-h/1tooearly.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgN8qL4uXjI/AAAAAAAAFA0/JPGuvn7TgHA/s400/1tooearly.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333243447923858994" /></a>Ivan got up with little coaxing. Dave was emphatic on his lack of love for cold and total love for sleep. A kick here and a bang there and I was able to coax him into a semi-awakened state. Here you see the results of my considerable talent at getting the Gap Guys sort of up and about.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgN8p-LXEmI/AAAAAAAAFAs/BfE9ubEdAOY/s1600-h/2Stillearly.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgN8p-LXEmI/AAAAAAAAFAs/BfE9ubEdAOY/s400/2Stillearly.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333243444243927650" /></a>Our two female companions also had difficulty with the concept of cold and early. Mia was able to become unattached to her blankets a lot quicker than Zoe. Both, however, took some serious coaxing to get up.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>The Marvels of the WaWu Sunrise</b></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgN8pzhiOEI/AAAAAAAAFAk/rTspfpDMGok/s1600-h/3SunriseBright.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 212px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgN8pzhiOEI/AAAAAAAAFAk/rTspfpDMGok/s400/3SunriseBright.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333243441384142914" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgN7lPQTlsI/AAAAAAAAFAc/G6BLil-2KgE/s1600-h/4Sunrise2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgN7lPQTlsI/AAAAAAAAFAc/G6BLil-2KgE/s400/4Sunrise2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333242263417099970" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgN7lKJONHI/AAAAAAAAFAU/13S6GcltR60/s1600-h/4Sunriseevenmore.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgN7lKJONHI/AAAAAAAAFAU/13S6GcltR60/s400/4Sunriseevenmore.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333242262045209714" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgN7k-t7iqI/AAAAAAAAFAM/hddWp1h2axs/s1600-h/4SunriseMore.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgN7k-t7iqI/AAAAAAAAFAM/hddWp1h2axs/s400/4SunriseMore.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333242258977950370" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgN7k3QVDeI/AAAAAAAAFAE/6yqqVrKRlcA/s1600-h/4sunrisephoto.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 145px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgN7k3QVDeI/AAAAAAAAFAE/6yqqVrKRlcA/s400/4sunrisephoto.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333242256974745058" /></a>Beautiful sunrise. It lasted for about half an hour and we all took many photos in hopes of capturing the truth of what we were watching. The above are but a few of the more interesting shots I took of the sunrise over Wawu Mountain. Ok, ok, I did sandwich a couple of shots together using Photoshop. There is no lie in any of the pictures, maybe just a bit of fudging.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgN7kmMteBI/AAAAAAAAE_8/rhIsJICCkNc/s1600-h/5SunsetSunee.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgN7kmMteBI/AAAAAAAAE_8/rhIsJICCkNc/s400/5SunsetSunee.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333242252396165138" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Sunee, tired and hungry, still enjoyed the sunrise.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgN4v_X30yI/AAAAAAAAE_0/jMdOkuTNuW0/s1600-h/6EyesClosed.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgN4v_X30yI/AAAAAAAAE_0/jMdOkuTNuW0/s400/6EyesClosed.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333239149597545250" /></a>Here is an interesting picture of four of the sunrise watchers posing for a sunrise picture. Notice how Ms. Mia's eyes are closed. I showed her the picture and accused her of always having her eyes closed. Was this ethnic or what?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgN4voRq_EI/AAAAAAAAE_s/Aoq2gI5M7R8/s1600-h/6EyesOpened.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 373px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgN4voRq_EI/AAAAAAAAE_s/Aoq2gI5M7R8/s400/6EyesOpened.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333239143397522498" /></a>This is the next photo I took in which she proves the other picture had nothing to do with her ethnic background. All in good fun. All in good fun.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgN4vamT9PI/AAAAAAAAE_k/vPnj8hGSyS4/s1600-h/7ThreeonSunrise.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 378px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgN4vamT9PI/AAAAAAAAE_k/vPnj8hGSyS4/s400/7ThreeonSunrise.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333239139725997298" /></a>In between taking pictures of the sunrise, I spent some digital space taking pictures of our group with the sunrise in the background.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgN4vA2my8I/AAAAAAAAE_c/ZTxm0C_iqqY/s1600-h/8FourTired.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgN4vA2my8I/AAAAAAAAE_c/ZTxm0C_iqqY/s400/8FourTired.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333239132815018946" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Do these guys look tired to you? Looks are not deceiving.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgN4vD6FIKI/AAAAAAAAE_U/63R-evY3BZc/s1600-h/9Threeguys.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgN4vD6FIKI/AAAAAAAAE_U/63R-evY3BZc/s400/9Threeguys.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333239133634896034" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Finally, I got Sunee to take a picture so that I could prove that I, too, had enjoyed the Wawu Sunrise Party.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgN3LDCsYyI/AAAAAAAAE_M/XpO8_QlRhuk/s1600-h/10Fiveguys.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgN3LDCsYyI/AAAAAAAAE_M/XpO8_QlRhuk/s400/10Fiveguys.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333237415415669538" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Group shot (taken by Sunee) just as the Wawu Sunrise Party was finishing up. Even us older guys can still have fun.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgN3LGdzN9I/AAAAAAAAE_E/PGAk6teVLEM/s1600-h/11TiredDude.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgN3LGdzN9I/AAAAAAAAE_E/PGAk6teVLEM/s400/11TiredDude.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333237416334669778" /></a>It felt pretty good to have made it up to the top of this mountain, weathered the cold, got up early and enjoyed the sunrise. Here I show my satisfaction in my genuine PLA overcoat.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgN3KxUVCxI/AAAAAAAAE-8/GVnUsvOhbnA/s1600-h/12DistantMtn.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgN3KxUVCxI/AAAAAAAAE-8/GVnUsvOhbnA/s400/12DistantMtn.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333237410657798930" /></a>This shot was taken to the right of the actual sun with some very unique mountains way off in the distance. Very beautiful as the sun disappears behind the clouds above.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgN3Kqjx7XI/AAAAAAAAE-0/SLV02EQwdO4/s1600-h/13Hungry.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgN3Kqjx7XI/AAAAAAAAE-0/SLV02EQwdO4/s400/13Hungry.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333237408843558258" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Hunger makes people try to eat just about anything.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgN3KlRhLII/AAAAAAAAE-s/RuZVBeJO5BM/s1600-h/13Shygirl.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgN3KlRhLII/AAAAAAAAE-s/RuZVBeJO5BM/s400/13Shygirl.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333237407424785538" /></a>The sunrise had been great but it was still chilly so we gathered around the fire that was till going from the previous night and visited with a few of the people who had watched the sunrise with us. This little girl got very shy as I tried to take her picture. She was fine until the camera came out then she tried to run away.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgN2BKWhecI/AAAAAAAAE-k/dH7OboAMehk/s1600-h/14FourSunrise.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgN2BKWhecI/AAAAAAAAE-k/dH7OboAMehk/s400/14FourSunrise.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333236146067569090" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">One final pose and the Wawu Sunrise Adventure ends. It is time we thought about getting back down the mountain.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgN2A36OuKI/AAAAAAAAE-c/r6DRf774-Nc/s1600-h/15Walk%10Back.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgN2A36OuKI/AAAAAAAAE-c/r6DRf774-Nc/s400/15Walk%10Back.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333236141117061282" /></a>I had to return my PLA overcoat and then we headed back down the mountain. The Gap Guys, Sunee and I were cold and did not feel like looking at anything else. Mia and Zoe decided to walk over to see the waterfall and the Taoist temple. Mia especially wanted to see the waterfall so we separated, we went back to the lift and they went on their jaunt to see beauty. We decided to meet in the ancient town of Liujiang about three hours away. Here Sunee starts her trek back down to the lift.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgN2A8T6wQI/AAAAAAAAE-U/7bqGDR1_5CA/s1600-h/16LiftBack.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgN2A8T6wQI/AAAAAAAAE-U/7bqGDR1_5CA/s400/16LiftBack.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333236142298546434" /></a>It is around 8 a.m. and the lift is up and running (or rather down and running). We make it to the bottom in fine shape and immediately get a car to take us back to the entrance. I took some more pictures of the trip, but they were the same as the ones I took coming up. Imagine that!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgN2As5o5EI/AAAAAAAAE-M/D40e9ViSfP4/s1600-h/17BuyVeggies.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgN2As5o5EI/AAAAAAAAE-M/D40e9ViSfP4/s400/17BuyVeggies.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333236138161792066" /></a>At the entrance, Sunee met this older lady selling some steamed bamboo shoots. As is Sunee's policy, she stops to buy some to help the lady out. Happens everyday in China.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgN2AaSalpI/AAAAAAAAE-E/sliQjoKmgQk/s1600-h/18GuardDog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgN2AaSalpI/AAAAAAAAE-E/sliQjoKmgQk/s400/18GuardDog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333236133165438610" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">This is the ugliest guard dog I have ever seen so I took a picture of it. Ugly for real.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgNz5S0nBQI/AAAAAAAAE98/soXwoxb0TwA/s1600-h/19WawuTown.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgNz5S0nBQI/AAAAAAAAE98/soXwoxb0TwA/s400/19WawuTown.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333233811879036162" /></a>Wawu town is small with not much to see except the landscape. Across from the bus station were these buildings. There might have been more but I could not see anything other than these two. I also had not forgot about the tea we had seen earlier. </div><div><br /></div><div>Additionally, we bought a nice box of tea and a bag. This tea was called Wawu Mountain Sprout Tea. I will have a tea tasting of this within the next two weeks.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgTs_0_JVeI/AAAAAAAAFBk/SIbq7N20Ig4/s1600-h/20Curious.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgTs_0_JVeI/AAAAAAAAFBk/SIbq7N20Ig4/s400/20Curious.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333648440012920290" /></a>We had a light breakfast as we waited for the bus. We were told the bus would come soon. Then we were told it would be more than two hours. Seems one of the locals wanted to charge us some big bucks to take us back down to Liujiang in his tiny little car. We then found another person waiting for the bus to Hongya (passing through Liujiang). We decided to wait. As we waited, Dave sat quietly and filled out his journal. As he wrote, I took this picture of a curious onlooker at the events Dave was transcribing in his journal.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgNz5ACYaGI/AAAAAAAAE90/hvjoDTb8lCM/s1600-h/21RiverView.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgNz5ACYaGI/AAAAAAAAE90/hvjoDTb8lCM/s400/21RiverView.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333233806836525154" /></a>Again, great views on the way down the mountain to Liujiang. Lots of water and lots of green.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgNz5NHyAGI/AAAAAAAAE9s/XaH0U3NqK5o/s1600-h/23NicePlace.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgNz5NHyAGI/AAAAAAAAE9s/XaH0U3NqK5o/s400/23NicePlace.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333233810348834914" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgNz4xMG22I/AAAAAAAAE9k/6zF8DNSpUDc/s1600-h/24FlowerLand.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgNz4xMG22I/AAAAAAAAE9k/6zF8DNSpUDc/s400/24FlowerLand.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333233802850786146" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">More great mountain, sky and water scenes taken from the bus back down the mountain.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgNz4xvwoII/AAAAAAAAE9c/kJQhtHhlgNw/s1600-h/25WoodBuild.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgNz4xvwoII/AAAAAAAAE9c/kJQhtHhlgNw/s400/25WoodBuild.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333233803000324226" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">We stopped in front of this beautiful building to let off one of the passengers. I took this very quickly .</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgNvnjK5FSI/AAAAAAAAE9U/WGZvEwdpnUo/s1600-h/26LiuJiangfrombridge.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgNvnjK5FSI/AAAAAAAAE9U/WGZvEwdpnUo/s400/26LiuJiangfrombridge.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333229108983305506" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">This was our first view of the old section of Liujiang after we got off the bus and followed the directions. Pretty impressive introduction to Liujiang.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgNvnsxeUZI/AAAAAAAAE9M/Rg1REDZtuSo/s1600-h/27QuietPlace.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgNvnsxeUZI/AAAAAAAAE9M/Rg1REDZtuSo/s400/27QuietPlace.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333229111561048466" /></a>As we walked across the bridge to the old town, another bridge up river caught my eye. That was the bridge the bus had originally crossed on the way up to Wawu Mountain.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgNvnY9Y3OI/AAAAAAAAE9E/ntwFEVsgl7Q/s1600-h/28Friends.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgNvnY9Y3OI/AAAAAAAAE9E/ntwFEVsgl7Q/s400/28Friends.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333229106242313442" /></a>We were stopped by a car as we walked across the old bridge. Out jumped these two and we immediately recognized them as some of our sunrise party friends from the night before. The guy is a student at Sichuan University and his English was excellent. He had as much fun as our Gap Guys during the whole adventure atop Wawu Mountain. It was good to see him again and he enthusiastically greeted us. They wanted us to join them for lunch but we were unsure of our schedule. We had been told that the last bus to Emei from Hongya left at around 4 PM. Calculating the time, we figured we had about two hours here in Liujiang and even then we did not know the bus schedule from Liujiang to Hongya. The worst that could happen would be that we would catch a bus to Leshan and then to Emei. Hongya and Leshan are two district administrative units so buses were more frequent between them than to smaller towns like Emei. We were, once again, playing everything as we went.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgNvnBQ1CHI/AAAAAAAAE88/dNS_Ax18MBA/s1600-h/29Bridge.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgNvnBQ1CHI/AAAAAAAAE88/dNS_Ax18MBA/s400/29Bridge.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333229099881400434" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The old bridge in the ancient town. Very impressive structure.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgNvnLGeVWI/AAAAAAAAE80/UnGRWcwIUYE/s1600-h/30BridgeStrcture.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgNvnLGeVWI/AAAAAAAAE80/UnGRWcwIUYE/s400/30BridgeStrcture.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333229102522324322" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Details of the bridge's construction.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgNsO9JxD4I/AAAAAAAAE8s/pehAzjbjl2Y/s1600-h/31Bridgeother.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 291px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgNsO9JxD4I/AAAAAAAAE8s/pehAzjbjl2Y/s400/31Bridgeother.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333225387926294402" /></a>I was so impressed with the massive bridge that I took a couple of more shots of it as we passed under it and walked down the pathway leading to the ancient town.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgNsOnsoJ3I/AAAAAAAAE8c/iXrclX7Z1hk/s1600-h/33teahouse.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgNsOnsoJ3I/AAAAAAAAE8c/iXrclX7Z1hk/s400/33teahouse.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333225382166931314" /></a>This tea house originally belonged to one of the several rich families (Zeng) that thrived here before 1949 or the liberation as the Chinese refer to it. The building was really impressive with large courtyards and interior doorways and passageways throughout. The location was also well chosen as it overlooked the river and the other streets.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgNsOVJf1jI/AAAAAAAAE8U/liSpejFvM0w/s1600-h/34dooryard.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 232px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgNsOVJf1jI/AAAAAAAAE8U/liSpejFvM0w/s400/34dooryard.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333225377187747378" /></a>Entrance into the first courtyard of the Zeng Family Mansion. The dark woods contrasted with the lighter wood inside made for a startling contrast. The Chinese on top states clearly: Zeng Home Courtyard or Garden.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgNsOGjeCQI/AAAAAAAAE8M/Q8iu2liu9bs/s1600-h/35Woodwindows.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 314px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgNsOGjeCQI/AAAAAAAAE8M/Q8iu2liu9bs/s400/35Woodwindows.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333225373270149378" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Beautifully maintained windows and panelling could be seen throughout the structure.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgNp0mT8erI/AAAAAAAAE8E/DTYAiADY-7E/s1600-h/36Courtyard.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgNp0mT8erI/AAAAAAAAE8E/DTYAiADY-7E/s400/36Courtyard.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333222736095115954" /></a><br />The first courtyard was massive with a theater on one end and the three adjoining buildings were now used for tea rooms. The combination of stone and wood was perfection.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgNsOuhOW7I/AAAAAAAAE8k/1c0suH_YmxM/s1600-h/32Dooropen.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgNsOuhOW7I/AAAAAAAAE8k/1c0suH_YmxM/s400/32Dooropen.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333225383998151602" /></a>Here is an example of one of the many stone doors that led off from the main courtyard into other smaller areas of pleasantry.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgNp0bUb0MI/AAAAAAAAE78/uLPM1IIg8wo/s1600-h/37Table.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgNp0bUb0MI/AAAAAAAAE78/uLPM1IIg8wo/s400/37Table.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333222733144379586" /></a>Inside one of the tea rooms, we found beautiful but simply placed furniture. Nothing seemed to be overdone - simple but inspiringly beautiful.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgNp0dMDu3I/AAAAAAAAE70/PW1KyKGMLDg/s1600-h/38Courtdoor.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgNp0dMDu3I/AAAAAAAAE70/PW1KyKGMLDg/s400/38Courtdoor.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333222733646117746" /></a>Another stone door after a long corridor down the side of one of the many buildings joined to the main courtyard area.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgNp0I1FWPI/AAAAAAAAE7s/fpqJ0c6g2Mc/s1600-h/39Teachair.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgNp0I1FWPI/AAAAAAAAE7s/fpqJ0c6g2Mc/s400/39Teachair.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333222728181045490" /></a>Chinese-style magnificence. Actually, Sunee's family has some of this style of furniture in Thailand. It is very uncomfortable so it will not be in our future when we move back and build our own Chinese compound in Hua Hin.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgNpz8S-ReI/AAAAAAAAE7k/BrLNw8PjZVo/s1600-h/40BeautyRoom.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgNpz8S-ReI/AAAAAAAAE7k/BrLNw8PjZVo/s400/40BeautyRoom.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333222724816750050" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Sunee admires the structure of the building as well as the simplicity of its interior rooms.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgMGsJLjVxI/AAAAAAAAE7c/Jv0kXgUktNQ/s1600-h/41Teaset.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgMGsJLjVxI/AAAAAAAAE7c/Jv0kXgUktNQ/s400/41Teaset.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333113739185182482" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Teas setting. I will look for a table like this one.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgMGr2LslII/AAAAAAAAE7U/zIB658VB55E/s1600-h/42Ovaldoorway.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 396px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgMGr2LslII/AAAAAAAAE7U/zIB658VB55E/s400/42Ovaldoorway.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333113734085514370" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Elongated oval door leading to another simple room off to the right of the courtyard.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgMGrnLqehI/AAAAAAAAE7M/_TD8CGP-nQY/s1600-h/43Teasetup.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgMGrnLqehI/AAAAAAAAE7M/_TD8CGP-nQY/s400/43Teasetup.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333113730058844690" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Another lovely Chinese table set up for tea. This I liked and will probably have one made in Thailand. </div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgMGrUswfKI/AAAAAAAAE7E/bW1sTo-VuW8/s1600-h/44Walksteps.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgMGrUswfKI/AAAAAAAAE7E/bW1sTo-VuW8/s400/44Walksteps.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333113725097376930" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">There were three or four bridges across the river. This was my favorite. </div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgMGrGZRVRI/AAAAAAAAE68/78nND3YEGa0/s1600-h/45Doorout.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgMGrGZRVRI/AAAAAAAAE68/78nND3YEGa0/s400/45Doorout.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333113721257547026" /></a><br />Dave and Ivan head down through one of the many hallways under the upper floors of the teahouse. This one led us back to the entrance. Everything was maintained in really top knotch condition. The whole place was simply wonderful.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgMFMos8f8I/AAAAAAAAE60/-7lome33Dk0/s1600-h/45Walking.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgMFMos8f8I/AAAAAAAAE60/-7lome33Dk0/s400/45Walking.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333112098379300802" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Art Photo - Walking</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgMFMVHhgvI/AAAAAAAAE6s/Fc55hRckKOw/s1600-h/46Yardlook.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgMFMVHhgvI/AAAAAAAAE6s/Fc55hRckKOw/s400/46Yardlook.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333112093122069234" /></a>After taking the "walking" photo above, I turned back one last time to the tea house and got this picture. With a little work in Photoshop to equalize the exposure of the inner courtyard and make the lady stand out more, I think this could be one of the best photos I took in Liujiang. We shall see. We shall see.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgMFMWggl3I/AAAAAAAAE6k/ze9op1fhtQU/s1600-h/47LiuJiang.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgMFMWggl3I/AAAAAAAAE6k/ze9op1fhtQU/s400/47LiuJiang.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333112093495302002" /></a>This is the view looking across the river from just a few hundred meters down from the tea house. Both sides of the river made up the ancient town of Liujiang.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgMFMEuSU0I/AAAAAAAAE6c/NoNXxV2AFIo/s1600-h/48Guide.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgMFMEuSU0I/AAAAAAAAE6c/NoNXxV2AFIo/s400/48Guide.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333112088721249090" /></a>This lady approached us and welcomed us to Liujiang. She was the head teacher at a primary school in Hongya and worked as a photographer and reporter for a local newspaper. She kindly took us around Liujiang and visited with us about the history of the area and places to see. Of course, we had only a few hours and it was obvious that we must come back and spend at least one night to see everything she had mentioned.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgMFL3U7IwI/AAAAAAAAE6U/Fin-cgk2djE/s1600-h/48Pots.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgMFL3U7IwI/AAAAAAAAE6U/Fin-cgk2djE/s400/48Pots.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333112085125210882" /></a>Attempted Art Photo - Throw Aways<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgMCz6Fco0I/AAAAAAAAE6M/5oc1rog9df8/s1600-h/48RedDoors.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgMCz6Fco0I/AAAAAAAAE6M/5oc1rog9df8/s400/48RedDoors.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333109474525487938" /></a>Red couplets on an old door. Typical scene from the ancient towns we had visited before.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgMCzmpN5wI/AAAAAAAAE6E/3Y3x4cui7qI/s1600-h/49AncientStree.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgMCzmpN5wI/AAAAAAAAE6E/3Y3x4cui7qI/s400/49AncientStree.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333109469306808066" /></a>One of the many streets in Luijiang. It was obvious that this place deserved another visit. Should be a good place to take Sunee's family when they come in September.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgMCzUs-0UI/AAAAAAAAE58/EoWPLFm0Iow/s1600-h/49Ducks.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgMCzUs-0UI/AAAAAAAAE58/EoWPLFm0Iow/s400/49Ducks.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333109464490758466" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Anyone for some ducks. They certainly looked good.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgMCzfLx98I/AAAAAAAAE50/lVHkNb9ja3s/s1600-h/49Mountains.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgMCzfLx98I/AAAAAAAAE50/lVHkNb9ja3s/s400/49Mountains.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333109467304294338" /></a>This platform was built out over the river and gives one a great view of the town, river and surrounding mountains.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgMCzXxcRcI/AAAAAAAAE5s/7AKR5uH-iRU/s1600-h/49PondRiver.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgMCzXxcRcI/AAAAAAAAE5s/7AKR5uH-iRU/s400/49PondRiver.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333109465314772418" /></a>The third bridge within the area called ancient town. This one also served as a small reservoir to form a swimming area. Very nice and clean.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgMAg2JCcLI/AAAAAAAAE5k/NV4GyqrglaI/s1600-h/49Redhangs.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgMAg2JCcLI/AAAAAAAAE5k/NV4GyqrglaI/s400/49Redhangs.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333106948026036402" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Art Photo - Red Scrolls</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgMAg_KlH3I/AAAAAAAAE5c/GhHTYKrCNRo/s1600-h/49Umbrella.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgMAg_KlH3I/AAAAAAAAE5c/GhHTYKrCNRo/s400/49Umbrella.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333106950448422770" /></a><br />This was an old house that was remodeled and made into a cute little restaurant.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgMAgkSP09I/AAAAAAAAE5U/EdwhefBjxjU/s1600-h/50entrance.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgMAgkSP09I/AAAAAAAAE5U/EdwhefBjxjU/s400/50entrance.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333106943232824274" /></a>Ms. He, our guide, took us to this temple when we asked if there were any temples in the area. The place was old, very old!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgMAgbouR2I/AAAAAAAAE5M/b4OzeNVSa9Q/s1600-h/50redcarve.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgMAgbouR2I/AAAAAAAAE5M/b4OzeNVSa9Q/s400/50redcarve.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333106940911175522" /></a>Upon entering, we found this guy directly in front of us. Great piece of work and just added to the exoticness.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgMAgWtS82I/AAAAAAAAE5E/qMNc68EOBzM/s1600-h/51Friendstheyare.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgMAgWtS82I/AAAAAAAAE5E/qMNc68EOBzM/s400/51Friendstheyare.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333106939588178786" /></a>Our guide had to eventually yell into this guys ears for him to hear her. She was telling him that she had brought a bunch of "foreign friends" to visit him. When he finally understood, he became outwardly excited and welcomed us all to the temple. He looked to be well into his eighties.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgLxuDphXsI/AAAAAAAAE48/vCVAIAhR5I4/s1600-h/51PaintedBuddha.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgLxuDphXsI/AAAAAAAAE48/vCVAIAhR5I4/s400/51PaintedBuddha.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333090682315824834" /></a>Beautifully painted Buddhas could be seen everywhere. This was obviously a real, working temple. Ms. He said that people usually met twice a month here to share a meal.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgLxt-Di6_I/AAAAAAAAE40/4XP02A5sdEE/s1600-h/52Prayers.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgLxt-Di6_I/AAAAAAAAE40/4XP02A5sdEE/s400/52Prayers.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333090680814365682" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Sunee does her thing in the prayer hall.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgLxtpXVceI/AAAAAAAAE4s/nvQaxKGzdmE/s1600-h/53head.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgLxtpXVceI/AAAAAAAAE4s/nvQaxKGzdmE/s400/53head.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333090675260223970" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">An old Buddha head sitting by itself along the path to the upper parts of the temple.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgLxtm1eL4I/AAAAAAAAE4k/f9ZkxkVO-qc/s1600-h/54discuss.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgLxtm1eL4I/AAAAAAAAE4k/f9ZkxkVO-qc/s400/54discuss.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333090674581319554" /></a>Here Ms. He explains what she knows about the temple. She also exchanges addresses with us and I tell her about this blog. Her and her friend made great guides. They were both friendly and proud to be able to show us around.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgLxteKWt2I/AAAAAAAAE4c/7TerGUrTHjk/s1600-h/54Enterior.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgLxteKWt2I/AAAAAAAAE4c/7TerGUrTHjk/s400/54Enterior.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333090672252991330" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">View of the prayer hall.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgLvGIF-0uI/AAAAAAAAE4U/SDlrQIFJNv0/s1600-h/54Headonly.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgLvGIF-0uI/AAAAAAAAE4U/SDlrQIFJNv0/s400/54Headonly.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333087797290914530" /></a>Head of the sleeping Buddha. This is the first sleeper I had seen in Sichuan Province.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgLvGPWcFCI/AAAAAAAAE4M/ySyVwjsFzyc/s1600-h/54paintedbuddh.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgLvGPWcFCI/AAAAAAAAE4M/ySyVwjsFzyc/s400/54paintedbuddh.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333087799238988834" /></a>Another painted Buddha image. For some reason, I wanted to think that this temple was from the Song Dynasty. More research is needed.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgLvF9mbA0I/AAAAAAAAE4E/_ZI_j8WSTvI/s1600-h/54Sleepagain.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgLvF9mbA0I/AAAAAAAAE4E/_ZI_j8WSTvI/s400/54Sleepagain.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333087794474189634" /></a>The sleeping Buddha from the level below. He was not huge but he was certainly painted beautifully.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgLvFjW_K1I/AAAAAAAAE38/m0XfXdlt4ek/s1600-h/54SleepBuddha.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgLvFjW_K1I/AAAAAAAAE38/m0XfXdlt4ek/s400/54SleepBuddha.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333087787430128466" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The Sleeping Buddha in a niche in the mou ntain side.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgLvFVfmhQI/AAAAAAAAE30/R2oH6y-OT98/s1600-h/55TwoBuddha.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgLvFVfmhQI/AAAAAAAAE30/R2oH6y-OT98/s400/55TwoBuddha.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333087783708165378" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Interesting painted Buddha images off to the left of the main prayer hall.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgLre2X-DEI/AAAAAAAAE3s/tWgb2ohEt-c/s1600-h/56Paintone.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgLre2X-DEI/AAAAAAAAE3s/tWgb2ohEt-c/s400/56Paintone.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333083823984741442" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Greetings fro m a painted Buddha image.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgLre3WDVUI/AAAAAAAAE3k/HkVwVh57nmE/s1600-h/56roof.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgLre3WDVUI/AAAAAAAAE3k/HkVwVh57nmE/s400/56roof.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333083824245134658" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">A view of the top of the prayer hall. The buildings were ancient.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgLreomspmI/AAAAAAAAE3c/Ko1rxxoqMas/s1600-h/57cuties.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgLreomspmI/AAAAAAAAE3c/Ko1rxxoqMas/s400/57cuties.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333083820288419426" /></a>We met these cute little vivacious students who were visiting from Meishan just up the road a ways. They were shy but did practice a little of their English.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgLredpYbiI/AAAAAAAAE3U/f_7xjkoZpUo/s1600-h/58Goodbaodz.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgLredpYbiI/AAAAAAAAE3U/f_7xjkoZpUo/s400/58Goodbaodz.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333083817346887202" /></a>After the temple, we took a walk back toward the other end (bus stop) of one of the streets. We found some baodz for Dave to try. He assured us they were good so we all got some.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgLrePPMG-I/AAAAAAAAE3M/-aboy9In6NA/s1600-h/59BuyTea.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgLrePPMG-I/AAAAAAAAE3M/-aboy9In6NA/s400/59BuyTea.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333083813478931426" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Tea! (see Chinateatravels.blogspot.com)</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgLo_POk-KI/AAAAAAAAE3E/l6LxSAh6TqM/s1600-h/59Teainfor.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgLo_POk-KI/AAAAAAAAE3E/l6LxSAh6TqM/s400/59Teainfor.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333081081877166242" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Chinateatravels.blogspot.com</div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgLo_NT5TTI/AAAAAAAAE28/h3GeEfkGLfM/s1600-h/60Rockdoor.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgLo_NT5TTI/AAAAAAAAE28/h3GeEfkGLfM/s400/60Rockdoor.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333081081362599218" /></a>An old rock entrance into a cou rtyard. These were quite common and it was too bad we really had no time to explore.<br /><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgLo-x4uBTI/AAAAAAAAE20/JzsUjJV0NfA/s1600-h/61Wallsign.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 291px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgLo-x4uBTI/AAAAAAAAE20/JzsUjJV0NfA/s400/61Wallsign.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333081074000856370" /></a>A entry "blocker" in one of the many courtyards we saw. These usually were set up to keep the evil spirits from entering. Seems they cannot make sharp turns when entering a residence.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgLo-jDNr4I/AAAAAAAAE2s/6bRhimrjcd0/s1600-h/62Anotherteahouse.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgLo-jDNr4I/AAAAAAAAE2s/6bRhimrjcd0/s400/62Anotherteahouse.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333081070018342786" /></a>This teahouse or restaurant was undergoing remodeling. Believe it to be another old residence of a wealthy landowner prior to the liberation. It faced directly across from the first tea house we visited.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgLo-Z1hMiI/AAAAAAAAE2k/y1U5yJyWYWs/s1600-h/63Mountainside.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgLo-Z1hMiI/AAAAAAAAE2k/y1U5yJyWYWs/s400/63Mountainside.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333081067544982050" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">A view of Liujiang from the tea house above. </div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgLmKAj-UNI/AAAAAAAAE2c/RSZwhCu3jEc/s1600-h/64Seetea.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 309px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgLmKAj-UNI/AAAAAAAAE2c/RSZwhCu3jEc/s400/64Seetea.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333077968384053458" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">More tea. Yeh I bought some. (for further info see chinateatravels.blogspot.com)</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgLmJpLmH3I/AAAAAAAAE2U/MbZMkhAwr5A/s1600-h/64Smelltea.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgLmJpLmH3I/AAAAAAAAE2U/MbZMkhAwr5A/s400/64Smelltea.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333077962107789170" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">It smells good and fresh.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgLmJrRYhfI/AAAAAAAAE2M/2yttl35xdm4/s1600-h/64teaeigh.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgLmJrRYhfI/AAAAAAAAE2M/2yttl35xdm4/s400/64teaeigh.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333077962668934642" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">He promises his tea is really good and came from the local mountain. </div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgLmJf4b0MI/AAAAAAAAE2E/WeNM6cd6yMc/s1600-h/64teasign.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgLmJf4b0MI/AAAAAAAAE2E/WeNM6cd6yMc/s400/64teasign.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333077959611502786" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">See this is really local tea.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgLmI_b2HhI/AAAAAAAAE18/Zbgcf_T3V3w/s1600-h/6464Buytea.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgLmI_b2HhI/AAAAAAAAE18/Zbgcf_T3V3w/s400/6464Buytea.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333077950901657106" /></a></div><br />Sort of looked a lot like Emei Zhu Ye Qing. We shall see. (for results go to Chinateatravels.blogspot. com.<div><br /></div><div>With the purchase of another bag of tea, we crossed back over to the other side to find a bus to Hongya. As we crossed over, we met Zoe and Mia who had arrived in the town about an hour after we had arrived. Zoe, in particular, was sad that we could not spend the night and another day in the ancient town. </div><div><br /></div><div>Zoe also had figured on getting back to Hongya and then gettng on a Leshan bus. We arrived in Hongya and as she was checking buses, we found one headed to Emei. It was supposed to leave at around 5 PM so that gave us 15 minutes. As it turned out, we did not leave until nearly 6 pm due to the bus not yet arriving from Jiajiang. </div><div><br /></div><div>Another weekend, another China adventure. Sunrise, mountains, rivers, terraces, tea, ancient towns and good company. What more can one ask for!</div>Cecil Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15551474809860713547noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8046096126809167500.post-71460055260193913222009-05-05T04:57:00.000-07:002009-05-08T09:04:34.807-07:00Emei To Wawu Mountain (May 2)We had waited for two days to make the trip to Hongya District and Wawu Mountain. The research I had done did not reveal a whole lot of stuff about the area. What I found referred mostly to visiting the mountain for bird watchers. Seems it is a great location for all kinds of great Sichuan birds. Surely they would have more than birds so we decided to go. Unfortunately, Thursday and Friday turned out to be wet and miserable. <div><br /></div><div>Dave and Ivan (John was otherwise occupied) wanted to join us on the trip scheduled for Saturday, May 2, part of the three-day Chinese holiday to celebrate May Day. We figured we could make it a day trip since the mountain was supposed to be around three hours away by bus. </div><div><br /></div><div>The day turned out to be beautiful so we all caught the bus down to the town circle to catch another bus to the main bus station. The plan was to go to Hongya City and there transfer to the bus to the mountain. We had also heard about an ancient city, Luojiang, which was on the way to the mountain.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAx3JOkYhI/AAAAAAAAE1U/FKueEuyUNqM/s1600-h/1WaitBus.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAx3JOkYhI/AAAAAAAAE1U/FKueEuyUNqM/s400/1WaitBus.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332316782246257170" /></a>Here we are waiting for our bus to take us to the station. We had left a little past eight so we figured we had plenty of time.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAxnL5xnaI/AAAAAAAAE1M/2Hxn5XuY6Kg/s1600-h/2Onbus.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAxnL5xnaI/AAAAAAAAE1M/2Hxn5XuY6Kg/s400/2Onbus.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332316508086443426" /></a>I played around with my camera on the bus which happened to be a bit crowded by the time we got to the bus station. Nice reflection out of the bus mirror.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAxnCW1fKI/AAAAAAAAE1E/yjFKWSviQlU/s1600-h/3BusStation.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAxnCW1fKI/AAAAAAAAE1E/yjFKWSviQlU/s400/3BusStation.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332316505523977378" /></a>We arrived to the bus station at . . . 0846. We had hoped to be able to get some breakfast like we did last time. Sunee went to get the tickets and found we had about an hour before our bus was to leave. We were all surprised to find Zoe and Mia heading to the same place. As we ate our dumplings, Zoe came looking for us and said there was another bus leaving now, so Sunee went and changed the tickets and the six of us (Dave, Ivan, Sunee, Zoe, Mia and me) all got on the same bus and planned to travel together to the mountain. What great luck!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAxm_VPxFI/AAAAAAAAE08/p7CmuypxZqI/s1600-h/4ToHongya.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAxm_VPxFI/AAAAAAAAE08/p7CmuypxZqI/s400/4ToHongya.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332316504712004690" /></a>The trip from Emei to Hongya took about two hours and went through the forever typical Sichuan countryside of mountains and a green fertile flat lands with plenty of water and veggies everywhere.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAxm-pzNwI/AAAAAAAAE00/_uUHFflck-Q/s1600-h/5ToHongya.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAxm-pzNwI/AAAAAAAAE00/_uUHFflck-Q/s400/5ToHongya.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332316504529778434" /></a>I took a few pictures, all noteworthy but all basically showing the same type of geography. Sichuan is blessed with abundance.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAxmvU-1xI/AAAAAAAAE0s/xycc28R7bZU/s1600-h/6Hongya.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAxmvU-1xI/AAAAAAAAE0s/xycc28R7bZU/s400/6Hongya.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332316500415928082" /></a>This is the first glimpse of the city of Hongya across the river. Looked new and very well placed.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAxKRyuGBI/AAAAAAAAE0c/-2Tse5KvC3c/s1600-h/7Hongya.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 139px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAxKRyuGBI/AAAAAAAAE0c/-2Tse5KvC3c/s400/7Hongya.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332316011451258898" /></a>The bridge to Hongya looked to be coming up on the right and, of course, it was. The bridge was new as was everything we saw in Hongya. Well, at least new compared to what we would call ancient.</div><div><br /></div><div>We all went into the bus station and found our bus was leaving at around 2 PM which gave us about 40 minutes for some ice cream. Since Sunee had no chance to eat her rice soup she needed some noodles to eat so we went outside to a restaurant close by. At that point, I looked at our tickets and they said 1:40 and not 2 PM as we were told. Once more, Sunee had to hurry with her food so we could get on the bus. She was not having a good day with eating for some reason. The bus left fairly close to schedule and we were on our way to Wawu mountain some three hours away. Wait, three hours! We had expected to be able to get to Wawu and back to Emei in one day. We were not prepared to stay overnight. Zoe and Mia, though, had come prepared. What the heck, we will just tough it out and make it another Chinese adventure. Three hours to sit back, relax and enjoy the Sichuan landscape go by.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAxKAFk2jI/AAAAAAAAE0U/YTHsDBla4Y4/s1600-h/8HongyatoWawu.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAxKAFk2jI/AAAAAAAAE0U/YTHsDBla4Y4/s400/8HongyatoWawu.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332316006698506802" /></a>This is a typical bridge that crosses the many rivers and streams in this part of Sichuan. The rivers looked to be full and running fast.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAxKB1l63I/AAAAAAAAE0M/CuKUhtMDQeY/s1600-h/9Ontheway.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 233px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAxKB1l63I/AAAAAAAAE0M/CuKUhtMDQeY/s400/9Ontheway.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332316007168338802" /></a>A quick picture of one of the temples we passed on our way to the mountain. No idea where were what kind, but the picture is nice.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAxJx7UdoI/AAAAAAAAE0E/rtcWFjR66h4/s1600-h/10Countryside.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAxJx7UdoI/AAAAAAAAE0E/rtcWFjR66h4/s400/10Countryside.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332316002897393282" /></a>Along the way, we saw a lot of terraces like this and with the mountains in the background, the view was stunning.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAwxYqfKoI/AAAAAAAAEz8/smWGz_361Yg/s1600-h/10ScenerytoWawu.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 208px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAwxYqfKoI/AAAAAAAAEz8/smWGz_361Yg/s400/10ScenerytoWawu.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332315583799044738" /></a>Chinese compounds could be seen as we approached the mountains. These compounds were surrounded by terraces and lots of green veggies and other products. Amazing greens everywhere.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAwxLlVbcI/AAAAAAAAEz0/KENEhn873qA/s1600-h/11Terraces.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAwxLlVbcI/AAAAAAAAEz0/KENEhn873qA/s400/11Terraces.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332315580287774146" /></a>The people of Sichuan simply do not waste any land in their growing of products. It makes the landscape really photo worthy.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAww5-NgXI/AAAAAAAAEzs/CI0Tq0pbN7o/s1600-h/12MoreTerraces.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 153px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAww5-NgXI/AAAAAAAAEzs/CI0Tq0pbN7o/s400/12MoreTerraces.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332315575560274290" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">More farms with more terraces.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAwwuqZkHI/AAAAAAAAEzk/nph_2lluH2A/s1600-h/13Comfort.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAwwuqZkHI/AAAAAAAAEzk/nph_2lluH2A/s400/13Comfort.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332315572524388466" /></a>Here is a beautiful shot from the bus of a two story house with a small and well maintained courtyard out front.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAwwe9rA6I/AAAAAAAAEzc/GRJdHXhHb0U/s1600-h/14Housescenes.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAwwe9rA6I/AAAAAAAAEzc/GRJdHXhHb0U/s400/14Housescenes.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332315568310256546" /></a>The buildings in the background gave a great feel to these terraces surrounded by tall trees.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAwUZV49AI/AAAAAAAAEzU/ne2ujlWmq0w/s1600-h/15Houseriver.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAwUZV49AI/AAAAAAAAEzU/ne2ujlWmq0w/s400/15Houseriver.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332315085764883458" /></a>Can you imagine living in a setting like this. The stone stairs leading down to the beautiful stream made us all want to stop and stay a while. Fabulous little place!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAwUIEh71I/AAAAAAAAEzM/m5ymV4GTwuM/s1600-h/16sichuanview.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAwUIEh71I/AAAAAAAAEzM/m5ymV4GTwuM/s400/16sichuanview.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332315081128669010" /></a>We are now in the mountains and the valleys are full of terraces and water growing all kinds of produce. The road begins to become winding along the ridges of the mountains.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAwUAEDbgI/AAAAAAAAEzE/8KR3XdQOUBM/s1600-h/17curves.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><div style="text-align: left;text-decoration: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: none;"><br /></span></span></div></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAwTwHMnUI/AAAAAAAAEy8/_aP9ForC96Y/s1600-h/18MtnHome.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 202px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAwTwHMnUI/AAAAAAAAEy8/_aP9ForC96Y/s400/18MtnHome.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332315074697403714" /></a>Farms and farmland nestled between the mountains and evergreen trees made this drive spectacular all the way. We went through the ancient town of Liujiang but I saw nothing except as we crossed the small bridge in the center of town. Looked like the old part was on our right as we passed through. We shall return.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAwTmI9r3I/AAAAAAAAEy0/pWuUjyoR9A0/s1600-h/19river.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAwTmI9r3I/AAAAAAAAEy0/pWuUjyoR9A0/s400/19river.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332315072020459378" /></a>More mountains, more terraces and more beauty under a blue sky full of fluffy clouds.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAvy7PJv1I/AAAAAAAAEys/psuA8lW0ThA/s1600-h/20clouds.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 294px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAvy7PJv1I/AAAAAAAAEys/psuA8lW0ThA/s400/20clouds.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332314510747877202" /></a>This was a huge house surrounded by field and trees and located a bit off the road. Another wonderful location.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAvylZU3RI/AAAAAAAAEyk/mhhX0rnngsg/s1600-h/21Riverclouds.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAvylZU3RI/AAAAAAAAEyk/mhhX0rnngsg/s400/21Riverclouds.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332314504884968722" /></a>We followed this big river along the valley floor and crossed it several times as our road meandered around the mountains and forests.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAvySW_i0I/AAAAAAAAEyc/SVJ10Y6XUYI/s1600-h/22Damsite.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAvySW_i0I/AAAAAAAAEyc/SVJ10Y6XUYI/s400/22Damsite.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332314499774909250" /></a>About two hours into our trip we came to this medium size dam that was controlling the flow of the water of the river we had been following. A large well-maintained lake with terraces surrounding it made for a great photo.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAvyd9ssqI/AAAAAAAAEyU/V2BmEW_g1NM/s1600-h/23Temple.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAvyd9ssqI/AAAAAAAAEyU/V2BmEW_g1NM/s400/23Temple.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332314502890042018" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">A temple of some kind set among the pines near the lake. </div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAvyB8eGvI/AAAAAAAAEyM/7oi53kbH_5g/s1600-h/24Cabin.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAvyB8eGvI/AAAAAAAAEyM/7oi53kbH_5g/s400/24Cabin.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332314495368698610" /></a>I fell in love with this little cabin on the side of this mountain. All kinds of veggies were being grown all around it and in the background some pretty good looking grazing areas for farm animals.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAvQpHKtQI/AAAAAAAAEyE/1cfFNugpbHY/s1600-h/25Lake.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 258px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAvQpHKtQI/AAAAAAAAEyE/1cfFNugpbHY/s400/25Lake.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332313921766995202" /></a><div style="text-align: left;">Clouds, blue skies, mountains, rivers, and terraces. One could not ask for more. Three hours and we reached our destination - Wawu City. This place was small and the actual building were built on both sides of the road with nothing but mountain in the back. A small river ran through the village on the right and evergreen trees were everywhere. The air was magnificent and the whole place was very "aspen-like" in its crispness.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAvQXElovI/AAAAAAAAEx8/HLCV_BAobM4/s1600-h/26Arrivedpicts.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAvQXElovI/AAAAAAAAEx8/HLCV_BAobM4/s400/26Arrivedpicts.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332313916924338930" /></a>Figuring out what to do next, we all took some time to take some pictures of the area around the small town. We did get some snacks and I eyed some local tea. Must get some on the way back and report what I found in my Chineteatravels.blogspot.com.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAvQbSQP8I/AAAAAAAAEx0/3nMKQlxakio/s1600-h/27WebFlower.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAvQbSQP8I/AAAAAAAAEx0/3nMKQlxakio/s400/27WebFlower.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332313918055399362" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Closeup of a flower not far from the road. Little bit of a spider web as well.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAvQJQL-qI/AAAAAAAAExs/JN-wB2NLAWw/s1600-h/28Flower.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAvQJQL-qI/AAAAAAAAExs/JN-wB2NLAWw/s400/28Flower.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332313913214892706" /></a>I am not knowledgeable about flowers, I just like to take their pictures. Anyone have any idea as to what kind of flower?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAvQFr9rSI/AAAAAAAAExk/8If8Zb4WmxU/s1600-h/29Threewater.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAvQFr9rSI/AAAAAAAAExk/8If8Zb4WmxU/s400/29Threewater.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332313912257654050" /></a>More pictures with the river and mountains in the background. That's Mia on the right, Zoe in the center and Ivan, the gap guy from Leshan on the left. Mia is a computer teacher who is also in my teacher's training class on Monday and Wednesday night. She is a dandy!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAuzMBIbkI/AAAAAAAAExc/QB-4_TUGKTY/s1600-h/30tickets.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAuzMBIbkI/AAAAAAAAExc/QB-4_TUGKTY/s400/30tickets.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332313415740845634" /></a>Figured how to get to the mountain so we bought our tickets. Got a discount and good thing, too as the gap guys did not bring very much money, figuring on a one day trip. No problem as Sunee would act as their ATM until we returned to Emei. I think the tickets were around 28 Yuan for the bus and 26 to get in the park. I need to look that up. Here Ivan and Dave proudly showoff the tickets Sunee bought for them.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAuzDiT2II/AAAAAAAAExU/eOKG-AWoH98/s1600-h/31Allaboard.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAuzDiT2II/AAAAAAAAExU/eOKG-AWoH98/s400/31Allaboard.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332313413464086658" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">All aboard to Wawu Mountain. Nice bus, too!</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAuyxkSfDI/AAAAAAAAExM/ssFJnweDxp8/s1600-h/32MtnstoWawu.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 397px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAuyxkSfDI/AAAAAAAAExM/ssFJnweDxp8/s400/32MtnstoWawu.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332313408640547890" /></a>Mountains, clouds, and blue sky all the way. The trip was supposed to take another hour but we got stuck because of all the Chinese who had the same idea we did.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAuy-mKq_I/AAAAAAAAExE/BolzD8NiXZU/s1600-h/33Skyblue.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAuy-mKq_I/AAAAAAAAExE/BolzD8NiXZU/s400/33Skyblue.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332313412138085362" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAuystdeRI/AAAAAAAAEw8/ODDxDLhZDg0/s1600-h/34DistantMTN.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAuystdeRI/AAAAAAAAEw8/ODDxDLhZDg0/s400/34DistantMTN.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332313407336839442" /></a>Views of the mountains continued to thrill us. This, even though we were forced to wait over half an hour until the place became less congested with cares. As we approached the lift area, we saw a long line of cars parked along side the road miles before we actually arrived.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAuT3SXIBI/AAAAAAAAEw0/OaHGIOfPSeM/s1600-h/35Lifttickets.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAuT3SXIBI/AAAAAAAAEw0/OaHGIOfPSeM/s400/35Lifttickets.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332312877600022546" /></a>Lift to the top of the mountain cost each of us 50 yuan round trip. Once more Sunee acted as the ATM for the gap guys. Unfortunately just as we walked up to catch the lift, Dave found he had lost his ticket and was forced to purchase another one. We figured it had been picked out of his pocket. Hey, we could not leave him behind.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAuToYn5fI/AAAAAAAAEws/WNnE6NjrBTA/s1600-h/36Liftstation.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAuToYn5fI/AAAAAAAAEws/WNnE6NjrBTA/s400/36Liftstation.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332312873599755762" /></a>Here is the view of the lift area where one could stay and where we bought the tickets.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAuTcPav3I/AAAAAAAAEwk/up-bsC2COOM/s1600-h/37ZoeMia.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAuTcPav3I/AAAAAAAAEwk/up-bsC2COOM/s400/37ZoeMia.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332312870339919730" /></a>Fairly long walk up to the actual lift. It was here that Dave found his tickets to be missing.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAuTaKmWbI/AAAAAAAAEwc/OM5IGipBNTo/s1600-h/38Lift.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAuTaKmWbI/AAAAAAAAEwc/OM5IGipBNTo/s400/38Lift.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332312869782837682" /></a>The lift was not new and was long, very long. It took around 45 minutes to get to the top. Because the last lift came back at 6PM and it was now 5PM, we decided to stay on the mountain. Zoe had called up to the top as we were buying our lift tickets and had reserved spaces on the floor of one of the buildings. We were not prepared but - adventure time!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgRRwQihHPI/AAAAAAAAFBc/6lycjXdFVSI/s1600-h/39crowds.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgRRwQihHPI/AAAAAAAAFBc/6lycjXdFVSI/s400/39crowds.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333477748228824306" /></a>There was actually a line of hundreds of people trying to get back down the mountain when we finally arrived to the top of the lift. As we walked by, they cheered us and greeted us. When some of the students in line had a small conversation with us, all the people around them cheered loudly and clapped. The line stretched back from the lift for several hundred meters before we finally ran out of people.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAuTGmMmrI/AAAAAAAAEwU/ZKHRYQyI3f0/s1600-h/39Lotsaflowers.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAuTGmMmrI/AAAAAAAAEwU/ZKHRYQyI3f0/s400/39Lotsaflowers.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332312864529881778" /></a> As we walked toward our destination and hotel we noted hundreds of azaleas in bloom. I took lots of pictures of them. Here Sunee is looking at one of the bushes full of flowers.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAtPmyui_I/AAAAAAAAEwM/Y_ATi1MVAJo/s1600-h/41Climbing.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAtPmyui_I/AAAAAAAAEwM/Y_ATi1MVAJo/s400/41Climbing.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332311704941267954" /></a>We had about an hour's walk from the lift to the hotel where we would stay. It was getting cold and the ups and downs of the path did not make things easier.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAtPszDzjI/AAAAAAAAEwE/xqmsEzQ-rMI/s1600-h/40Azalieas.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAtPszDzjI/AAAAAAAAEwE/xqmsEzQ-rMI/s400/40Azalieas.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332311706553273906" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">In bloom.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAtPvAa2_I/AAAAAAAAEv8/IM5c_3wJ2Yo/s1600-h/41MOreAzaleas.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAtPvAa2_I/AAAAAAAAEv8/IM5c_3wJ2Yo/s400/41MOreAzaleas.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332311707146181618" /></a>More azaleas in bloom. Most had become pretty ragged and spent but some were still in good shape.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAtPX1AefI/AAAAAAAAEv0/KXlcxK3wf2A/s1600-h/42Hotel.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAtPX1AefI/AAAAAAAAEv0/KXlcxK3wf2A/s400/42Hotel.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332311700924299762" /></a>Our final destination, Xiang Er Hotel, where we would spend the night in hopes of seeing a mountain sunrise. The area had all the convenience expected but very rustic.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAtPde6aaI/AAAAAAAAEvs/Nz2ulUQm77g/s1600-h/43Roasting.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAtPde6aaI/AAAAAAAAEvs/Nz2ulUQm77g/s400/43Roasting.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332311702442240418" /></a>As we ended our trek at the big courtyard area in front of the hotel, we saw these people cooking what appeared to be rabbit and chicken. We were offered one for the crazy price of 150 Yuan. Normally one can get a chicken for less than 20 Yuan. We, of course, decided against it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAsj-QOmYI/AAAAAAAAEvk/WavXYeFLOKQ/s1600-h/44EndofClimb.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAsj-QOmYI/AAAAAAAAEvk/WavXYeFLOKQ/s400/44EndofClimb.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332310955324774786" /></a>Here is the group after our trek up from the lift. It is now quite cool. As you can see, Ivan has only a T-shirt and I had also some pretty light cloths on. I began to worry a little bit about freezing to death.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAsjwaLoWI/AAAAAAAAEvc/5z3DA58Vobs/s1600-h/45Sleeping.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAsjwaLoWI/AAAAAAAAEvc/5z3DA58Vobs/s400/45Sleeping.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332310951608426850" /></a><br />The entrance to the sleeping area where several levels of rooms were available. We had settled for the floor area for 30 Yuan a piece. Had no idea what to expect. We were hungry so we decided to check in and get some food.</div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgRRvfBC_6I/AAAAAAAAFA8/e-Mqky67Q6o/s1600-h/44checkingin.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgRRvfBC_6I/AAAAAAAAFA8/e-Mqky67Q6o/s400/44checkingin.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333477734935101346" /></a>Zoe and Mia go check in amongst what appeared to be a very disorganized check-in procedure. We also found out that there was a restaurant open and we all were getting hungry.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgRRwAuw_KI/AAAAAAAAFBU/wrdCAQFd5YU/s1600-h/44Zoewaits.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgRRwAuw_KI/AAAAAAAAFBU/wrdCAQFd5YU/s400/44Zoewaits.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333477743985228962" /></a>We had to wait for our table as Zoe and Mia went to check out our sleeping arrangements. By the time they returned we had a table but had to wait as the staff was very busy. Here Zoe relaxes and talks about us all freezing to death but with a great view out the windows.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgRRwDRurAI/AAAAAAAAFBM/vd2jFmsFMOA/s1600-h/44waiting.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgRRwDRurAI/AAAAAAAAFBM/vd2jFmsFMOA/s400/44waiting.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333477744668748802" /></a>Mia and Dave relax as we drink our tea and wait for our food. We were all very hungry. Sunee especially was hungry as she had been "time cheated" on eating at both bus stations.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgRRvjBrPFI/AAAAAAAAFBE/vjoZs-PWOuA/s1600-h/44Ivandrinks.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgRRvjBrPFI/AAAAAAAAFBE/vjoZs-PWOuA/s400/44Ivandrinks.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333477736011480146" /></a>The people sitting at the next table offered some white liquor to toast. Of course, I could not but Dave and Ivan toasted. The stuff was like pure alcohol as Ivan here shows.<br /><br /><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgLMRVQZ6SI/AAAAAAAAE1k/UDYl5MCBaGE/s1600-h/Lodgings.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgLMRVQZ6SI/AAAAAAAAE1k/UDYl5MCBaGE/s400/Lodgings.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333049506895882530" /></a>The rustic buildings that were our accommodations for the evening. Ours is out of sight at the end and to the right.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAsjqZL5SI/AAAAAAAAEvU/4HR0uU8Bzz0/s1600-h/46WawuDance.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 366px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAsjqZL5SI/AAAAAAAAEvU/4HR0uU8Bzz0/s400/46WawuDance.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332310949993637154" /></a>After our dinner, we placed our stuff in our large shared room and we went back out to the courtyard to see what was going on. Soon these people showed up and a bunch of us get into the act of dancing around a huge bonfire.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgLMRZ_5ifI/AAAAAAAAE1s/NsiJaHp7rPg/s1600-h/MOreDance.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgLMRZ_5ifI/AAAAAAAAE1s/NsiJaHp7rPg/s400/MOreDance.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333049508168829426" /></a>Sunee was lucky enough to find a place I could rent this PLA overcoat. Was I happy! It was extremely warm and only cost me 20 Yuan.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgLMRMOV8GI/AAAAAAAAE1c/eL0aRHztL0Q/s1600-h/Dancing.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgLMRMOV8GI/AAAAAAAAE1c/eL0aRHztL0Q/s400/Dancing.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333049504471314530" /></a>Here Ivan and I are celebrating. I was celebrating because I was warm. Ivan was celebrating to keep warm.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAsjboNHFI/AAAAAAAAEvM/XmgL8VkZAKE/s1600-h/47Party.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAsjboNHFI/AAAAAAAAEvM/XmgL8VkZAKE/s400/47Party.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332310946030099538" /></a>Dave enthusiastically gets to dancing and meets a bunch of happy guys out on the dance floor. Here a new found friend helps him celebrate.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAsjY7ACEI/AAAAAAAAEvE/1o3BhM38Jq0/s1600-h/48warm.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAsjY7ACEI/AAAAAAAAEvE/1o3BhM38Jq0/s400/48warm.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332310945303627842" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">WARM!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We had a great time sitting around the cooking fire keeping warm and dancing around the big bonfire in the middle. All things must come to an end and we were all very tire from walking and changing buses and getting excited. Time for bed.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAqtis8eHI/AAAAAAAAEu8/nHyVOEVnDZ4/s1600-h/49Girlsprep.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAqtis8eHI/AAAAAAAAEu8/nHyVOEVnDZ4/s400/49Girlsprep.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332308920704465010" /></a>Our accommodation was a huge room with quilts, mats and blankets spread out on the floor. Along with us there were several other people in various areas of the huge room. We were all going to be cozy because it was very cold. Here Zoe and Mia get their stuff together for a good night's sleep.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAqtt-PFeI/AAAAAAAAEu0/Z8v75qRHZpI/s1600-h/50Suneeprep.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAqtt-PFeI/AAAAAAAAEu0/Z8v75qRHZpI/s400/50Suneeprep.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332308923729778146" /></a>Sunee manages to get us ready. I figured we would be ok with the help of the heavy PLA overcoat. We should be warm enough.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAqtQSkxPI/AAAAAAAAEus/bfObZKSA0Po/s1600-h/51Journalling.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAqtQSkxPI/AAAAAAAAEus/bfObZKSA0Po/s400/51Journalling.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332308915762021618" /></a>As we prepped our beds, Dave took some time out to enter the adventure in his journal.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgLMRm_KNNI/AAAAAAAAE10/pjyRVueJ7Do/s1600-h/Party.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgLMRm_KNNI/AAAAAAAAE10/pjyRVueJ7Do/s400/Party.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333049511655388370" /></a>The party did not end at the courtyard. Dave and Ivan got to celebrate with our fellow sojourners in the big room. Lots of toasting going on it looked like to me. Lots of laughing and just having a good time<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAqtdSc7AI/AAAAAAAAEuk/ZhuuAXLQRQo/s1600-h/52PartyCont.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAqtdSc7AI/AAAAAAAAEuk/ZhuuAXLQRQo/s400/52PartyCont.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332308919251168258" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">This is one of several shots taken doing the celebration on a cold night.</div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAqtGr9qkI/AAAAAAAAEuc/8A7nPRAiT4U/s1600-h/53Ivan.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SgAqtGr9qkI/AAAAAAAAEuc/8A7nPRAiT4U/s400/53Ivan.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332308913184156226" /></a></div>Finally, it is time to turn in and Ivan gets comfy and warm before calling it a night. It was late, well after 1 am when things settled down.Cecil Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15551474809860713547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8046096126809167500.post-44620404210839349902009-04-25T03:56:00.000-07:002009-05-08T01:09:35.027-07:00Playing It By Ear - Another China AdventureHaving received information this past week about an area not far from Emei City that had a shoe factory exporting large size shoes to the US and an area of older streets, we decide to explore the area mentioned. Four intrepid travelers joined in the search to see what we could find: Dave, Ivan, Sunee and I.<br /><br />We caught a bus to the circle in Emei City in hopes of catching another bus to the area. Another China adventure begins.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQQrelSGYI/AAAAAAAAEqo/fEwww-tieF4/s1600-h/1Ads.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQQrelSGYI/AAAAAAAAEqo/fEwww-tieF4/s400/1Ads.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328902598215997826" /></a>We were told to catch a No.3 bus a few meters from where we got off our JiaoDa bus. As we waited, this van advertising a product, passed by followed by a Chinese marching band. Sunee and I had seen it often but Dave was a bit excited, thinking they were celebrating something important. A few minutes and he, too, thought the concept was a bit "cheezy." Loud but of little value.<div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwACwIK1e2GcOQGlKA0Gs24VdAiijI0ZLTiO3Xd6KOSk5RvbT5lt2TFlfm7ag50l-9mM7A4lOog-70aeZ49' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Marching Commercial</div><br /></div><div>We find the bus No.3 and catch a ride to the end of the line. From there Sunee negotiates two trikes to take us to the shoe factory in hopes of finding me some large-sized shoes.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQQrWiIZJI/AAAAAAAAEqg/NLWNYovtHdk/s1600-h/2ShoeFactory.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQQrWiIZJI/AAAAAAAAEqg/NLWNYovtHdk/s400/2ShoeFactory.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328902596055295122" /></a>It is a shoe factory and no visitors are allowed. Sunee gave it her best shot but to no avail. Thus we hired the services of the two trikes to take us to a place that one of the trike drivers said was really great. It turned out to be not! Some kind of new "pipa" or lowquat farm which was just opened. Boring!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQQrIODbuI/AAAAAAAAEqY/WxEp6qpWNBU/s1600-h/3Pipaplace.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQQrIODbuI/AAAAAAAAEqY/WxEp6qpWNBU/s400/3Pipaplace.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328902592212987618" /></a>The "pipa" farm which is obviously in its early development stages. Nothing to see here.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQQq3IeA6I/AAAAAAAAEqQ/qHV0KDA0bC4/s1600-h/4Pipasingle.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQQq3IeA6I/AAAAAAAAEqQ/qHV0KDA0bC4/s400/4Pipasingle.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328902587626161058" /></a>I did find one lonely "pipa" and it was in pretty bad shape. Time to leave this place. Sunee was arguing with the trike driver who brought us here and was negotiating our trip back. We wanted to stop at some older houses we had passed by earlier. The driver had no clue as to why we crazy foreigners wanted to look at old buildings. </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQQq6a0GCI/AAAAAAAAEqI/coVtFjc2ejI/s1600-h/5Restaurant.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQQq6a0GCI/AAAAAAAAEqI/coVtFjc2ejI/s400/5Restaurant.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328902588508411938" /></a>This looked to be a nice restaurant just now open at the "pipa" farm. No visitors, just us foreigners.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQQZfoqO3I/AAAAAAAAEp4/kq_utinR3aE/s1600-h/7Emptywarehouse.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQQZfoqO3I/AAAAAAAAEp4/kq_utinR3aE/s400/7Emptywarehouse.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328902289260952434" /></a>Sunee finally convinced the trike driver to stop at an old bamboo paper factory. Not much there to take a picture of but we all tried. Here Ivan and Dave take a picture of the old chopping maching.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQQZV3JdYI/AAAAAAAAEqA/NRqprOLsc24/s1600-h/6OldHouse.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQQZV3JdYI/AAAAAAAAEqA/NRqprOLsc24/s400/6OldHouse.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328902286637364610" /></a>This is the old house we had seen on the way to the "pipa" farm. Turned out to be a pretty decent example of Chinese "old houses." We all took several pictures from different angles. All of us were looking for that elusive "art photo" we just knew was laying around somewhere.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQQZHikioI/AAAAAAAAEpw/bGUd0z4Sc24/s1600-h/8oldfarmjars.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQQZHikioI/AAAAAAAAEpw/bGUd0z4Sc24/s400/8oldfarmjars.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328902282792962690" /></a>Here is my attempt at "art photography." Old jars at the well. At least the name sounds artsy, doesn't it?<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQQZDJqtVI/AAAAAAAAEpo/lRRnTRtEwGQ/s1600-h/9WaterBuffalo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQQZDJqtVI/AAAAAAAAEpo/lRRnTRtEwGQ/s400/9WaterBuffalo.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328902281614767442" /></a><br />Not far from the house we found this water buffalo keeping cool. These creatures are always good to photograph.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQQY44c04I/AAAAAAAAEpg/EQAfG-4P938/s1600-h/10BigPig.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQQY44c04I/AAAAAAAAEpg/EQAfG-4P938/s400/10BigPig.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328902278858199938" /></a>As all of us were admiring the old house, this guy came by with his gigantic pig. We got him to stop so we could get some pictures.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQP-pEu0vI/AAAAAAAAEpY/Qct26m2eM80/s1600-h/10DavePig.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQP-pEu0vI/AAAAAAAAEpY/Qct26m2eM80/s400/10DavePig.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328901827938145010" /></a>Dave was particularly taken by the size of the animal. "Biggest pig I have ever seen!" he repeated over and over. Ya gotta love the look of disbelief on Dave's face. The big was, indeed, a huge pig, as big a pig as I have ever seen. And, according to the pig owner, the boar was in no danger of losing his life as he was breeding stock. One can see why!</div><div><br /></div><div>Ok, that was a bit fun. What do we do now? We returned to the bus area and had a lunch of noodles. They were very good. During our lunch, Sunee asked about other sites to visit. A gentleman overheard the questions and volunteered to take us to a Buddhist temple that was having a get together. He told us it would be interesting. Sunee negotiated the trip for 30 Yuan round trip and off we went. </div><div><br /></div><div>It took about twenty or thirty minutes of traveling on a small country road through scenes Sunee and I had become accustomed to - Sichuan farmland. It never ceases to amaze just how efficient the local people are at growing their veggies.</div><div><br /></div><div>As we climbed a small hill and rounded a corner, I heard Dave say "Wow!" There in front of us was the temple.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQP-oXDARI/AAAAAAAAEpQ/E3GYvW_2y4g/s1600-h/11DaFongEntrance.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQP-oXDARI/AAAAAAAAEpQ/E3GYvW_2y4g/s400/11DaFongEntrance.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328901827746529554" /></a>The Chinese on the entrance is "gao feng si" or Summit Temple. It was small but beautifully placed on a small summit surrounded by the green fields of vegetables and trees. It was a surprise sight and unexpected.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQP-oM4SgI/AAAAAAAAEpI/bDAd8dCStVw/s1600-h/12BeforeEntrance.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQP-oM4SgI/AAAAAAAAEpI/bDAd8dCStVw/s400/12BeforeEntrance.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328901827703884290" /></a>These guys were sitting just outside the entrance on the right hand side. Colorful and simplistic.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQP-VArjGI/AAAAAAAAEpA/GlxzuB96NlA/s1600-h/13LionGuard.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQP-VArjGI/AAAAAAAAEpA/GlxzuB96NlA/s400/13LionGuard.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328901822552444002" /></a>On the left side of the entrance was this photogenic set up. I could not resist the picture and it came out as good as it looked.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQP92Kdi9I/AAAAAAAAEo4/JYvhgTonxdo/s1600-h/14Snaps.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQP92Kdi9I/AAAAAAAAEo4/JYvhgTonxdo/s400/14Snaps.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328901814271970258" /></a>Dave is getting to be as big a photographer as I am. Soon, very soon, he will have is 16GB card filled up and will ask for help downloading them onto DVDs. </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQPtq_CrwI/AAAAAAAAEow/DwqE0QnPvuQ/s1600-h/15Meals1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQPtq_CrwI/AAAAAAAAEow/DwqE0QnPvuQ/s400/15Meals1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328901536393375490" /></a>Inside the temple we found hundreds of older people enjoying their lunch. It seems these local farmers get together twice a month and share a lunch at the temple. This has been a long tradition among Buddhists throughout Asia. Sunee remembers she went to the local temple a couple of times a month in Bangkok when she was growing up.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQPth_5LUI/AAAAAAAAEoo/yfwIo5UhMyQ/s1600-h/15Meals2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQPth_5LUI/AAAAAAAAEoo/yfwIo5UhMyQ/s400/15Meals2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328901533981027650" /></a>There must have been a couple of hundred people sharing their meal in the courtyard and in the rooms off to the side of the courtyard. The person in charge of the temple immediately asked us to join them. We were not very hungry but could not turn down the offer. Dave, especially, was anxious to experience such a meal. "It's an experience. It's an experience." he kept whispering to us in hopes we would agree to accept the invitation. We all agreed.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQPtG5kJcI/AAAAAAAAEog/S_fhNgdoI3s/s1600-h/16WeShare.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQPtG5kJcI/AAAAAAAAEog/S_fhNgdoI3s/s400/16WeShare.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328901526706726338" /></a>Wonderful and simple vegetarian food greeted us at the table that was arranged for us. The food was really great, even if we had eaten about thirty minutes before.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQPtDBjPfI/AAAAAAAAEoY/7sxNAuYUl1I/s1600-h/17IvanShare.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQPtDBjPfI/AAAAAAAAEoY/7sxNAuYUl1I/s400/17IvanShare.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328901525666479602" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Ivan enjoys the company and the food.</div></div><div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQPs4ZJ4dI/AAAAAAAAEoQ/VOIFHTk-jwE/s1600-h/18Food.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQPs4ZJ4dI/AAAAAAAAEoQ/VOIFHTk-jwE/s400/18Food.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328901522812690898" /></a>The veggies served consisted of cabbage, broad beans, bamboo and a lot of dofu with a spicy dipping sauce. This last is a particular favorite of Sichuan people in this area. Plentiful and tasty. When we finished our lunch, we were shown around the little temple.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQPaQH4VxI/AAAAAAAAEoI/coTrPCe2fP4/s1600-h/19Incense.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQPaQH4VxI/AAAAAAAAEoI/coTrPCe2fP4/s400/19Incense.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328901202765174546" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Large incense burner outside the main Buddha hall.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQPaE8FNpI/AAAAAAAAEoA/849A__PpxxY/s1600-h/20Visiting.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQPaE8FNpI/AAAAAAAAEoA/849A__PpxxY/s400/20Visiting.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328901199762896530" /></a>Sunee spent most of her time visiting with the older people as is her custom. She usually enjoys surprising people by telling them her age and then finding out a little about their lives.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQPaMtUdQI/AAAAAAAAEn4/s82shYoSHAA/s1600-h/21GoldBuddha.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 308px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQPaMtUdQI/AAAAAAAAEn4/s82shYoSHAA/s400/21GoldBuddha.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328901201848464642" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The main Buddha hall in all its redness.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQPZ3oF-xI/AAAAAAAAEnw/xvqJYHmhtQo/s1600-h/22BuddhaView.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQPZ3oF-xI/AAAAAAAAEnw/xvqJYHmhtQo/s400/22BuddhaView.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328901196189399826" /></a>This Buddha was to the left of the main hall. There were lots of people milling around and enjoying the community affair.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQPZ88YgoI/AAAAAAAAEno/_jhpzpj9K20/s1600-h/23PhotoFolks.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQPZ88YgoI/AAAAAAAAEno/_jhpzpj9K20/s400/23PhotoFolks.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328901197616677506" /></a>Sunee began to line up the old folks for a group picture. It took a big effort to get them all together.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQPIUrZy4I/AAAAAAAAEng/81NSZEL-xLg/s1600-h/24Groupings.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQPIUrZy4I/AAAAAAAAEng/81NSZEL-xLg/s400/24Groupings.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328900894750264194" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Finally, we many of the people grouped together. Ivan and Dave joined the group for our official group picture.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQPIVl-VLI/AAAAAAAAEnY/eMqPZGrUiNw/s1600-h/25EightySeven.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQPIVl-VLI/AAAAAAAAEnY/eMqPZGrUiNw/s400/25EightySeven.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328900894995928242" /></a>I took this picture portrait as Sunee was visiting with her. This lady is 87 years old.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQPIOp8GdI/AAAAAAAAEnQ/1kjwMI-p89c/s1600-h/26MoreVisit.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQPIOp8GdI/AAAAAAAAEnQ/1kjwMI-p89c/s400/26MoreVisit.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328900893133511122" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Sunee visiting.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQPH_BXbZI/AAAAAAAAEnI/A1iPebbEK6s/s1600-h/27AnotherGroup.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQPH_BXbZI/AAAAAAAAEnI/A1iPebbEK6s/s400/27AnotherGroup.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328900888936803730" /></a>Another group picture with Sunee. The lady on the right in black is the temple care taker who invited us to join the affair. After this shot, the care taker asked us to come see the building in the back of the temple. Had no idea what we would see.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQPHzgeEQI/AAAAAAAAEnA/48tmFp3Rny8/s1600-h/28Bamboo1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQPHzgeEQI/AAAAAAAAEnA/48tmFp3Rny8/s400/28Bamboo1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328900885846036738" /></a>Outside the back of the temple was a beautiful bamboo forest with dark green and pastel green bamboo leaves and trunks. Dave immediately began taking pictures as did I.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQO2X4nt0I/AAAAAAAAEm4/BPUI4ykoHu4/s1600-h/28Bamboo2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQO2X4nt0I/AAAAAAAAEm4/BPUI4ykoHu4/s400/28Bamboo2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328900586373363522" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">More of the bamboo forest. But that was not the big surprise that waited for us.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQO2RDn86I/AAAAAAAAEmw/h8rW_plu57s/s1600-h/29Amazing.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 169px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQO2RDn86I/AAAAAAAAEmw/h8rW_plu57s/s400/29Amazing.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328900584540468130" /></a>As we walked along the path in the bamboo forest we spotted the pagoda surrounded by the green bamboo. Here Dave gives you a feeling at the surprise that greeted him. It was magnificent!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQO2dxlk0I/AAAAAAAAEmo/qKpNX4g7Txo/s1600-h/29Initials.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQO2dxlk0I/AAAAAAAAEmo/qKpNX4g7Txo/s400/29Initials.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328900587954475842" /></a>But before we went to see the pagoda, Sunee saw that many people had etched their names in the trunks of some of the bamboo trees. She followed suit and wrote her name in Chinese along with a special blessing<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQO2DZy9WI/AAAAAAAAEmg/CHkrWAqnMT0/s1600-h/29Interest.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQO2DZy9WI/AAAAAAAAEmg/CHkrWAqnMT0/s400/29Interest.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328900580875367778" /></a>The people gathered round to watch Sunee write her name. Dave thought it might be a good idea so he also wrote his name on one of the trees.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQOh9U_WDI/AAAAAAAAEmI/cBDw2QebBDk/s1600-h/30InitialsBamboo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQOh9U_WDI/AAAAAAAAEmI/cBDw2QebBDk/s400/30InitialsBamboo.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328900235647211570" /></a>Dave carves his name into the bamboo. Great idea. Imagine some foreigner finding them in the next ten years, thinking he was the first to see this temple.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQOhg6-jYI/AAAAAAAAElw/jbsDBLSGm8U/s1600-h/30IvanCarves.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQOhg6-jYI/AAAAAAAAElw/jbsDBLSGm8U/s400/30IvanCarves.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328900228021915010" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Not to be outdone, Ivan does his name as well.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQOh_W-TCI/AAAAAAAAEmA/tq542QASdFs/s1600-h/30Myinitials.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQOh_W-TCI/AAAAAAAAEmA/tq542QASdFs/s400/30Myinitials.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328900236192402466" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Me too! Me too!</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQO1_C1IzI/AAAAAAAAEmY/aHxg3Yg8N5k/s1600-h/29Pagoda.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQO1_C1IzI/AAAAAAAAEmY/aHxg3Yg8N5k/s400/29Pagoda.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328900579705299762" /></a>Here is the pagoda that caught our attention. It was beautiful and the surrounding bamboo forest only added to its beauty.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQOiK8WIjI/AAAAAAAAEmQ/oK5nE1rygm8/s1600-h/29Unbelievable.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 265px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQOiK8WIjI/AAAAAAAAEmQ/oK5nE1rygm8/s400/29Unbelievable.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328900239301943858" /></a><br />Dave is totally blown away by what we found in the back of the little temple. Never saw it coming. I think he may have snuck in a few pinches to make sure he was not dreaming.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQOhkifsSI/AAAAAAAAEl4/H5Jy9Av4jzU/s1600-h/30BambooBeauty.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQOhkifsSI/AAAAAAAAEl4/H5Jy9Av4jzU/s400/30BambooBeauty.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328900228992971042" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">More of the bamboo forest.</div><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQOAX-I3PI/AAAAAAAAElo/FF1rHQAyidQ/s1600-h/30MoreBamboo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQOAX-I3PI/AAAAAAAAElo/FF1rHQAyidQ/s400/30MoreBamboo.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328899658683571442" /></a>The bamboo was very artistic and Chinese. A better setting could not have been found for the pagoda.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQOAHO6g0I/AAAAAAAAElg/zD0eRxYWZ5w/s1600-h/31MoreTall.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQOAHO6g0I/AAAAAAAAElg/zD0eRxYWZ5w/s400/31MoreTall.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328899654190531394" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQN_5zDffI/AAAAAAAAElY/wT8-iOOeYPA/s1600-h/31PagodaTall.jpg"><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQN_5zDffI/AAAAAAAAElY/wT8-iOOeYPA/s400/31PagodaTall.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328899650584018418" /></a>Here are two pictures of the pagoda from the front. The care taker was kind enough to open it for us so we could have a look inside.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQNdtnbNqI/AAAAAAAAEko/IC_lwLQno38/s1600-h/32PagodaEnter.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQNdtnbNqI/AAAAAAAAEko/IC_lwLQno38/s400/32PagodaEnter.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328899063198463650" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The door is opened for us to enter, so Sunee enters.</div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQN_gYit5I/AAAAAAAAElI/ANuRw4y0wBQ/s1600-h/32DavInPagoda.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQN_gYit5I/AAAAAAAAElI/ANuRw4y0wBQ/s400/32DavInPagoda.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328899643761932178" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Dave is bewildered by the beauty of the pagoda and the experience he is totally enjoying.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQNeAIz7YI/AAAAAAAAElA/A7AS7CVLuEs/s1600-h/32IncensePagoda.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQNeAIz7YI/AAAAAAAAElA/A7AS7CVLuEs/s400/32IncensePagoda.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328899068170333570" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Incense burner outside the pagoda.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQNd3KucYI/AAAAAAAAEk4/iAHC-yHh8oQ/s1600-h/32UpPagoda.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQNd3KucYI/AAAAAAAAEk4/iAHC-yHh8oQ/s400/32UpPagoda.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328899065762443650" /></a><br /></div><div>Sunee enters the pagoda but because the stairs were quite small and close together, she decided not to make the climb to the top. As it turned out, the inside was just four stories high.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQNdyvjqoI/AAAAAAAAEkw/n_HmApcjNW8/s1600-h/32WindowView1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQNdyvjqoI/AAAAAAAAEkw/n_HmApcjNW8/s400/32WindowView1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328899064574749314" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">A view out one of the small windows in the pagoda overlooking the bamboo forest.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQN_x5jb_I/AAAAAAAAElQ/5SFomwvqFAs/s1600-h/32AtTop.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQN_x5jb_I/AAAAAAAAElQ/5SFomwvqFAs/s400/32AtTop.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328899648463794162" /></a>The inside of the pagoda was not really as tall as it appeared. We only went up about four floors to find this inner sanctum. The walls were all covered with Buddhist paintings. I particularly enjoy viewing and taking pictures of Chinese pagodas and Sunee and I think nothing of going far out of our way to find these Chinese architectural beauties.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQNdrdvg1I/AAAAAAAAEkg/tGUDJTLXkPo/s1600-h/33Donation.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQNdrdvg1I/AAAAAAAAEkg/tGUDJTLXkPo/s400/33Donation.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328899062620980050" /></a>Back in the main temple, Sunee makes a donation and signs her name, thanking everyone for such a great experience.</div><div><br /></div><div>Our driver makes the return trip and tells us that the streets next to the bus station may be worthy of our inspection, so as soon as we got back we went exploring again.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Old Streets Beckon Once More</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div>Once we got back to the bus station we walked down some of the local streets near it. We found some old streets still very much active.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQNDr0SqhI/AAAAAAAAEkI/5WlWbbRXP4o/s1600-h/34OldTownPump.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQNDr0SqhI/AAAAAAAAEkI/5WlWbbRXP4o/s400/34OldTownPump.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328898616038959634" /></a></div><div><br /></div>An old pump next to an ancient wall that has been incorporated into the house structure.<br /><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQND-3WBxI/AAAAAAAAEkY/QgLYb3PqCwA/s1600-h/34AnotherWell.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQND-3WBxI/AAAAAAAAEkY/QgLYb3PqCwA/s400/34AnotherWell.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328898621152036626" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQND5u6GOI/AAAAAAAAEkQ/5yvWcYHU2x8/s1600-h/34IsItBad.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQND5u6GOI/AAAAAAAAEkQ/5yvWcYHU2x8/s400/34IsItBad.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328898619774474466" /></a></div>As we walked among the old houses, we came across another old pump. The owners assured us that the water was good. Dave thought he would try it. Sunee was skeptical and, according to Dave, the water was indeed suspect. Here he gives it a taste much to Sunee's chagrin. The next day, Sunday, Dave would spend most of the time in bed from the results of drinking the water. One always pay for one's transgressions!<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQNDjdfR3I/AAAAAAAAEkA/Ji4cxPg-SQw/s1600-h/35AKid.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQNDjdfR3I/AAAAAAAAEkA/Ji4cxPg-SQw/s400/35AKid.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328898613795833714" /></a></div><br />A typical male kid causing problems! Not really. He came up and wanted me to take his picture. As soon as I did, he ran away. Funny how the little girls are much more in charge than the little boys.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQNDSZVp5I/AAAAAAAAEj4/0eWlAM5WG44/s1600-h/36StillChairs.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQNDSZVp5I/AAAAAAAAEj4/0eWlAM5WG44/s400/36StillChairs.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328898609215022994" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Still looking for "art photos," here is another attempt at producing such an image.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQMvChFKHI/AAAAAAAAEjw/4OuMh86CGTE/s1600-h/37OldStreet.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQMvChFKHI/AAAAAAAAEjw/4OuMh86CGTE/s400/37OldStreet.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328898261355145330" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">One of the four or so old streets still being used in this part of the Emei Mountain region.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQMvB6b02I/AAAAAAAAEjo/f04n0KQSLWE/s1600-h/38BunnyPose.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQMvB6b02I/AAAAAAAAEjo/f04n0KQSLWE/s400/38BunnyPose.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328898261193053026" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This little girl had a great bunny to show off.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQMug4V2pI/AAAAAAAAEjg/RcsnbZv88Ns/s1600-h/38MsHeaven.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQMug4V2pI/AAAAAAAAEjg/RcsnbZv88Ns/s400/38MsHeaven.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328898252325902994" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>"Heaven Sent" as she referred to herself, seemed not to want to be around us or me taking her picture. Funny thing about it was that she and her little "bunny" followed us and visited with us for about an hour as we walked around. She actually lived in Emei City and was waiting for her dad to come pick her up. She was a character!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQMuol6v_I/AAAAAAAAEjY/WXtxPlTtoEc/s1600-h/39StoneHouse.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQMuol6v_I/AAAAAAAAEjY/WXtxPlTtoEc/s400/39StoneHouse.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328898254396112882" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Art Photo - Drying Medicine</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQMudbrINI/AAAAAAAAEjQ/mMOLhcDTgb8/s1600-h/40LastOldHouse.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQMudbrINI/AAAAAAAAEjQ/mMOLhcDTgb8/s1600-h/40LastOldHouse.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 274px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfQMudbrINI/AAAAAAAAEjQ/mMOLhcDTgb8/s400/40LastOldHouse.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328898251400356050" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Art Photo - Sweeps</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It was time for us to return to Jiaoda after another wonderful adventure. On the way back to the bus stop, both Ivan and Dave bought themselves a Mao jacket and Mao hat. Soon I will add their Mao dressed pictures to this blog.</div></div>Cecil Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15551474809860713547noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8046096126809167500.post-13023659862011289352009-04-24T04:15:00.001-07:002009-04-30T16:53:32.095-07:00Black Bamboo Valley Abduction Delayed<div style="text-align: left;">Since we were unable to make it to the Hei Zhu Gou the previous week, we thought we would take advantage of the "Sports' Day" celebrations on Friday and make our way to the "mysterious" Black Bamboo Valley. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">ccording to our interne</span>t research, this area is called the "Bermuda Triangle of China." All the students and teachers we talked to immediately used the word "mysterious" to describe it. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(102, 102, 102); line-height: 18px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The scenic spot of Black bamboo valley located in Yi race Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan, its area is 180 square kilometers.The Black Bamboo Gouge has grand and dangerous topography, fantastic landscapes, primitive ecology, rare species, marvelous environment, abundant forest landscapes, unique natural landscapes, thick national flavor and all sorts of wonderful legends. Hence, it enjoys a great reputation in the world. (www.chinahotel.com.cn)</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px;font-size:11px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">All week long we made jokes about how we were going to get abducted by aliens when we spent the night at Black Bamboo Valley. Disappear from the face of the planet we would. We also gloated over the stories about those 30 Kuomintang soldiers who disappeared in 1950; the two Chinese People's Liberation Army soldiers who went missing: the 1964 Forest Resources Investigation Team incident; and other great an wonderful events to make us feel a little worried about our trip.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Hey, what the heck! We are in China to have an adventure and what better adventure could there be than to disappear in the Black Bamboo Valley. We may even make it in some of those mystery articles or tourist books.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>To Ebian On The Way to The Black Bamboo Valley</b></div><div><br /></div>We hired a van to deliver us to the Emei Main Bus Station. It cost us 15 Yuan (the guy was not interested in bargaining) so we arrived early enough to catch the 0750 bus to Ebian. Coordination with Charles, the teacher at the Leshan Vocational and Technology College, was made and he would catch the 0820 bus out of Leshan and meet us around 1100 or so in Ebian. We were underway.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL6D5UAlCI/AAAAAAAAEjI/Lw2SmWj5f_c/s1600-h/1AllAboard.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL6D5UAlCI/AAAAAAAAEjI/Lw2SmWj5f_c/s400/1AllAboard.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328596253964014626" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">It was 0740 and time to get aboard. Nice bus. Very comfortable.</div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL6D6RtzOI/AAAAAAAAEjA/izozaL_6dIs/s1600-h/2TomRides.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL6D6RtzOI/AAAAAAAAEjA/izozaL_6dIs/s400/2TomRides.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328596254222830818" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Tom is relaxed and feeling good about the trip to Abduction Two!</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL6DhFCZ5I/AAAAAAAAEi4/yJcYm-F79yI/s1600-h/3GappersRide.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL6DhFCZ5I/AAAAAAAAEi4/yJcYm-F79yI/s400/3GappersRide.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328596247458768786" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Notice the fear on the faces of these two travelers. Do they believe the stories about all those abductions at Black Bamboo Valley? I began to think so as we approached Ebian.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL6DgkEJCI/AAAAAAAAEiw/ibB8_sXpGIc/s1600-h/4ArrivalTime.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 222px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL6DgkEJCI/AAAAAAAAEiw/ibB8_sXpGIc/s400/4ArrivalTime.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328596247320470562" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We arrived at Ebian at 1005. Don't believe me? Check the clock. We had to wait another hour for Charles to arrive.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL51YueRpI/AAAAAAAAEio/ULN1UQMcNyY/s1600-h/5RoadBlocked.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL51YueRpI/AAAAAAAAEio/ULN1UQMcNyY/s400/5RoadBlocked.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328596004698474130" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>As us guys hung around outside kibbitzing and generally making fools of ourselves, a police car pulled up and two police persons got out. They both looked very young. We began to make jokes about the local department sending out their forces to confront the aliens (us). As we watched these two call back to headquarters the jokes flowed like water from all the scifi movies we had watched. </div><div><br /></div><div>Police lady: We have contact with the aliens. Request further orders. </div><div><br /></div><div>HQ: Approach cautiously and do not make any false moves. Try to communicate with the aliens.</div><div><br /></div><div>Police Lady: Roger, will do. Do I need backup?</div><div><br /></div><div>HQ: Backup is on its way. Are you comfortable in communicating with the aliens? Do they appear to be hostile?</div><div><br /></div><div>And so the movies go with various constructs on the communication angle. </div><div><br /></div><div>As we joked about the scenario, these two young police people walked up to us and introduced themselves. They had been sent to communicate with the visiting aliens!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Sunee came out and it turned out that the road to Black Bamboo Valley had been washed out from the previous night's heavy rains. The police and come to inform us of this situation. </div><div><br /></div><div><i>ABDUCTION DELAYED!</i></div><div><br /></div><div>Another week, another disappointment! What to do? Charles was due to arrive in the next thirty minutes. We asked the police lady for a place to go visit. She suggested Luo Mu street about half way back to Emei City. Great! We decided to go check it out. </div><div><br /></div><div>Charles arrived at around 1120 and we immediately reboarded the return bus to Emei, getting off at the crossroad that led us to Luo Mu Street.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Back to Luo Mu Street</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">We caught a bus to Luo Mu Street (one Yuan) and began our journey once more looking for ancient China.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL51G77lRI/AAAAAAAAEig/kr8nWS5i5rw/s1600-h/6PotatoSnack.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL51G77lRI/AAAAAAAAEig/kr8nWS5i5rw/s400/6PotatoSnack.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328595999923082514" /></a></div>We were all hungry so we stopped at this place that had fried potatoes. Looked and they were very good.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL51G12tAI/AAAAAAAAEiY/c7Fr1UlrSZ8/s1600-h/7Potatos.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL51G12tAI/AAAAAAAAEiY/c7Fr1UlrSZ8/s400/7Potatos.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328595999897596930" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Our potatoes! Welcome to another Sichuan snack.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL508yPxVI/AAAAAAAAEiQ/3i30afSmZaY/s1600-h/8RattanSells.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL508yPxVI/AAAAAAAAEiQ/3i30afSmZaY/s400/8RattanSells.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328595997198107986" /></a></div>Welcome to Luo Mu Street. The buildings all looked to be well over 100 years old. Just what we were hoping for.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL509r1T2I/AAAAAAAAEiI/SUrPEtuwKrk/s1600-h/9Selections.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL509r1T2I/AAAAAAAAEiI/SUrPEtuwKrk/s400/9Selections.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328595997439643490" /></a></div><br />Sunee tries her hand at bargaining for some of those jiaodz steamers. The lady was not interested in selling just one so we left.</div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL5fGmIjbI/AAAAAAAAEiA/ZKLI1l86gd8/s1600-h/10Chairs.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL5fGmIjbI/AAAAAAAAEiA/ZKLI1l86gd8/s400/10Chairs.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328595621874535858" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">My first attempt at an art photo on the old street of Luo Mu. I call this one - Chairs</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL5e-SeLRI/AAAAAAAAEh4/RmpRqkO_q4c/s1600-h/11PoseDave.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL5e-SeLRI/AAAAAAAAEh4/RmpRqkO_q4c/s400/11PoseDave.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328595619644583186" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Oh, no! Not another pose from Dave. Me thinks he works to hard on posing, What do you think?</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL5etik6PI/AAAAAAAAEhw/nPnvUV2Y3dc/s1600-h/12LuoMuStreet.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL5etik6PI/AAAAAAAAEhw/nPnvUV2Y3dc/s400/12LuoMuStreet.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328595615148730610" /></a></div>Great view of the old streets in Luo Mu. There were three or four such streets and we only walked down one of them.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL5eiSlXMI/AAAAAAAAEho/pC2ONKS7cZU/s1600-h/13Asleep.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL5eiSlXMI/AAAAAAAAEho/pC2ONKS7cZU/s400/13Asleep.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328595612128861378" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Art Photo- ASLEEP</div></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL5eQ4e8CI/AAAAAAAAEhg/FPmYkuVnvbk/s1600-h/14YellowDoor.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL5eQ4e8CI/AAAAAAAAEhg/FPmYkuVnvbk/s400/14YellowDoor.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328595607455985698" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Art Photo - Yellow Door</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL5MlNczsI/AAAAAAAAEhY/A7LRNb3tSBY/s1600-h/15SkatBoard.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL5MlNczsI/AAAAAAAAEhY/A7LRNb3tSBY/s400/15SkatBoard.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328595303674990274" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>This girl with her friend visited with us and ended up going down the street with us talking with us and just having a good time. Their skateboarding was impressive.</div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL5Mo8qeFI/AAAAAAAAEhQ/-3Ku-qDTQec/s1600-h/16WoodDoors.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 262px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL5Mo8qeFI/AAAAAAAAEhQ/-3Ku-qDTQec/s400/16WoodDoors.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328595304678324306" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Art Photo - Brown Doors</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL5MdEMJpI/AAAAAAAAEhI/8G3uPPNa-HE/s1600-h/17CountrySide.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL5MdEMJpI/AAAAAAAAEhI/8G3uPPNa-HE/s400/17CountrySide.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328595301488666258" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Beautiful Sichuan countryside complete with water and mountains. This creek ran along the side of the ancient street we were enjoying.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL5MeTKbhI/AAAAAAAAEhA/wHEXAXfUxE0/s1600-h/18StreetScene.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL5MeTKbhI/AAAAAAAAEhA/wHEXAXfUxE0/s400/18StreetScene.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328595301819903506" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Art Photo - Working Hard</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL5MGygsII/AAAAAAAAEg4/-pasSH0iI2w/s1600-h/19inside.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 274px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL5MGygsII/AAAAAAAAEg4/-pasSH0iI2w/s400/19inside.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328595295508934786" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Art Photo - Inside</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL40joY07I/AAAAAAAAEgw/ZU-78qL9O64/s1600-h/20RapeseedConnect.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL40joY07I/AAAAAAAAEgw/ZU-78qL9O64/s400/20RapeseedConnect.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328594890934244274" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">None Art Photo - Detective Tom sluicing the great serial rape seed case.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL40gBgHHI/AAAAAAAAEgo/8HiDUomHeB0/s1600-h/21DaveCharles.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL40gBgHHI/AAAAAAAAEgo/8HiDUomHeB0/s400/21DaveCharles.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328594889965837426" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">We took a break at this farm house. Charles and Dave hang out a bit and enjoy being in ancient China.</div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL40TlxaRI/AAAAAAAAEgY/NSxZxfcwgjU/s1600-h/23EnglishLesson.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL40TlxaRI/AAAAAAAAEgY/NSxZxfcwgjU/s400/23EnglishLesson.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328594886628305170" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Dave and Tom give free English lesson to our two hanger ons. The two girls were really sweet and acted like they had as much fun as we did.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL40auBNNI/AAAAAAAAEgg/hkwtDCGq0kk/s1600-h/22Courtyard.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL40auBNNI/AAAAAAAAEgg/hkwtDCGq0kk/s400/22Courtyard.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328594888541942994" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We were taken to this Chinese coutyard. It was great with the open area surrounded by old buildings still being used. The owners of this house invited us in to relax and visit.</div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL40dYlRNI/AAAAAAAAEgQ/K2Oxj0HLxHA/s1600-h/24SmellsLike.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 318px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL40dYlRNI/AAAAAAAAEgQ/K2Oxj0HLxHA/s400/24SmellsLike.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328594889257338066" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Dave checks out the drying leaves that Sunee identifies as flowers for some kind of tea.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL4e0KBx7I/AAAAAAAAEgI/26Wx8Bv4j2g/s1600-h/25MoreVisit.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL4e0KBx7I/AAAAAAAAEgI/26Wx8Bv4j2g/s400/25MoreVisit.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328594517413185458" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Visiting with the owners of the courtyard who were very hospitable.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL4e4xUTZI/AAAAAAAAEgA/3oAEnddO_rA/s1600-h/25Visiting.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL4e4xUTZI/AAAAAAAAEgA/3oAEnddO_rA/s400/25Visiting.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328594518651719058" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Visiting with the owners and the neighbors.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL4ejOJYiI/AAAAAAAAEf4/Vfi6dPVK-WU/s1600-h/26LookInside.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL4ejOJYiI/AAAAAAAAEf4/Vfi6dPVK-WU/s400/26LookInside.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328594512867058210" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Art Photo - Chinese Setting</div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL4emlS59I/AAAAAAAAEfw/BVtwq5FTdp8/s1600-h/27BySkaters.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL4emlS59I/AAAAAAAAEfw/BVtwq5FTdp8/s400/27BySkaters.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328594513769457618" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Our two friends had to return to their homes so I took this picture to say goodbye.</div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL4eYubr8I/AAAAAAAAEfo/DxxqsU456Gk/s1600-h/28ARchiDigest.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL4eYubr8I/AAAAAAAAEfo/DxxqsU456Gk/s400/28ARchiDigest.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328594510049685442" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Tom continues to try his hand at Art Photography. Wonder if he was successful?</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL3ztaWzwI/AAAAAAAAEfg/sNibtSYTmjA/s1600-h/29WalkingOld.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL3ztaWzwI/AAAAAAAAEfg/sNibtSYTmjA/s400/29WalkingOld.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328593776868249346" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">As we were walking along, we saw this guy coming up behind us. He was a unique ancient looking guy.</div></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL3zTx2S0I/AAAAAAAAEfY/5MPBJTP7yPY/s1600-h/30PortraitOld.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL3zTx2S0I/AAAAAAAAEfY/5MPBJTP7yPY/s400/30PortraitOld.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328593769987459906" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Art Photo - Chinese Gentleman</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL3zY0OxEI/AAAAAAAAEfQ/cvOsexT5_Kg/s1600-h/31olshouse.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL3zY0OxEI/AAAAAAAAEfQ/cvOsexT5_Kg/s400/31olshouse.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328593771339629634" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Art Photo - Brick House</div></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL3zfD6iyI/AAAAAAAAEfI/ZhOI36-crtY/s1600-h/32Incense1.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL3zfD6iyI/AAAAAAAAEfI/ZhOI36-crtY/s400/32Incense1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328593773016025890" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>As we walked along we came upon a house with lots of incense parts outside. We looked in and were immediately invited here. Husband and wife were both working diligently making incense sticks to sell. Hey, this could be one of my Art Photos.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL3zJw4r6I/AAAAAAAAEfA/Vmw12un4-O8/s1600-h/32Incense2.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL3zJw4r6I/AAAAAAAAEfA/Vmw12un4-O8/s400/32Incense2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328593767299067810" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Husband working hard!</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL3gKoUZVI/AAAAAAAAEe4/WwGCxYb7xpQ/s1600-h/33GoIn.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL3gKoUZVI/AAAAAAAAEe4/WwGCxYb7xpQ/s400/33GoIn.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328593441114056018" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">When asked if we wanted to go inside and visit the incense makers, Dave kept whispering, "let's go in, let's go in, let's go in!" Experiencing the REAL CHINA.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL3fwpv9GI/AAAAAAAAEew/77sg-ABVc4Y/s1600-h/34HotRod.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL3fwpv9GI/AAAAAAAAEew/77sg-ABVc4Y/s400/34HotRod.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328593434140734562" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Humm-V, Chinese-style.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL3f4oqTrI/AAAAAAAAEeo/jPvfRxf_ScE/s1600-h/35stream.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL3f4oqTrI/AAAAAAAAEeo/jPvfRxf_ScE/s400/35stream.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328593436283653810" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Another view of the creek looking back at the cement factory we passed earlier.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL3fjPiAJI/AAAAAAAAEeg/pjy-g8yQH-g/s1600-h/36AncientYi.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL3fjPiAJI/AAAAAAAAEeg/pjy-g8yQH-g/s400/36AncientYi.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328593430541107346" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>We found this ancient Yi monument at a middle school just before the end of the street. Supposedly there were a lot of buddhas buried under the school grounds. This occurred over thirty years ago. Sounds very much like the Cultural Revolution hit here pretty hard. This place was supposed to be one of the big sites of the local Yi people. Guess I will do some research to see if anything happened here thirty years ago.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL3fssa3_I/AAAAAAAAEeY/p7SggF9ZXrI/s1600-h/37AncienttallBridge.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfL3fssa3_I/AAAAAAAAEeY/p7SggF9ZXrI/s400/37AncienttallBridge.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328593433078194162" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This bridge was called Gao Chao or high bridge and is pretty well the major landmark in the area. It is an ancient bridge that is over 500 years old or so the locals say.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">After this bridge we walked to the main highway and to the bus stop just down the road. The trip back to the Emei area took only twenty minutes. We walked down only one of the streets at Luo Mu. The other streets are still there and are only twenty minutes away.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Cecil Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15551474809860713547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8046096126809167500.post-69362152731720809342009-04-19T04:12:00.000-07:002009-04-28T01:47:22.452-07:00Foreign Teachers' Cultural Trip (April 19)Today we make up for Saturday's postponement of our Foreign Teachers' Cultural Trip. We have two vehicles to travel to our sites.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Jia Jiang Thousand Buddha Carving Cliffs</span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHQHvL-fFI/AAAAAAAAEeQ/Dco1k44kpBk/s1600-h/1Carsarrive.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHQHvL-fFI/AAAAAAAAEeQ/Dco1k44kpBk/s400/1Carsarrive.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328268665500367954" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Ms. Enliven showed up at 0900 with the cars and gathered her foreigners quickly and efficiently. We were on our way within minutes of her arrival. Sunee suggested that we go to the Jia Jiang Thousand Buddhas site first and then the Ten Fu Tea Museum. Good idea!<div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHQHbS-kEI/AAAAAAAAEeI/xViE4bqJz_o/s1600-h/2RiverCross.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHQHbS-kEI/AAAAAAAAEeI/xViE4bqJz_o/s400/2RiverCross.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328268660161024066" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here is the bridge across the river which flows past our destination. From this point we had about another thirty minutes or so before our destination.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHQHUU6G5I/AAAAAAAAEeA/sY-defWQD7k/s1600-h/3Farm.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 236px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHQHUU6G5I/AAAAAAAAEeA/sY-defWQD7k/s400/3Farm.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328268658290072466" /></a></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div>Along the way and especially across the river, scenes like this were everywhere. Sichuan is considered to be the "breadbasket" of China. Everywhere there is land, the Chinese in Sichuan makes use of it. What veggies they produce!</div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHQHDMbz6I/AAAAAAAAEd4/f-94YLbvaXI/s1600-h/4Chess.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHQHDMbz6I/AAAAAAAAEd4/f-94YLbvaXI/s400/4Chess.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328268653691129762" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Our destination had two entrances. After going through the first, one walks through a fairly older street with some neat old Chinese houses. Along the way, I snapped this picture of Chinese chess match. Who is winning? Not a clue!</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHPcPDDGiI/AAAAAAAAEdw/0_cclWNi3mA/s1600-h/5doors.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHPcPDDGiI/AAAAAAAAEdw/0_cclWNi3mA/s400/5doors.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328267918138612258" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A beautiful old red door worth a picture.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHPb4K7sJI/AAAAAAAAEdo/wR7c5LOjqlQ/s1600-h/6entrance.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 382px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHPb4K7sJI/AAAAAAAAEdo/wR7c5LOjqlQ/s400/6entrance.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328267911997665426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is the second entrance to the actual carved buddhas and where one must buy a 7 Yuan ticket to get in.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHPb2h08PI/AAAAAAAAEdg/HHXrP8__rA8/s1600-h/7Papershop.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHPb2h08PI/AAAAAAAAEdg/HHXrP8__rA8/s400/7Papershop.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328267911556821234" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here Sunee looks over some paper for Chinese calligraphy and watercolor</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHPbnHtfzI/AAAAAAAAEdY/wPHMzALy_eg/s1600-h/8AbouttheScultps.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 227px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHPbnHtfzI/AAAAAAAAEdY/wPHMzALy_eg/s400/8AbouttheScultps.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328267907420749618" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is the history of these carved buddhas, carved on a rock surface at the entrance.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHPbtFatUI/AAAAAAAAEdQ/z3o88J3T8cY/s1600-h/9TheEntrance.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHPbtFatUI/AAAAAAAAEdQ/z3o88J3T8cY/s400/9TheEntrance.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328267909021742402" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">In we go to see the thousand carved buddhas.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHO69Y-4KI/AAAAAAAAEdI/9GNZRoIT0Mw/s1600-h/10LionGuard.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHO69Y-4KI/AAAAAAAAEdI/9GNZRoIT0Mw/s400/10LionGuard.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328267346463088802" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">One of the four lion guards at the entrance. One on each side times both sides. Beautifully carved and very picturesque.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHO6hfkFJI/AAAAAAAAEdA/Lb9X81ojb1o/s1600-h/11BishopLook.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHO6hfkFJI/AAAAAAAAEdA/Lb9X81ojb1o/s400/11BishopLook.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328267338974499986" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I snuck this picture in while Dave was not watching. We have been doing a lot of poses to get exactly this effect. Good job, Dave, of not posing.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHO6flxQTI/AAAAAAAAEc4/m3zaaNmYA7o/s1600-h/11Group.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHO6flxQTI/AAAAAAAAEc4/m3zaaNmYA7o/s400/11Group.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328267338463658290" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here is the gang of eleven marching to the gates of the tourist site. Impressive lot, aren't we?</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHO6ayHsRI/AAAAAAAAEcw/d25sLU18LJM/s1600-h/12tickets.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHO6ayHsRI/AAAAAAAAEcw/d25sLU18LJM/s400/12tickets.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328267337173283090" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Zoe buys the tickets so we can go see our buddhas.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHO6MYM8KI/AAAAAAAAEco/c7bIhdx_rbQ/s1600-h/13RedWall.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHO6MYM8KI/AAAAAAAAEco/c7bIhdx_rbQ/s400/13RedWall.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328267333306478754" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">An impressive photo of the redness all over this place. It is a beautiful site.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHOdc-6BpI/AAAAAAAAEcg/Qg9izHPtZHQ/s1600-h/14map.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHOdc-6BpI/AAAAAAAAEcg/Qg9izHPtZHQ/s400/14map.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328266839547578002" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Map of the Thousand Carved Buddha site.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHOdBdPBII/AAAAAAAAEcY/pprFkvxTeV8/s1600-h/15AcrossRiver.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHOdBdPBII/AAAAAAAAEcY/pprFkvxTeV8/s400/15AcrossRiver.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328266832158590082" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A beautiful view across the river from the site. We decided not to go over there because there is nothing to see. Good plan!</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHOdD4nYwI/AAAAAAAAEcQ/L9qtnMbWsOQ/s1600-h/16Photographers.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHOdD4nYwI/AAAAAAAAEcQ/L9qtnMbWsOQ/s400/16Photographers.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328266832810304258" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A couple of foreign photographers trying to get the most from their visit.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHOc-6x--I/AAAAAAAAEcI/uI1PPvZUgbk/s1600-h/17Images.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHOc-6x--I/AAAAAAAAEcI/uI1PPvZUgbk/s400/17Images.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328266831477210082" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Since this was the second time Sunee and I had visited, I only took a few pictures of the actual buddhas. I had most of them on my hard drive. You can pretty much get the idea from this picture what the buddhas look like.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHOc_FV-bI/AAAAAAAAEcA/KkbQ-evXk2w/s1600-h/18PaperMuseum.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHOc_FV-bI/AAAAAAAAEcA/KkbQ-evXk2w/s400/18PaperMuseum.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328266831521511858" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Beautiful view of the paper museum in the middle of the site. I love taking this picture as it reminds me that I am truly in China.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHNNH3gopI/AAAAAAAAEbw/eiGYawdm_Yw/s1600-h/20OldmenZoe.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHNNH3gopI/AAAAAAAAEbw/eiGYawdm_Yw/s400/20OldmenZoe.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328265459489874578" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Zoe explains the meaning of these sculptures. It says "five old men."</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHNM79zUEI/AAAAAAAAEbo/4kC8Fxa1bBU/s1600-h/21ZoeInterest.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHNM79zUEI/AAAAAAAAEbo/4kC8Fxa1bBU/s400/21ZoeInterest.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328265456295039042" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Zoe could not quite make out who these buddhas represented. Great shot, isn't it?</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHNMxH6EmI/AAAAAAAAEbg/UkBWyiagfwE/s1600-h/22PaperMuseum.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHNMxH6EmI/AAAAAAAAEbg/UkBWyiagfwE/s400/22PaperMuseum.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328265453384634978" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I just can never take enough pictures of the paper museum. Here is one with a small creek running beside it. Love the red amongst the green.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHNMtcS-FI/AAAAAAAAEbY/TT_qboZ9FWc/s1600-h/23InventorPaper.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHNMtcS-FI/AAAAAAAAEbY/TT_qboZ9FWc/s400/23InventorPaper.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328265452396410962" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And this is the guy who is supposed to have invented paper. I will have to go do some research as to what his name is. Somewhere I read that the Arabs actually invented paper. Who knows? This is a good picture of the Chinese inventor anyway.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHMb2gcEwI/AAAAAAAAEbQ/oicrUwQYAb0/s1600-h/24JohnFence.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHMb2gcEwI/AAAAAAAAEbQ/oicrUwQYAb0/s400/24JohnFence.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328264613016113922" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Got John to pose by my favorite red Chinese wall. Always a good place for pictures.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHMbN4nJiI/AAAAAAAAEbI/YiIWUSmswxw/s1600-h/25bike.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHMbN4nJiI/AAAAAAAAEbI/YiIWUSmswxw/s400/25bike.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328264602111649314" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I tracked this guy for about ten minutes before he finally arrived in an area that would make a good picture. Such hard work it takes to get pictures for this blog. Worth it, though, don't you think?</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHMbDVxo4I/AAAAAAAAEbA/7ed4I8jmulk/s1600-h/26Following.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHMbDVxo4I/AAAAAAAAEbA/7ed4I8jmulk/s400/26Following.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328264599281181570" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here are our three hostesses, all fellow teachers in the Foreign Language Department. No wait, Mia, the one in the center is in the Computer Department. She is one of my students in the teachers' training course I am teaching on Monday and Wednesday night. She is truly a joy to be around - cute as a button.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHMa2fpyoI/AAAAAAAAEa4/9VzDtnH94NI/s1600-h/27SixOldies.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHMa2fpyoI/AAAAAAAAEa4/9VzDtnH94NI/s400/27SixOldies.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328264595832949378" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Now there are "SIX OLD MEN."</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHMa6regKI/AAAAAAAAEaw/sSIhsvQaZZY/s1600-h/28View.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHMa6regKI/AAAAAAAAEaw/sSIhsvQaZZY/s400/28View.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328264596956283042" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Let me assure you that his picture of John was not posed. He had no idea I was taking the picture. Notice the very Sichuan veggies being grown everywhere. 'Tis a great picture, isn't it? John was totally focused on the beauty of the area. Can you blame him?</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHLq2PZGBI/AAAAAAAAEao/jAkd3AxlAnY/s1600-h/29OldTemple.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 270px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHLq2PZGBI/AAAAAAAAEao/jAkd3AxlAnY/s400/29OldTemple.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328263771131025426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We followed a path up the mountain and came to an old Buddhist Temple. It was obviously very old as Tom points out the construction that proves it.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHLq7OcYPI/AAAAAAAAEag/wnXXJusT5XI/s1600-h/30Buddha.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHLq7OcYPI/AAAAAAAAEag/wnXXJusT5XI/s400/30Buddha.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328263772469223666" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Lots of Buddhas around. Unfortunately some had been damaged by humans and other by the weather.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHLqrTqykI/AAAAAAAAEaY/w1MFhzjE9ao/s1600-h/31ThreeLadies.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHLqrTqykI/AAAAAAAAEaY/w1MFhzjE9ao/s400/31ThreeLadies.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328263768196172354" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sunee, Zoe and Enliven discuss the merits of the tourist sites and they walk along the carved buddha images.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHLqpuJKjI/AAAAAAAAEaQ/aH0Fg0GCGHU/s1600-h/33BGDave.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHLqpuJKjI/AAAAAAAAEaQ/aH0Fg0GCGHU/s400/33BGDave.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328263767770343986" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Posed! Nice try, Dave.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHLqTgGFrI/AAAAAAAAEaI/SWpAB212Xmc/s1600-h/34ZoeMia.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHLqTgGFrI/AAAAAAAAEaI/SWpAB212Xmc/s400/34ZoeMia.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328263761805842098" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Zoe and Mia take a break from herding the foreigners around the site. </div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHKAEYrQKI/AAAAAAAAEaA/zjCzbCEsC7Q/s1600-h/35DaveYellowDoor.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 359px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHKAEYrQKI/AAAAAAAAEaA/zjCzbCEsC7Q/s400/35DaveYellowDoor.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328261936682057890" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Posed again! Dave never gives up trying to match my great unposed picture above. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">At a little past 1300 we shared a lunch inside the area, along the first street we walked through. Not bad with plenty of good solid Sichuan food to eat. We now head to the Ten Fu Tea Museum which is about half an hour or so away.</div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Ses47CMZK0I/AAAAAAAAEEo/YCEbjDNOFPo/s1600-h/FieldsRiver.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 121px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Ses47CMZK0I/AAAAAAAAEEo/YCEbjDNOFPo/s400/FieldsRiver.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326413571148032834" /></a></div>Panorama view of the Thousand Buddha Cliff area.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Ten Fu Tea Museum</b></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHJ_5ZWTaI/AAAAAAAAEZ4/F0Ygmq1r63U/s1600-h/36Waterbuff.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 288px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHJ_5ZWTaI/AAAAAAAAEZ4/F0Ygmq1r63U/s400/36Waterbuff.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328261933732089250" /></a>We took a one lane back road to get to the Tea Museum and got stuck for about twenty minutes until the oncoming cars could squeeze by. As we waited I found this water buffalo relaxing in the shade next to his "mud pond."<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHJ_nx7vpI/AAAAAAAAEZw/TAblhYALEhE/s1600-h/37PuerhTaste.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHJ_nx7vpI/AAAAAAAAEZw/TAblhYALEhE/s400/37PuerhTaste.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328261929003368082" /></a>Welcome to Ten Fu Tea Museum. We start our visit off with a tea tasting around a hug beautiful wooden table. Our sales ladies looked after our tea needs professionally.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHJ_ZHX-fI/AAAAAAAAEZo/cZnOmL2wU5k/s1600-h/38FirstInfusPuery.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHJ_ZHX-fI/AAAAAAAAEZo/cZnOmL2wU5k/s400/38FirstInfusPuery.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328261925066766834" /></a>This is one of their puerh teas we tasted. Actually, this puerh was the only one we tasted and we tasted it several times as we tasted some of the snacks for sale in their tea market place. Relaxing and fun but . . . Sunee and I had been here before.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHJ_VEcalI/AAAAAAAAEZg/iikXjZ_fXVk/s1600-h/39TeaWait.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHJ_VEcalI/AAAAAAAAEZg/iikXjZ_fXVk/s400/39TeaWait.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328261923980733010" /></a>Tasting tea, our three hostesses continued to have a good time. Notice the expression on Zoe's face. She automatically knows when a camera is pointed in her direction. Please, Zoe, never change. You are an absolute doll.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHJmJjrYrI/AAAAAAAAEZY/BDf5-o9a8HA/s1600-h/40HereTea.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHJmJjrYrI/AAAAAAAAEZY/BDf5-o9a8HA/s400/40HereTea.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328261491393782450" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">More tasting and snacking. Pleasant but only the one puerh was served.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHJmEsckOI/AAAAAAAAEZQ/uZ_JlGnpz60/s1600-h/41GoodPuerh.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHJmEsckOI/AAAAAAAAEZQ/uZ_JlGnpz60/s400/41GoodPuerh.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328261490088382690" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Here Ivan tries out his newly acquired professional sniffing technique. Wonder what he smells?</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHJlw8usAI/AAAAAAAAEZI/8L0dx7aHya4/s1600-h/42PowerofQi.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 294px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHJlw8usAI/AAAAAAAAEZI/8L0dx7aHya4/s400/42PowerofQi.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328261484787970050" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Obviously the puerh is filling Ms. Mia with a lot of "qi." We all knew how she felt - dreaming.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHJl8z7TjI/AAAAAAAAEZA/fN0kHBJZpeY/s1600-h/43FineTea.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHJl8z7TjI/AAAAAAAAEZA/fN0kHBJZpeY/s400/43FineTea.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328261487972273714" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Here Tom toasts the puerh to our health. </div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHJl8RPa_I/AAAAAAAAEY4/xoH_sXvqS_Y/s1600-h/44SuneeDrinks.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 183px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHJl8RPa_I/AAAAAAAAEY4/xoH_sXvqS_Y/s400/44SuneeDrinks.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328261487826791410" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Sunee tastes the puerh. She thinks puerh tastes like Chinese medicine.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHJHlRwiEI/AAAAAAAAEYw/9Hw-QgsyZ-I/s1600-h/45Shopping.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHJHlRwiEI/AAAAAAAAEYw/9Hw-QgsyZ-I/s400/45Shopping.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328260966258870338" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">It is time to shop and so . . . Sunee shops.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHJHeDtvcI/AAAAAAAAEYo/jiCtjMPN29g/s1600-h/46FrontMuseum.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHJHeDtvcI/AAAAAAAAEYo/jiCtjMPN29g/s400/46FrontMuseum.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328260964320918978" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Entrance to the Ten Fu Tea Museum.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHJHeGf_bI/AAAAAAAAEYg/SacU6FuQowU/s1600-h/47BunnySlicing.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHJHeGf_bI/AAAAAAAAEYg/SacU6FuQowU/s400/47BunnySlicing.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328260964332600754" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">We all go check out the "show" tea plantation in the back. A bit boring but we felt we should since we had tasted a lot of their puerh. Here Ms. Mia does a "downward bunny" to show her appreciation to the tea.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHJHFBeYwI/AAAAAAAAEYY/NwmZwfqEhSY/s1600-h/48Pals.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHJHFBeYwI/AAAAAAAAEYY/NwmZwfqEhSY/s400/48Pals.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328260957600637698" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Friends.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHJHFHH0MI/AAAAAAAAEYQ/4Y-apgGygT4/s1600-h/49MapofMuseum.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHJHFHH0MI/AAAAAAAAEYQ/4Y-apgGygT4/s400/49MapofMuseum.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328260957624324290" /></a>Sunee and Zoe decide not to got into the museum again, so that left the rest of us. Here we look over are planned visit to the museum, devising the best options to see all the stuff in the museum. Actually, this is just a model of the Ten Fu Tea grounds. Dave thought it looked more like a war map, prepping for another operation on the enemy.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHIq3Srg3I/AAAAAAAAEYI/x67Cuy4axdY/s1600-h/50MuseumInfo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 296px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHIq3Srg3I/AAAAAAAAEYI/x67Cuy4axdY/s400/50MuseumInfo.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328260472878367602" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Ten Fu Tea Museum information.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHIq7r5GNI/AAAAAAAAEYA/5ue4TzW-1NE/s1600-h/51Teaman.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHIq7r5GNI/AAAAAAAAEYA/5ue4TzW-1NE/s400/51Teaman.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328260474057857234" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Now how do I go about getting my face on this manikin. Should I give it a try?</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHIqiroJLI/AAAAAAAAEX4/cQj1LU0CV_Y/s1600-h/52Translating.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHIqiroJLI/AAAAAAAAEX4/cQj1LU0CV_Y/s400/52Translating.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328260467345859762" /></a>Ms. Enliven acts as our translator and tries to explain all the exhibits. Nevermind that all of them were also in English. Good practice for her, though.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHIqWqUOtI/AAAAAAAAEXw/mOy4AXzgpsU/s1600-h/53TeaAnyone.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHIqWqUOtI/AAAAAAAAEXw/mOy4AXzgpsU/s400/53TeaAnyone.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328260464119134930" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Any one for some tea?</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHIqX6zkvI/AAAAAAAAEXo/yUsmSchAof4/s1600-h/54CuteEleven.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHIqX6zkvI/AAAAAAAAEXo/yUsmSchAof4/s400/54CuteEleven.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328260464456733426" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Doesn't this hat make Ms. Enliven look sooo cute?</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHHXGSvTZI/AAAAAAAAEXg/CtJLauPFZds/s1600-h/55TeaMap.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHHXGSvTZI/AAAAAAAAEXg/CtJLauPFZds/s400/55TeaMap.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328259033796136338" /></a>Here Ms. Enlive points out where the Gap Guys are from. Here translations were really accurate as we could check them against the supplied English.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHHW8g056I/AAAAAAAAEXY/-1U_Zc23coY/s1600-h/56BigTeaMap.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 255px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHHW8g056I/AAAAAAAAEXY/-1U_Zc23coY/s400/56BigTeaMap.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328259031170869154" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Tea Map of the World. I liked it a lot.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHHW_H8IlI/AAAAAAAAEXQ/sz8PK2HZERY/s1600-h/57samovar.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHHW_H8IlI/AAAAAAAAEXQ/sz8PK2HZERY/s400/57samovar.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328259031871791698" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">A beautiful Russian samovar. I am the only one who knew what it was called. Are you impressed?</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHHWh1xluI/AAAAAAAAEXI/K0-5atBAgwk/s1600-h/58musings.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHHWh1xluI/AAAAAAAAEXI/K0-5atBAgwk/s400/58musings.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328259024010974946" /></a>Sometimes I think John can actually read the Chinese he seems to be focused on all the time. Here he focuses on some of the Chinese displays of teapots.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHHWoPEwYI/AAAAAAAAEXA/YGB3uiscMs0/s1600-h/59Relaxed.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SfHHWoPEwYI/AAAAAAAAEXA/YGB3uiscMs0/s400/59Relaxed.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328259025727701378" /></a>As we made our way through the museum, Sunee and Zoe relax in the Tea Horse room and enjoy some tea. It was another good day and we all had a great time. Sunee even bought a few tea snacks from the sales area.Cecil Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15551474809860713547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8046096126809167500.post-50398683285916591492009-04-18T04:00:00.001-07:002009-04-25T07:09:11.296-07:00A Disappointment Turns Into Another Adventure - EbianToday we were scheduled to go on a Foreigners' Cultural Trip sponsored by the university. The university tries to send us to culturally appropriate places at least once each semester. Unfortunately the weather threatened rain in the morning so we got a call from Ms. Enliven to inform us that the trip was postponed. So we are all dressed up and no place to go. <div><br /></div><div>Let's go to Hei Zhu Gou, Sunee suggested. Great idea. The disappointment suddenly had turned into another China adventure!</div><div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se1YV2sLYsI/AAAAAAAAENI/iCECJgZuVUk/s1600-h/1OnTheBus.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se1YV2sLYsI/AAAAAAAAENI/iCECJgZuVUk/s400/1OnTheBus.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327011066730472130" /></a>We all got on the local bus (all six of us) to downtown Emei City. From there we caught another bus to the Emei main bus station.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se1YV3nicNI/AAAAAAAAENA/91AIM_8lsV0/s1600-h/2AcrossfrmBusStation.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se1YV3nicNI/AAAAAAAAENA/91AIM_8lsV0/s400/2AcrossfrmBusStation.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327011066979446994" /></a>The bus let us off across the street from the main bus station. Notice the clouds are still threatening us with rain. The monument you see is the typical monument found in most tourist cities - the Wuwei flying horse.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se1YVp979qI/AAAAAAAAEM4/m2sS5fAOMVQ/s1600-h/3BusStation.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se1YVp979qI/AAAAAAAAEM4/m2sS5fAOMVQ/s400/3BusStation.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327011063315297954" /></a>The bus station is what I call Late Russian Socialist Architecture. Massive, large and absolutely ugly. Seems this style can be found all over China, proving to any casual observer how much the Russians influenced China during the 50's and 60's.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se1YVgZ0gGI/AAAAAAAAEMw/B8oD8ODAeQ4/s1600-h/4TheTickets.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se1YVgZ0gGI/AAAAAAAAEMw/B8oD8ODAeQ4/s400/4TheTickets.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327011060747894882" /></a>Sunee finds out that our bus for the first leg of our journey (Ebian) leaves at 1120. That gives us about 45 minutes or so to get something to eat. Here John discusses the schedule with Tom. Neither had a clue as to what the Chinese meant. Made for a great picture, though.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se1XD_wjT_I/AAAAAAAAEMo/m5zXVGBmU8U/s1600-h/5DiningHall.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se1XD_wjT_I/AAAAAAAAEMo/m5zXVGBmU8U/s400/5DiningHall.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327009660415463410" /></a>The dining room in the bus terminal was not bad and it was clean. We decided to get a quick Chinese lunch before we left.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se1XDkzLXeI/AAAAAAAAEMg/gSV9zOboGgw/s1600-h/6Ordering.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se1XDkzLXeI/AAAAAAAAEMg/gSV9zOboGgw/s400/6Ordering.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327009653178719714" /></a>Sunee orders each of us the dining room specialty. Actually they had nothing else so we really did not get a choice. Three items plus rice for ten Yuan. Cheap even if it turned out bad.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se1XDnyGf8I/AAAAAAAAEMY/-0oHDT0tGCc/s1600-h/7Lunch.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se1XDnyGf8I/AAAAAAAAEMY/-0oHDT0tGCc/s400/7Lunch.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327009653979512770" /></a>The lunch was very good with the three items being quite tasty (not delicious) and filling. A nice start to our upcoming adventure.</div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se7uAxiQakI/AAAAAAAAES4/tCqSOaCEVIU/s1600-h/7aWaitonBus.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se7uAxiQakI/AAAAAAAAES4/tCqSOaCEVIU/s400/7aWaitonBus.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327457106290305602" /></a>The time is 1111 and we are about to board our bus to Ebian. Can you see the excitement on the faces of young adventurers?<br /><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se1XDRLkh1I/AAAAAAAAEMQ/iIMcvBQZyGg/s1600-h/8SmallTownOnway.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se1XDRLkh1I/AAAAAAAAEMQ/iIMcvBQZyGg/s400/8SmallTownOnway.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327009647912322898" /></a>Our bus leaves the Emei Mountain area and passes through some beautiful scenery and small mountain villages. Here is a quick look at one of those small villages.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se1XDVNuaHI/AAAAAAAAEMI/KlXJHzqEkvU/s1600-h/9Onway.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se1XDVNuaHI/AAAAAAAAEMI/KlXJHzqEkvU/s400/9Onway.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327009648995100786" /></a>Streams and mountains and lots of trees help pass the two hour trip to Ebian. The scenery alone is well worth the trip.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se1Ckb5TSyI/AAAAAAAAEMA/RK23u1KBSIw/s1600-h/10Scenes1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 206px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se1Ckb5TSyI/AAAAAAAAEMA/RK23u1KBSIw/s400/10Scenes1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326987127979985698" /></a>Small villages and tea plantations dot the mountain sides as we make our way to our destination.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se1CkX_kVQI/AAAAAAAAEL4/6KgpXOB_Y4M/s1600-h/10Scenes3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se1CkX_kVQI/AAAAAAAAEL4/6KgpXOB_Y4M/s400/10Scenes3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326987126932526338" /></a>A river below in the distance adds even more beauty to the clouds that hang over the mountains.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se1CkB_5ihI/AAAAAAAAELw/26HyHbcKbUg/s1600-h/10Scenes2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se1CkB_5ihI/AAAAAAAAELw/26HyHbcKbUg/s400/10Scenes2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326987121028336146" /></a>The trip was scenic from start to finish. The air was clear and crisp with visions of our adventure.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se1CkEmgg8I/AAAAAAAAELo/mi7u3MXK5Zg/s1600-h/10Scenes4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 262px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se1CkEmgg8I/AAAAAAAAELo/mi7u3MXK5Zg/s400/10Scenes4.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326987121727144898" /></a>As we approached Ebian we began to see the beginnings of a small but active industrial base. Factories both small and large put up smoke that distracted from the scenery.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se1Cj2IM3zI/AAAAAAAAELg/bH7fW9-hHSU/s1600-h/10Scenes5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 276px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se1Cj2IM3zI/AAAAAAAAELg/bH7fW9-hHSU/s400/10Scenes5.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326987117841932082" /></a>Here a small farm is nestled between the river and our road. Sichuan! Home of the ever growing vegetable plants.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se0-0hsHs2I/AAAAAAAAELY/fVV3ibV2ht8/s1600-h/11EbianBridge.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se0-0hsHs2I/AAAAAAAAELY/fVV3ibV2ht8/s400/11EbianBridge.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326983006366708578" /></a>We arrived at the Ebian bus station two hours into our journey. The bridge across the river stood out as soon as we got off the bus. Ebian is located on both sides of the river and is bounded by mountains all around.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se0-0qIwyFI/AAAAAAAAELQ/emjHONDx164/s1600-h/12BridgeFlowers.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se0-0qIwyFI/AAAAAAAAELQ/emjHONDx164/s400/12BridgeFlowers.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326983008634325074" /></a>Another view of the bridge, this time with some beautiful flowers adding interest to the photo.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se0-0dMF5nI/AAAAAAAAELI/t29hkWcz-JM/s1600-h/13FriendlyTout.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se0-0dMF5nI/AAAAAAAAELI/t29hkWcz-JM/s400/13FriendlyTout.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326983005158631026" /></a>"What a very friendly young lady," I commented to Sunee after taking this picture. "She is a tourist tout who is trying to get people to go to a hotel where she can get a commission," Sunee replied. Hey, she was cute and friendly for whatever reason. We figured out that we were a bit late to be traveling on to Hei Zhu Gou which was our original intent. We will make a return trip next weekend and travel on toe Hei Zhu Gou, a place of great mystery.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se0-0MFuu2I/AAAAAAAAELA/I3ejtqH011A/s1600-h/14YiMonument.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se0-0MFuu2I/AAAAAAAAELA/I3ejtqH011A/s400/14YiMonument.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326983000568544098" /></a>Monument of some kind with Yi writing. This was located in front of the bridge as we crossed the river. I recognized the Yi writing from the Yi museum we had visited in Chuxiong a couple of weeks ago,<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se0-0ALUyiI/AAAAAAAAEK4/aIubTDect6M/s1600-h/14YiMonument2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se0-0ALUyiI/AAAAAAAAEK4/aIubTDect6M/s400/14YiMonument2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326982997370784290" /></a><br />Same monument with Chinese characters. The trike was the mode of transportation in Ebian.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se09TKtQ-FI/AAAAAAAAEKw/36CEVrnTuj8/s1600-h/15Train.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se09TKtQ-FI/AAAAAAAAEKw/36CEVrnTuj8/s400/15Train.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326981333750184018" /></a>There was a train coming on the right as I took this picture. The bridge is to my immediate left as I face the river.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sepo9LVE3uI/AAAAAAAAEEg/mFdS8aTbNnk/s1600-h/EbianBridge22.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 108px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sepo9LVE3uI/AAAAAAAAEEg/mFdS8aTbNnk/s400/EbianBridge22.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326184909541531362" /></a>Here is the panorama of the same scene above. The scenery was beautiful and the air was filled with mountain aromas of moist wood, rock and foggy trees fluttering in the breeze. After taking this photo we walked across the bridge and made a right down the only street available. On the left was the river and on the right was the mountain.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se09SunQ5AI/AAAAAAAAEKo/xEDoy7GHg_0/s1600-h/16Trike.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 324px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se09SunQ5AI/AAAAAAAAEKo/xEDoy7GHg_0/s400/16Trike.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326981326208820226" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Dave and I thought this was a terrific picture so we both took it. </div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se09ShQomGI/AAAAAAAAEKg/d2EgbdVkMVA/s1600-h/17TwpTrikes.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 189px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se09ShQomGI/AAAAAAAAEKg/d2EgbdVkMVA/s400/17TwpTrikes.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326981322624243810" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">I stepped back a few feet and got both of the trikes with the same background.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se09StY-x3I/AAAAAAAAEKY/zRJrLvcX0z4/s1600-h/18DangerTom.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se09StY-x3I/AAAAAAAAEKY/zRJrLvcX0z4/s400/18DangerTom.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326981325880477554" /></a>A few hundred meters down the street, Tom scrambled down a cement embankment to the river's edge. The water, he declared, was cold and moving swiftly along.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se09SYdv81I/AAAAAAAAEKQ/EPdKcASxZdo/s1600-h/19Fishing.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se09SYdv81I/AAAAAAAAEKQ/EPdKcASxZdo/s400/19Fishing.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326981320263332690" /></a>As we walked down the road, we saw several of these fishing poles laying unattended on the cement fence overlooking the water. John picked one up just for me to take a picture of.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se08lPt9pHI/AAAAAAAAEKI/glcmyIQ0x6Q/s1600-h/19FishGrubs.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se08lPt9pHI/AAAAAAAAEKI/glcmyIQ0x6Q/s400/19FishGrubs.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326980544821306482" /></a>What were these invisible fishermen using for bate. Grubworms or maybe some kind of maggots. The pan stunk like maggots.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se08k9QQRBI/AAAAAAAAEKA/f1bcBVotS-E/s1600-h/20RiceContainers.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se08k9QQRBI/AAAAAAAAEKA/f1bcBVotS-E/s400/20RiceContainers.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326980539864859666" /></a>I took a picture of these rice buckets before we decided to eat at this restaurant. Loved the looks of these two buckets of rice covered with the rattan looking tops.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se08k43TJsI/AAAAAAAAEJ4/Kix7SjBRV9s/s1600-h/21DinnerHam.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se08k43TJsI/AAAAAAAAEJ4/Kix7SjBRV9s/s400/21DinnerHam.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326980538686449346" /></a>We decided to eat at this restaurant because the pork looked really good. We were not disappointed. In fact, we all felt this was the best pork (ham) we had eaten in a long time. It was beautifully smoked and lean.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se08kqPxdUI/AAAAAAAAEJw/P0gbc3bKeiM/s1600-h/21DinnerHarbin.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se08kqPxdUI/AAAAAAAAEJw/P0gbc3bKeiM/s400/21DinnerHarbin.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326980534762566978" /></a>Tom picks up some Harbin beer to try. He had heard of it before and wanted to see what it tasted like. In addition the Chinese guys across from our table were anxious to toast our arrival and we needed something to toast with.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se08kuHFJ2I/AAAAAAAAEJo/p5CHFGiERTE/s1600-h/21DinnerToast.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se08kuHFJ2I/AAAAAAAAEJo/p5CHFGiERTE/s400/21DinnerToast.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326980535799850850" /></a>The first toast was for our arrival. The two Chinese guys were more than friendly and toasted each of us then offered cigarettes to us. I neither drank any beer nor did I smoke any cigarettes.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se07f5W8dOI/AAAAAAAAEJc/Fc6u3Kgjdz0/s1600-h/21DinnerToast2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se07f5W8dOI/AAAAAAAAEJc/Fc6u3Kgjdz0/s400/21DinnerToast2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326979353408206050" /></a>As the Chinese guys finished their lunch, they once again came and toasted us as they left the restaurant. Who says the Chinese are not friendly?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se07frDDSLI/AAAAAAAAEJQ/dQnQGozsuzk/s1600-h/22LittleTeaSeller.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se07frDDSLI/AAAAAAAAEJQ/dQnQGozsuzk/s400/22LittleTeaSeller.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326979349566671026" /></a>On further into the downtown area we ran into a tea shop with this little girl acting as the proprietor. Later she got her mother to come out to visit with us. Of course, I was interested in their local tea.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se07fpzRlsI/AAAAAAAAEJE/bk2QC2cuzHs/s1600-h/22TeaShop.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se07fpzRlsI/AAAAAAAAEJE/bk2QC2cuzHs/s400/22TeaShop.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326979349232064194" /></a>We bought 500 grams of the locally produced tea. It looked good and it was not expensive. Actually, Tom bought 250 gram and we bought 250 gram. I will be giving it a taste and writing up the results at my chinateatravels.blogspot.com website.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se07feHJYXI/AAAAAAAAEI4/QS1Kee2MA9I/s1600-h/23YiSymbol.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se07feHJYXI/AAAAAAAAEI4/QS1Kee2MA9I/s400/23YiSymbol.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326979346094186866" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">A Yi symbol. We often saw these while visiting Chuxiong in Yunnan earlier this month. </div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se07fHo2MlI/AAAAAAAAEIw/5f-J4xEwIQc/s1600-h/24Group1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 269px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se07fHo2MlI/AAAAAAAAEIw/5f-J4xEwIQc/s400/24Group1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326979340061520466" /></a>Around the corner and into an open area we meet all of these kids just hanging out on a Saturday afternoon.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyWPQOwqSGftT2re02Naqb7uC2uyBkmzX84QBF5MbQdyGbvg23h2IVKQ5fxq0TDEvETc9RkCgQnjFPJrlxL6w' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;">This movies gives you a feel for our interaction with all these great kids. We had a really good time visiting with them.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se06cyXdYPI/AAAAAAAAEIo/5uTRX87RkCI/s1600-h/25Twogirls.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 308px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se06cyXdYPI/AAAAAAAAEIo/5uTRX87RkCI/s400/25Twogirls.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326978200480080114" /></a>Two kids anxious to visit with the laowai who just happened to show up in their town.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se06cqeuHVI/AAAAAAAAEIg/EkkOzsvzLyE/s1600-h/26Kids1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se06cqeuHVI/AAAAAAAAEIg/EkkOzsvzLyE/s400/26Kids1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326978198363053394" /></a>I finally get someone to take my picture with the kids. All the other guys were busy asking and answering questions.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se06cmpBmVI/AAAAAAAAEIY/Y4P6MxRC3ns/s1600-h/27GirlinCharge.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se06cmpBmVI/AAAAAAAAEIY/Y4P6MxRC3ns/s400/27GirlinCharge.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326978197332531538" /></a>The girl in the middle on your left turned out to be a really great help. She pretty much took charge of our visit and explained what was going on in the little town. Later she arranged a couple of trikes to take us back to the bus station. She was a very impressive young lady!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se06cbtTngI/AAAAAAAAEIQ/K-XO3nCjp54/s1600-h/28Twins.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se06cbtTngI/AAAAAAAAEIQ/K-XO3nCjp54/s400/28Twins.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326978194397699586" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">TWINS!</div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se06cXAtYfI/AAAAAAAAEII/4HT2VcyntZo/s1600-h/29Buddies.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se06cXAtYfI/AAAAAAAAEII/4HT2VcyntZo/s400/29Buddies.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326978193136902642" /></a>These guys kept jumping in front of my camera so I got them together for a picture of buddies. Most of the guys were too shy to interact with us which was totally opposite the little girls. In fact, these guys showed a healthy respect for the little girls who were interacting with us. Almost as if they feared for their well-being if they messed with the girls.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se05S7JAiCI/AAAAAAAAEIA/SyvaMJDeqEA/s1600-h/30Nuts.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se05S7JAiCI/AAAAAAAAEIA/SyvaMJDeqEA/s400/30Nuts.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326976931525068834" /></a>The guys were just goofing around and showed little interest in interacting with us foreigners except when we pointed a camera their way. I call this photo: two nuts.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se05S4TLrDI/AAAAAAAAEH4/vgqj1I1nzoM/s1600-h/31Girltalk.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se05S4TLrDI/AAAAAAAAEH4/vgqj1I1nzoM/s400/31Girltalk.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326976930762435634" /></a>Sunee discusses possible English names for these girls after a request from the little girl in the yellow who took charge of our well-being. Thus began the English name process which involved about an hour of our time. Tom took out his notepad and began writing English names down based on the Chinese names he heard. The little girls worked him to death, almost.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se05ShRZNnI/AAAAAAAAEHw/mPj1tYsRMw4/s1600-h/32Portrait1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 288px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se05ShRZNnI/AAAAAAAAEHw/mPj1tYsRMw4/s400/32Portrait1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326976924580918898" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">A great portrait of one of the kids in line to get an English name.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se05SQVYpoI/AAAAAAAAEHo/288JeJR0B4I/s1600-h/32Portrait2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se05SQVYpoI/AAAAAAAAEHo/288JeJR0B4I/s400/32Portrait2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326976920034256514" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Another really young girl waiting in line for an English name.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se05Sb6TaPI/AAAAAAAAEHg/LT2uya4MrcI/s1600-h/33EnglishNames.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se05Sb6TaPI/AAAAAAAAEHg/LT2uya4MrcI/s400/33EnglishNames.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326976923141892338" /></a>Here Sunee writes down a possible English name for one of the girls.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se0347d88uI/AAAAAAAAEHY/z5KlGFGFbvc/s1600-h/34Backtobus.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se0347d88uI/AAAAAAAAEHY/z5KlGFGFbvc/s400/34Backtobus.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326975385424687842" /></a>Marilyn, the little girl in the yellow, takes us back to the transportation to get a trike back to the bus station.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se034w7GduI/AAAAAAAAEHQ/VPWg-8NJZRU/s1600-h/35CoordTrans.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se034w7GduI/AAAAAAAAEHQ/VPWg-8NJZRU/s400/35CoordTrans.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326975382594156258" /></a>Here Marilyn makes sure we all get transportation back to the bus station. She told us it was too far to walk.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se034hAjkCI/AAAAAAAAEHI/VQHHg2n7LJ8/s1600-h/35SuneeTrike.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 374px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se034hAjkCI/AAAAAAAAEHI/VQHHg2n7LJ8/s400/35SuneeTrike.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326975378322067490" /></a>Sunee on the way back to the bus station in a covered trike. Our adventure in Ebian was coming to an end.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se034fOZ9gI/AAAAAAAAEHA/8uawC5cyszA/s1600-h/36Waterfall.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se034fOZ9gI/AAAAAAAAEHA/8uawC5cyszA/s400/36Waterfall.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326975377843287554" /></a>On the way back to Emei, I took a couple of pictures of this waterfall. Missed it coming in.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se034YQbxbI/AAAAAAAAEG4/0pnSbJ_jLiI/s1600-h/37Asleep.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se034YQbxbI/AAAAAAAAEG4/0pnSbJ_jLiI/s400/37Asleep.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326975375972746674" /></a>Dave had the misfortune of falling asleep on the bus headed back to Emei. Of course, Tom took advantage of the situation for this shot.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se02_ZQy_2I/AAAAAAAAEGw/TmAkJAlJ1do/s1600-h/38AnotherDinn1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se02_ZQy_2I/AAAAAAAAEGw/TmAkJAlJ1do/s400/38AnotherDinn1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326974396990160738" /></a>AS we got off the bus, it occurred to us that we were hungry, so we decided to eat some jaodz. We never turn down these Chinese dumplings, NEVER!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se02_TXT-CI/AAAAAAAAEGo/RumyTjt1dtk/s1600-h/38TomReallyHungry.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se02_TXT-CI/AAAAAAAAEGo/RumyTjt1dtk/s400/38TomReallyHungry.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326974395406874658" /></a>Hungry was Tom as this picture more than proves.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se02_HG8P1I/AAAAAAAAEGg/k9Vqwbqdd1w/s1600-h/38DaveHUngry.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se02_HG8P1I/AAAAAAAAEGg/k9Vqwbqdd1w/s400/38DaveHUngry.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326974392116985682" /></a>Also Dave did his share of dumplings.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se02_GYusBI/AAAAAAAAEGY/tc3t1_pW1eE/s1600-h/38JohnHungry.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se02_GYusBI/AAAAAAAAEGY/tc3t1_pW1eE/s400/38JohnHungry.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326974391923159058" /></a>As did John.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se02-4CJJLI/AAAAAAAAEGQ/5vPra7b_bH0/s1600-h/38ItsMine.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se02-4CJJLI/AAAAAAAAEGQ/5vPra7b_bH0/s400/38ItsMine.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326974388070327474" /></a></div><br />It is now down to one dumpling. Who will get it? Who will get it? This closes out another fantastic adventure in China. BTW, I got the last dumpling.Cecil Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15551474809860713547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8046096126809167500.post-84258142779986526012009-04-16T04:43:00.001-07:002009-04-22T16:39:37.531-07:00A Thursday Luncheon in Emei CityToday we invited the Gap Guys to go with us to visit our good friends in Emei City. We also planned to have a special noodle lunch at a restaurant not far from our friends Chinese medicine store.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeyJwnSn8sI/AAAAAAAAEFo/9AMYdhHBAHA/s1600-h/XiaoLing.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeyJwnSn8sI/AAAAAAAAEFo/9AMYdhHBAHA/s400/XiaoLing.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326783927546278594" /></a>This is Xiao Ling, a Chinese medicine pharmacist who owns and operates a medical store in downtown Emei City. We met her our first week in Emei when Zoe took us downtown to shop for some essentials for our apartment on campus. Sunee happened to as Ms. Xiao Ling where the closest toilet was and she took Sunee to show her. An hour later they came back with lots of equipment and stuff Sunee had been looking for. Xiao Ling had literally taken her to the stores where they had the stuff we needed. Zoe and I spent the time relaxing in the medicine store and wondering if Sunee had been abducted. From then on we have been close friends with Xiao Ling and her husband, visiting them two or three times a week.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SexQSKKkFPI/AAAAAAAAEFg/ch4nxbTWCyM/s1600-h/QuietJohn.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SexQSKKkFPI/AAAAAAAAEFg/ch4nxbTWCyM/s400/QuietJohn.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326720732168983794" /></a>Xiao Ling takes us to the restaurant that served the Yunnan-style noodles. It was she who had introduced us to the restaurant in the first place. Here, John looks at the ingredients with a bit of reluctance.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeyJxR56GaI/AAAAAAAAEGI/TlVJlkHGd7U/s1600-h/P1320362.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeyJxR56GaI/AAAAAAAAEGI/TlVJlkHGd7U/s400/P1320362.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326783938985335202" /></a>Boiling hot broth is the main starting point and then the spices, meats and egg are added followed by the noodles. The stuff actually gets cooked right in front of you.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeyJxJ21-mI/AAAAAAAAEF4/MG9awaYlKx4/s1600-h/YunnanStyleNoodles.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeyJxJ21-mI/AAAAAAAAEF4/MG9awaYlKx4/s400/YunnanStyleNoodles.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326783936824998498" /></a>John carefully follows our lead and empties the ingredients into the broth.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SexQRnv8kuI/AAAAAAAAEFI/7ttNG5XxAEc/s1600-h/GreatNoodles.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SexQRnv8kuI/AAAAAAAAEFI/7ttNG5XxAEc/s400/GreatNoodles.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326720722930537186" /></a><br />Dave, never a reluctant participant in all things new, rapidly completes the task and finds time to smile for my camera over his obvious success.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SexQRq-vnkI/AAAAAAAAEFQ/pNP9pWFmYiw/s1600-h/Ingredients.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SexQRq-vnkI/AAAAAAAAEFQ/pNP9pWFmYiw/s400/Ingredients.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326720723797909058" /></a><br />John, slow at trying new things, takes his time in following the directions. He finally finishes the task and we all have these wonderful noodles for lunch.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SexQReu6-2I/AAAAAAAAEFA/tCMuouAxmu0/s1600-h/Friends.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SexQReu6-2I/AAAAAAAAEFA/tCMuouAxmu0/s400/Friends.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326720720510319458" /></a>Back at the medicine shop we meet Xiao Ling's husband who is his normal friendly and jovial self.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeyJwy9NOqI/AAAAAAAAEFw/53bI-UCKMfY/s1600-h/XiaoLingFam.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeyJwy9NOqI/AAAAAAAAEFw/53bI-UCKMfY/s400/XiaoLingFam.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326783930677672610" /></a>Although none but the Gap Guys could speak English, it was obvious that all were pleased to bring the Gap Guys into our community of friends in downtown Emei City.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeyJxMQprAI/AAAAAAAAEGA/Q6DBxHevQP8/s1600-h/UglyIceCream.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeyJxMQprAI/AAAAAAAAEGA/Q6DBxHevQP8/s400/UglyIceCream.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326783937470114818" /></a>After a bit of shopping at the newest department store, we stop for the obligatory ice cream. Sunee holds my bitter coffee bar in her right hand while I take a picture of the ugliest ice cream bar on the planet. The color was primer gray and was absolutely untantalizing. It was also barely edible as it was made of black sesame seeds. Yuck. One would think that a little food coloring would have gone a long way to stop the ugliness. <div><br /></div><div>Another adventure, another great day in China.<br /><br /></div>Cecil Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15551474809860713547noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8046096126809167500.post-49055742305899203152009-04-13T02:03:00.001-07:002009-04-29T23:23:58.212-07:00Easter Week 2009<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Monday, April 13, 0950: Soph Class 1</span></b><br /><br /><div>It is Easter Week and the Gap Guys and I decide to celebrate Easter with all my classes. The two Gap Guys would develop and deliver a presentation that explains what Easter is and what it has become to Western culture. While the presentation is being delivered the students would color the hard-boiled eggs they will be required to bring to class. A good old-fashioned Easter Egg Party.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sepng13RQWI/AAAAAAAAEEY/XiFiPuKcs5c/s1600-h/1GappersTeach.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sepng13RQWI/AAAAAAAAEEY/XiFiPuKcs5c/s400/1GappersTeach.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326183323231404386" /></a>John and Dave brings us the meaning of Easter and how it developed into both a religious and secular holiday celebrated throughout the Western world. Their presentation is colorful, informative and entertaining.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sepngn4t_-I/AAAAAAAAEEQ/Wc0-aqVnLqU/s1600-h/3DJ%27sEgg.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sepngn4t_-I/AAAAAAAAEEQ/Wc0-aqVnLqU/s400/3DJ%27sEgg.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326183319479386082" /></a>DJ does an egg. The initial design of his egg was very impressive. Wonder what he has in mind to finish it off?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SepngtkE6NI/AAAAAAAAEEI/AR8U2GQOFOw/s1600-h/3WorkingEggs.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SepngtkE6NI/AAAAAAAAEEI/AR8U2GQOFOw/s400/3WorkingEggs.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326183321003419858" /></a>Sanda's focus on her egg is not interrupted by anything, including the presentation and my camera flash.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SepngeFjSnI/AAAAAAAAEEA/l3lez30ROwE/s1600-h/4AGoodEgg.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SepngeFjSnI/AAAAAAAAEEA/l3lez30ROwE/s400/4AGoodEgg.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326183316848855666" /></a>Ms. Hami and Ms. Amelia compare eggs to see what direction each where headed in their designs.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SepnK4TMsvI/AAAAAAAAED4/2TrHRrbrdu4/s1600-h/4AnotherGoodEgg.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SepnK4TMsvI/AAAAAAAAED4/2TrHRrbrdu4/s400/4AnotherGoodEgg.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326182945928295154" /></a>Julia consults her design notes to insure she is creating the egg of her dreams.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SepnKiVl5_I/AAAAAAAAEDw/AxmusdjDaWg/s1600-h/4SophieWorks.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SepnKiVl5_I/AAAAAAAAEDw/AxmusdjDaWg/s400/4SophieWorks.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326182940032755698" /></a>Sophia, too, cannot be bothered by a presentation of Easter history as she works diligently to create a "good egg."<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SepnKXBfWtI/AAAAAAAAEDo/oUDZy2M4Qus/s1600-h/6IvyPaints.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SepnKXBfWtI/AAAAAAAAEDo/oUDZy2M4Qus/s400/6IvyPaints.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326182936995650258" /></a>Ivy starts with a pastel lavender and will obviously build upon this beautiful color. Can't wait to see the finished product.<br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SepnKIjo5JI/AAAAAAAAEDg/O6B2VVJiNlk/s1600-h/6MRSponge.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 297px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SepnKIjo5JI/AAAAAAAAEDg/O6B2VVJiNlk/s400/6MRSponge.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326182933112349842" /></a><b><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Mr. Songe was suddenly transformed into a hard-boiled egg. How clever!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">An Easter Egg Hunt</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">At about the halfway point in the class, we stopped the presentation and the egg decorating to have an old-fashion Easter egg hunt. Prior to the class the Gap Guys hid twenty English chocolate eggs around the classroom for the students to find and eat.</span></div></b><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SepnJ9xGTxI/AAAAAAAAEDY/7v3Sv9Bb1-E/s1600-h/7EasterEggHunt.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SepnJ9xGTxI/AAAAAAAAEDY/7v3Sv9Bb1-E/s400/7EasterEggHunt.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326182930216013586" /></a>The students searched throughout the room to find the eggs. Some were successful others were not.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sepmes3qOTI/AAAAAAAAECg/OI1rJ4jk4is/s1600-h/12Lory%27sEgg.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sepmes3qOTI/AAAAAAAAECg/OI1rJ4jk4is/s400/12Lory%27sEgg.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326182186945755442" /></a>Here Lory shows off the egg she found prior to eating it. She informed me that the chocolate was as good as the Gap Guys had promised.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sepm3h-jd5I/AAAAAAAAEDQ/F0dndk0lhbQ/s1600-h/7SabrinaFindsEgg.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sepm3h-jd5I/AAAAAAAAEDQ/F0dndk0lhbQ/s400/7SabrinaFindsEgg.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326182613518612370" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Another successful hunter of the chocolate Easter egg. </div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sepm3dNce0I/AAAAAAAAEDI/hPdKmBB3RpU/s1600-h/7SophieFindsTwo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 245px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sepm3dNce0I/AAAAAAAAEDI/hPdKmBB3RpU/s400/7SophieFindsTwo.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326182612238891842" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Sophia found two. Sophia found two! Luck has always worked well for this student.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sepm3ZiU-EI/AAAAAAAAEDA/acHChVcMza8/s1600-h/7WinterFindsOne.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sepm3ZiU-EI/AAAAAAAAEDA/acHChVcMza8/s400/7WinterFindsOne.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326182611252738114" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">I got one. I got one! Yes, Winter found one as well.</span><blockquote></blockquote></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Easter Products</b></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sepm3LwWvKI/AAAAAAAAEC4/-Yecv_AbPl0/s1600-h/12CrossEgg.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 324px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sepm3LwWvKI/AAAAAAAAEC4/-Yecv_AbPl0/s400/12CrossEgg.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326182607553477794" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sepm22Ch8LI/AAAAAAAAECw/H3z4DYpPjg4/s1600-h/12Easteregg.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sepm22Ch8LI/AAAAAAAAECw/H3z4DYpPjg4/s400/12Easteregg.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326182601724129458" /></a><b><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b><br /></b></span></div></b><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SepmewjjMcI/AAAAAAAAECo/OU_6aCl9ic4/s1600-h/12HolyEgg.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 338px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SepmewjjMcI/AAAAAAAAECo/OU_6aCl9ic4/s400/12HolyEgg.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326182187935150530" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SepmeoOhvwI/AAAAAAAAECY/bMcb8MhzIAE/s1600-h/14MoreEggs.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SepmeoOhvwI/AAAAAAAAECY/bMcb8MhzIAE/s400/14MoreEggs.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326182185699491586" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SepmeZ9YEqI/AAAAAAAAECQ/af2HvtkF9C4/s1600-h/14ThreeEggs.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SepmeZ9YEqI/AAAAAAAAECQ/af2HvtkF9C4/s400/14ThreeEggs.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326182181869458082" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SepmeVg8cEI/AAAAAAAAECI/Huur_mGv-BU/s1600-h/15TheEggs.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 264px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SepmeVg8cEI/AAAAAAAAECI/Huur_mGv-BU/s400/15TheEggs.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326182180676464706" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><b>The Award Winners</b></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se-y4j5A6CI/AAAAAAAAETg/T0yybBon51A/s1600-h/soph1great2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se-y4j5A6CI/AAAAAAAAETg/T0yybBon51A/s400/soph1great2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327673568979380258" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se-y4bMeoAI/AAAAAAAAETY/CPwU82tx-88/s1600-h/soph1Creat1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se-y4bMeoAI/AAAAAAAAETY/CPwU82tx-88/s400/soph1Creat1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327673566645100546" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se-y3xNPuyI/AAAAAAAAETQ/doAMKl1Rhic/s1600-h/soph1creat22.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se-y3xNPuyI/AAAAAAAAETQ/doAMKl1Rhic/s400/soph1creat22.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327673555374029602" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se-y35WbKvI/AAAAAAAAETI/G-70VA-cRRQ/s1600-h/soph1Ugly1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se-y35WbKvI/AAAAAAAAETI/G-70VA-cRRQ/s400/soph1Ugly1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327673557560011506" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se-y3nJkoFI/AAAAAAAAETA/xZfDkyQRCjY/s1600-h/soph1Ugly2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se-y3nJkoFI/AAAAAAAAETA/xZfDkyQRCjY/s400/soph1Ugly2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327673552674267218" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se-0g5YJdmI/AAAAAAAAETw/AEwi7tPNtQg/s1600-h/soph1great1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se-0g5YJdmI/AAAAAAAAETw/AEwi7tPNtQg/s400/soph1great1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327675361453504098" /></a><br /><br /><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Monday, April 13, 1400: Fresh Class 1</span></b><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SepltjfEmZI/AAAAAAAAECA/3FruVsk3UEw/s1600-h/1JohnDelivers.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 269px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SepltjfEmZI/AAAAAAAAECA/3FruVsk3UEw/s400/1JohnDelivers.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326181342613117330" /></a>As the week progressed, the Gap Guys got better and better. Here they address my freshmen class 1 for the first time. This class had already had a party with the Gap Guys so they were well acquainted with the them and the presentation went really well.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Seplta8578I/AAAAAAAAEB4/2AnLlUM6eSE/s1600-h/2Listenpolite.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Seplta8578I/AAAAAAAAEB4/2AnLlUM6eSE/s400/2Listenpolite.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326181340322328514" /></a>As the presentation progressed, the students began more and more involved in their egg decorations and soon all were working diligently and listening to the presentation.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeplfKTFkSI/AAAAAAAAEBw/8dkrzMLNqkE/s1600-h/2QuietlyWorking.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 326px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeplfKTFkSI/AAAAAAAAEBw/8dkrzMLNqkE/s400/2QuietlyWorking.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326181095333794082" /></a>Many students first tried to draw on their eggs and make intricate patterns. This did not seem to workout and most gave it up for a more freeform expression of art.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeplfMTLkbI/AAAAAAAAEBo/FiqaDm-AXN0/s1600-h/3Evaluation.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeplfMTLkbI/AAAAAAAAEBo/FiqaDm-AXN0/s400/3Evaluation.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326181095871058354" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Here Zoe admires her finished product. Hers was mostly pastels and lighter colors.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeplfGLB5AI/AAAAAAAAEBg/S0dbIRjAxXc/s1600-h/4FocusJen.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeplfGLB5AI/AAAAAAAAEBg/S0dbIRjAxXc/s400/4FocusJen.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326181094226256898" /></a>Jennifer became so involved with her egg that she often forgot that she was a student and not a chicken.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Seple4dEi4I/AAAAAAAAEBY/aeEgqXKHe-U/s1600-h/4TwoGuysFrank.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Seple4dEi4I/AAAAAAAAEBY/aeEgqXKHe-U/s400/4TwoGuysFrank.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326181090543831938" /></a>Frank and Lory had well laid out plans for their egg decorations and began to apply them immediately. They were two of the first to finish their projects.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeplejluxPI/AAAAAAAAEBQ/U-sKpE7z9A8/s1600-h/5Red.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeplejluxPI/AAAAAAAAEBQ/U-sKpE7z9A8/s400/5Red.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326181084943009010" /></a>Intricate was not easy and took a lot of time as one can see from this partially finished egg.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeplBTm8FFI/AAAAAAAAEBI/JFDkZF5S59o/s1600-h/5WriteClassEgg.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeplBTm8FFI/AAAAAAAAEBI/JFDkZF5S59o/s400/5WriteClassEgg.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326180582436901970" /></a>I liked this picture which pretty much sums up what the "writing class" was doing this Easter Week.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeplBQDhoWI/AAAAAAAAEBA/A_YrkM458QA/s1600-h/6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 351px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeplBQDhoWI/AAAAAAAAEBA/A_YrkM458QA/s400/6.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326180581483061602" /></a>Ms. Dimples (Ava) finishes up her egg. As is obvious, she put a lot of effort into the egg's design.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeplBAENnZI/AAAAAAAAEA4/e1NVPM6_9rc/s1600-h/8HotDogger.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeplBAENnZI/AAAAAAAAEA4/e1NVPM6_9rc/s400/8HotDogger.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326180577190976914" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Jack - a self portrait</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeplBGcW8WI/AAAAAAAAEAw/R689ydpiMTM/s1600-h/9Purple.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 382px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeplBGcW8WI/AAAAAAAAEAw/R689ydpiMTM/s400/9Purple.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326180578902864226" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Purple</div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeplA7jIxAI/AAAAAAAAEAo/ZrpckvjDWhg/s1600-h/10Soph1Eggs.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeplA7jIxAI/AAAAAAAAEAo/ZrpckvjDWhg/s400/10Soph1Eggs.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326180575978505218" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Here are the finished products. This class probably had the most diverse decorations of all the classes during Easter Week.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>The Award Winners</b></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se-8ypyAuZI/AAAAAAAAEVg/oMM1yihNYCQ/s1600-h/cl1Creative1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se-8ypyAuZI/AAAAAAAAEVg/oMM1yihNYCQ/s400/cl1Creative1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327684462597683602" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se-8NCOmU0I/AAAAAAAAEVY/0xS0jg1lla4/s1600-h/cl1Great2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se-8NCOmU0I/AAAAAAAAEVY/0xS0jg1lla4/s400/cl1Great2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327683816325010242" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se-8MxrpPDI/AAAAAAAAEVQ/gkDjzMLaHT8/s1600-h/cl1Creative1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se-8MxrpPDI/AAAAAAAAEVQ/gkDjzMLaHT8/s400/cl1Creative1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327683811883433010" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se-8M6_ONzI/AAAAAAAAEVI/9-jNkxW_Dy8/s1600-h/cl1Creative2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se-8M6_ONzI/AAAAAAAAEVI/9-jNkxW_Dy8/s400/cl1Creative2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327683814381467442" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se-8MiPQ1BI/AAAAAAAAEVA/6Y0_YVZAypM/s1600-h/cl1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se-8MiPQ1BI/AAAAAAAAEVA/6Y0_YVZAypM/s400/cl1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327683807737861138" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se-8MpcAS6I/AAAAAAAAEU4/m1Tp_XGT51I/s1600-h/cl1Ugly2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se-8MpcAS6I/AAAAAAAAEU4/m1Tp_XGT51I/s400/cl1Ugly2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327683809670351778" /></a><br /><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Tuesday, April 14, 1400: Soph Class 3</span></b><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SendlsoS8gI/AAAAAAAAEAg/LBnOAGGezNs/s1600-h/1ChinaBug.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 334px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SendlsoS8gI/AAAAAAAAEAg/LBnOAGGezNs/s400/1ChinaBug.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326031674047394306" /></a>As we walked up the hill next to the admin building under renovation we came across this "stag beetle." Since we all had cameras, we each took various pictures of the little guide crossing our path. When I snapped my pictures, he was walking across a rounded leaf which add some real interest and background to the picture. A good start to another Easter Party!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SendljLAvvI/AAAAAAAAEAY/0Wb4fAbhvpk/s1600-h/1MorePresentation.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SendljLAvvI/AAAAAAAAEAY/0Wb4fAbhvpk/s400/1MorePresentation.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326031671508647666" /></a>The Gap Guys were in rare form for Sophomore Class 3. They had interacted often with this class and it was almost like a homecoming. Their presentation on the history and the secularization of Easter continued to be superb.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SendlUuFS-I/AAAAAAAAEAQ/fw10nZkdmJo/s1600-h/2IntelPete.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SendlUuFS-I/AAAAAAAAEAQ/fw10nZkdmJo/s400/2IntelPete.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326031667629214690" /></a>Pete, working from extensive plans of ancient egg decorating directions, takes notes to insure his egg will be authentic beyond a doubt.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SendlfeoWiI/AAAAAAAAEAI/vnyeP-OM3U0/s1600-h/3Diligence.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SendlfeoWiI/AAAAAAAAEAI/vnyeP-OM3U0/s400/3Diligence.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326031670517193250" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Creativity in action as Marian and Rebecca perform works of art on their eggs. </div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SenbmDnbSqI/AAAAAAAAEAA/HX23GIqE4JM/s1600-h/4Camelia.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SenbmDnbSqI/AAAAAAAAEAA/HX23GIqE4JM/s400/4Camelia.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326029481194506914" /></a>Camellia came well prepared for the task at hand. She had a full set of watercolors plus markers and other artist supplies.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SenbmOq5bvI/AAAAAAAAD_4/sjJRWcrzdk0/s1600-h/5GraceWorks.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 334px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SenbmOq5bvI/AAAAAAAAD_4/sjJRWcrzdk0/s400/5GraceWorks.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326029484161855218" /></a>Grace was at a loss most of the afternoon as to what exactly she wanted to do with her egg. Although she came fully prepared, she was never able to come up with a design that suited her, having to "wash" and start again five separate times. In the end, her inability to make a decision cost her both time and awards.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Senbl04VDTI/AAAAAAAAD_w/UNj6o81ofho/s1600-h/5Selection.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Senbl04VDTI/AAAAAAAAD_w/UNj6o81ofho/s400/5Selection.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326029477238869298" /></a>Here three pros compare concepts and designs as each begin to finish up their projects.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Senbl2x6iuI/AAAAAAAAD_o/cmm53q9m4R4/s1600-h/5SophieWorks.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 376px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Senbl2x6iuI/AAAAAAAAD_o/cmm53q9m4R4/s400/5SophieWorks.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326029477748837090" /></a>Sophie is playing catch with her egg as she decides how to decorate it. She did finish her egg without breaking it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SenbllS9_II/AAAAAAAAD_g/pZy7-2KT2Gs/s1600-h/5Whattopaint.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SenbllS9_II/AAAAAAAAD_g/pZy7-2KT2Gs/s400/5Whattopaint.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326029473055636610" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Clueless and artless in action.</div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SenXgutqhXI/AAAAAAAAD_Y/rnEcPnbXHgw/s1600-h/5Yoyoegg.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SenXgutqhXI/AAAAAAAAD_Y/rnEcPnbXHgw/s400/5Yoyoegg.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326024991637669234" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Yoyo does yoyo. Do you see the family resemblance.</div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SenXgpNQn_I/AAAAAAAAD_Q/gLAcPxdOOFQ/s1600-h/5Yoyotwo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SenXgpNQn_I/AAAAAAAAD_Q/gLAcPxdOOFQ/s400/5Yoyotwo.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326024990159577074" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Sisters?</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SenXgYxlEBI/AAAAAAAAD_I/_FdKan6Hxl0/s1600-h/6KammyWorks.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 313px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SenXgYxlEBI/AAAAAAAAD_I/_FdKan6Hxl0/s400/6KammyWorks.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326024985748508690" /></a>Kammy works hard to come up with a suitable design. Diligence paid off in the end.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SenXgSlXrlI/AAAAAAAAD_A/7vrzP3E3EoE/s1600-h/7AlishaWorks.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SenXgSlXrlI/AAAAAAAAD_A/7vrzP3E3EoE/s400/7AlishaWorks.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326024984086687314" /></a>Here Alicis (alia Lisa) uses various techniques to decorate her egg. Her egg could be described as multimedia.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SenXgMBGMnI/AAAAAAAAD-4/UkfWux645CM/s1600-h/10EggHuntWinner.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SenXgMBGMnI/AAAAAAAAD-4/UkfWux645CM/s400/10EggHuntWinner.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326024982323933810" /></a><br />The reigning Jiaoda Easter Egg Hunting champion. While others had trouble grasping the concept of hunting for chocolate easter eggs, Killua went about finding most of them and then eating all the chocolate she found herself. Conceptually, Killua remains on a plain of existence above the rest of the world.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SenTZj-0Z2I/AAAAAAAAD-o/jSfFqx-a9vQ/s1600-h/14Bunny4You.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SenTZj-0Z2I/AAAAAAAAD-o/jSfFqx-a9vQ/s400/14Bunny4You.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326020470451234658" /></a>She hasn't started so I am not sure if this is a "bunny" sign or a "victory" sign. We shall see. We shall se.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SenTZR3bfJI/AAAAAAAAD-g/QYkgoakg5yQ/s1600-h/14KilluaWorks.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 304px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SenTZR3bfJI/AAAAAAAAD-g/QYkgoakg5yQ/s400/14KilluaWorks.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326020465588403346" /></a>Killua, after finding and eating all the chocolate Easter eggs, calmly continues were decorative work on her egg. Normally, she spends very little time being calm so me thinks the chocolate was good for her.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SenTZRdNSjI/AAAAAAAAD-Y/6TwmWMj8nA8/s1600-h/14TheGraceway.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SenTZRdNSjI/AAAAAAAAD-Y/6TwmWMj8nA8/s400/14TheGraceway.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326020465478421042" /></a>This design went the way of the five others as Grace continues her trip down the road to indecision. The sinks in the girls bathroom must have been something to behold just from the washings the Grace did to this poor egg. We did not have award for egg washing.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SenTZG88wVI/AAAAAAAAD-Q/iQQLmNZQsq4/s1600-h/15CamirLucy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SenTZG88wVI/AAAAAAAAD-Q/iQQLmNZQsq4/s400/15CamirLucy.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326020462658765138" /></a>Camir and Lucy show off their finished eggs. </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SenSXvECQsI/AAAAAAAAD-I/8XnjEZepLfg/s1600-h/15CuteRibbon01.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 348px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SenSXvECQsI/AAAAAAAAD-I/8XnjEZepLfg/s400/15CuteRibbon01.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326019339554538178" /></a>Take a guess who's family this kid belongs to - hint the hair and the red cheeks give her away.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SenSXT8sXvI/AAAAAAAAD-A/-ZVcKpq37Kc/s1600-h/15Eggbunny.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SenSXT8sXvI/AAAAAAAAD-A/-ZVcKpq37Kc/s400/15Eggbunny.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326019332275986162" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Another finished product.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SenSXAZc-SI/AAAAAAAAD94/FrKVF5fXXWM/s1600-h/15HermioneHellene.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SenSXAZc-SI/AAAAAAAAD94/FrKVF5fXXWM/s400/15HermioneHellene.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326019327027902754" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Hellena and Hermione come up with some pretty fashionable eggs. </div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SenSXJO8kkI/AAAAAAAAD9w/2K4SLoMQ8-E/s1600-h/16Hellene.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SenSXJO8kkI/AAAAAAAAD9w/2K4SLoMQ8-E/s400/16Hellene.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326019329399755330" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The end products were all very impressive.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SenSWwjGJII/AAAAAAAAD9o/DAgdjXxsekQ/s1600-h/16Hermione.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SenSWwjGJII/AAAAAAAAD9o/DAgdjXxsekQ/s400/16Hermione.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326019322773382274" /></a>You can tell from the above two pictures that Hellena and Hermione were absolutely serious about their eggs.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SenQ_O4nn9I/AAAAAAAAD9g/mChbTdorTng/s1600-h/16Isabella.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SenQ_O4nn9I/AAAAAAAAD9g/mChbTdorTng/s400/16Isabella.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326017819088232402" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Isabella shows off her offspring.</div></div><div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SenQ_BktS9I/AAAAAAAAD9Y/_ZwqTgQsT6k/s1600-h/16Proud.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SenQ_BktS9I/AAAAAAAAD9Y/_ZwqTgQsT6k/s400/16Proud.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326017815515057106" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Is it a bug or an egg?</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SenQ-9vCLAI/AAAAAAAAD9Q/2ZjNjSkprcQ/s1600-h/18IsabellaFinish.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 276px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SenQ-9vCLAI/AAAAAAAAD9Q/2ZjNjSkprcQ/s400/18IsabellaFinish.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326017814484626434" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Finishing up with one final touch of beauty.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SenQ-1VgFZI/AAAAAAAAD9I/du_Gt-MaQPg/s1600-h/18Marian.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SenQ-1VgFZI/AAAAAAAAD9I/du_Gt-MaQPg/s400/18Marian.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326017812230051218" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Cuteness!</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SenQ-vk07hI/AAAAAAAAD9A/QRrs74FsMcw/s1600-h/18Monica.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SenQ-vk07hI/AAAAAAAAD9A/QRrs74FsMcw/s400/18Monica.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326017810683719186" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Monica finally finishes her egg. </div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SenP7kY0CRI/AAAAAAAAD84/c0vWu8RC8HY/s1600-h/20Soph3Eggs.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 289px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SenP7kY0CRI/AAAAAAAAD84/c0vWu8RC8HY/s400/20Soph3Eggs.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326016656629303570" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SenP7UwIGII/AAAAAAAAD8w/78itnU6gA_8/s1600-h/20TheEggs.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SenP7UwIGII/AAAAAAAAD8w/78itnU6gA_8/s400/20TheEggs.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326016652432119938" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The final products were, like the other classes, very impressive.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Egg Knocking Competitio</b>n</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We decided that we would add a traditional competition for this party - the tradition egg knocking contest. Those who brought extra eggs were given the chance to participate. We had six contestants in total.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SenTZtNDiDI/AAAAAAAAD-w/0xBHuCfYTo4/s1600-h/10Rulesforeggker.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SenTZtNDiDI/AAAAAAAAD-w/0xBHuCfYTo4/s400/10Rulesforeggker.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326020472926865458" /></a>Dave acted as the official referee and explains the rules of the competition to the first participants.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SenP7Ha-U_I/AAAAAAAAD8o/4ihx9_rg9ag/s1600-h/21EggKnockers.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SenP7Ha-U_I/AAAAAAAAD8o/4ihx9_rg9ag/s400/21EggKnockers.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326016648853738482" /></a>Grace, her unsuccessful paintings and washings gave her the opportunity to be one of the egg knockers. Her egg was unusually clean and thus she thought she had a shot at the championship. Here Isabella prepares to crush Grace's overly sanitized egg.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SenP7F0ZtSI/AAAAAAAAD8g/JIoX9n8pLi4/s1600-h/21MarianLoses.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SenP7F0ZtSI/AAAAAAAAD8g/JIoX9n8pLi4/s400/21MarianLoses.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326016648423519522" /></a>Marian is "kknocked out" of the first round. Good thing she was not sentimental about her egg.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxnNyf5MZkpd4xDo4xyLDikmygkTMqBMybUNtPQKGFKnDVmo3xbwpGGVF156yCdkHtcrkVLeKLQ1aWEDbxbYw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;">Henry crushes Oliver's egg to take the championship.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SenP60aYlxI/AAAAAAAAD8Y/zxF9vv-mhzM/s1600-h/21HenryWins.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SenP60aYlxI/AAAAAAAAD8Y/zxF9vv-mhzM/s400/21HenryWins.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326016643750991634" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The reigning Sophomore Class 3 Egg Knocking Champion</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>The Award Winners</b></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se-5pl3yacI/AAAAAAAAEUw/pDlHYfsE9Dc/s1600-h/soph3great1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se-5pl3yacI/AAAAAAAAEUw/pDlHYfsE9Dc/s400/soph3great1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327681008394463682" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se-5pmhWZZI/AAAAAAAAEUo/neTPdT2byc0/s1600-h/soph3great2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se-5pmhWZZI/AAAAAAAAEUo/neTPdT2byc0/s400/soph3great2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327681008568788370" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se-5pS6VBqI/AAAAAAAAEUg/A0MvfjUhgc0/s1600-h/soph3creat1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se-5pS6VBqI/AAAAAAAAEUg/A0MvfjUhgc0/s400/soph3creat1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327681003304847010" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se-4HD1G45I/AAAAAAAAEUY/7gjfyD5jNIo/s1600-h/soph3creat2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se-4HD1G45I/AAAAAAAAEUY/7gjfyD5jNIo/s400/soph3creat2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327679315629237138" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se-4HKpV1jI/AAAAAAAAEUQ/D_L1mDCm25g/s1600-h/soph3ugly1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se-4HKpV1jI/AAAAAAAAEUQ/D_L1mDCm25g/s400/soph3ugly1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327679317458933298" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se-4Gx5MfII/AAAAAAAAEUI/Az-4zSRsQb4/s1600-h/soph3Ugly2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se-4Gx5MfII/AAAAAAAAEUI/Az-4zSRsQb4/s400/soph3Ugly2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327679310814542978" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se-4Gn8CN8I/AAAAAAAAEUA/X6ehnia2VQ4/s1600-h/Soph3Knock.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se-4Gn8CN8I/AAAAAAAAEUA/X6ehnia2VQ4/s400/Soph3Knock.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327679308142098370" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se-4GpnPahI/AAAAAAAAET4/699vO5S9Y8A/s1600-h/soph3hunter.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se-4GpnPahI/AAAAAAAAET4/699vO5S9Y8A/s400/soph3hunter.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327679308591753746" /></a><br /><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Wednesday, April 15, 0950: Soph Class 2</span></b><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Segx16XdSzI/AAAAAAAADz0/VPCGVjkqNt4/s1600-h/GapperPresentation.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Segx16XdSzI/AAAAAAAADz0/VPCGVjkqNt4/s400/GapperPresentation.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325561361636084530" /></a>Another Easter Party, another great presention about Easter from the Gap Guys. This class and the Gap Guys have already shared many classroom hours and a couple of parties together so they were right at home.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Seg0Fqwhz1I/AAAAAAAAD2I/wMPdUEgMFgo/s1600-h/WorkingHard.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Seg0Fqwhz1I/AAAAAAAAD2I/wMPdUEgMFgo/s400/WorkingHard.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325563831347433298" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">It did not take much time for this class to jump into egg decorating. </div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Segz1GxfwZI/AAAAAAAAD2A/_yUQHE8_sbI/s1600-h/WorkingHard2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Segz1GxfwZI/AAAAAAAAD2A/_yUQHE8_sbI/s400/WorkingHard2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325563546809909650" /></a>Egg decorating and listening to a presentation was no problem for members of the Sophomore Class 2.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SegxGApn-pI/AAAAAAAADyk/Uls9NkQidBY/s1600-h/Casualty.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SegxGApn-pI/AAAAAAAADyk/Uls9NkQidBY/s400/Casualty.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325560538689174162" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The proof will be in the details.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Seg0F6UapCI/AAAAAAAAD2Y/OlnYeVBE0O8/s1600-h/PiggyWorks.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Seg0F6UapCI/AAAAAAAAD2Y/OlnYeVBE0O8/s400/PiggyWorks.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325563835524490274" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Piggy Pink</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Seg0FjY27oI/AAAAAAAAD2Q/fGjVnI2pR9o/s1600-h/Xanadu.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 343px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Seg0FjY27oI/AAAAAAAAD2Q/fGjVnI2pR9o/s400/Xanadu.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325563829369106050" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Xanadu does pastels and black. There seems to be a personality clash here somewhere.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Segz0yzFnzI/AAAAAAAAD1w/AxdLUOzMJ4Y/s1600-h/TracyWorks.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Segz0yzFnzI/AAAAAAAAD1w/AxdLUOzMJ4Y/s400/TracyWorks.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325563541447876402" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Tracy at work.</div><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Segz0rT46hI/AAAAAAAAD1g/198_n2VIxgQ/s1600-h/Sunny%27sTwo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Segz0rT46hI/AAAAAAAAD1g/198_n2VIxgQ/s400/Sunny%27sTwo.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325563539437971986" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Kinfolk one and all. </div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SegylPgkbOI/AAAAAAAAD1E/eBUTnsXtuPA/s1600-h/LindaWorks.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 371px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SegylPgkbOI/AAAAAAAAD1E/eBUTnsXtuPA/s400/LindaWorks.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325562174765296866" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Pig, bug or egg?</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SegylH6VxxI/AAAAAAAAD08/JzULAbqkg8E/s1600-h/Judging2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SegylH6VxxI/AAAAAAAAD08/JzULAbqkg8E/s400/Judging2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325562172725905170" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Finished eggs began to accumulate at the judges table.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Segyk9Xgz_I/AAAAAAAAD00/XNjCWyDsp0Y/s1600-h/Judging1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Segyk9Xgz_I/AAAAAAAAD00/XNjCWyDsp0Y/s400/Judging1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325562169895473138" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Super EGG!</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Segyk4lcZwI/AAAAAAAAD0s/GcjAX5ALYzc/s1600-h/Intensity.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Segyk4lcZwI/AAAAAAAAD0s/GcjAX5ALYzc/s400/Intensity.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325562168611727106" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">This is a classic shot. Dave did it not me. Wish I had taken it.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SegyJpdfqrI/AAAAAAAAD0E/z1PEn7SA2eM/s1600-h/HarrietWorks.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SegyJpdfqrI/AAAAAAAAD0E/z1PEn7SA2eM/s400/HarrietWorks.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325561700695386802" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Harriet works on her egg as an artist works on his canvas.</div></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Segx1prryjI/AAAAAAAADzs/o-0iwH0z8MI/s1600-h/Focused.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Segx1prryjI/AAAAAAAADzs/o-0iwH0z8MI/s400/Focused.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325561357157517874" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">How about a pastel yellow for this egg?</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Segx1lYYVTI/AAAAAAAADzk/yUF8oHIw_AM/s1600-h/FinishProduct.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Segx1lYYVTI/AAAAAAAADzk/yUF8oHIw_AM/s400/FinishProduct.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325561356002809138" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">There may be a hidden meaning in this egg.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Segx1oKwCRI/AAAAAAAADzc/Xj5r23RclwU/s1600-h/FinishingUp.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 254px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Segx1oKwCRI/AAAAAAAADzc/Xj5r23RclwU/s400/FinishingUp.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325561356750948626" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Finishing up for the final competition.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SegxF_4vd9I/AAAAAAAADyM/aBcYFpAt_TY/s1600-h/CalculatingCarl.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 363px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SegxF_4vd9I/AAAAAAAADyM/aBcYFpAt_TY/s400/CalculatingCarl.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325560538484144082" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Carl knew exactly what he was doing for his egg.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>The Easter Egg Hunt</b></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SegyJss9ZQI/AAAAAAAAD0M/vxj2lfSzrJs/s1600-h/Huntbegins.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SegyJss9ZQI/AAAAAAAAD0M/vxj2lfSzrJs/s400/Huntbegins.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325561701565555970" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SegyJrdmbwI/AAAAAAAADz8/IXXrgEpRjEA/s1600-h/GoodEggHunting.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SegyJrdmbwI/AAAAAAAADz8/IXXrgEpRjEA/s400/GoodEggHunting.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325561701232701186" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Segyk_39LDI/AAAAAAAAD0k/nXmHMWfohXQ/s1600-h/HuntSuccess.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Segyk_39LDI/AAAAAAAAD0k/nXmHMWfohXQ/s400/HuntSuccess.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325562170568420402" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SegyKFr1U9I/AAAAAAAAD0c/WkLEtxYP1zQ/s1600-h/Huntprobls.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SegyKFr1U9I/AAAAAAAAD0c/WkLEtxYP1zQ/s400/Huntprobls.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325561708271719378" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SegyJ4KxHDI/AAAAAAAAD0U/e0hS4cfa_nw/s1600-h/HuntInstructor.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SegyJ4KxHDI/AAAAAAAAD0U/e0hS4cfa_nw/s400/HuntInstructor.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325561704643370034" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SegxirokwNI/AAAAAAAADzM/9yzB5jKCCIY/s1600-h/EggHunt1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SegxirokwNI/AAAAAAAADzM/9yzB5jKCCIY/s400/EggHunt1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325561031263830226" /></a>A "D" was given to this Easter Egg Hunter, Ms. Harriet. She was almost shown where four eggs were hidden but could only find one. She even appears to be perplexed as to what to do with this English chocolate egg. Eat it, Ms. Harriet, eat it!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sew-NI2u9KI/AAAAAAAAEE4/Z16Mkej3KO8/s1600-h/amd_easter.jpg.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 363px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sew-NI2u9KI/AAAAAAAAEE4/Z16Mkej3KO8/s400/amd_easter.jpg.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326700854708728994" /></a>An "A" was given to this student who understood what it meant to be on an Easter Egg Hunt!</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Back to Business</b></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SegxieJzIvI/AAAAAAAADzE/sCYPrlQ5tZc/s1600-h/EarlyJan.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 336px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SegxieJzIvI/AAAAAAAADzE/sCYPrlQ5tZc/s400/EarlyJan.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325561027645088498" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SegxiZv9VDI/AAAAAAAADy8/zJRt4q-MvEc/s1600-h/DoneEggs.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SegxiZv9VDI/AAAAAAAADy8/zJRt4q-MvEc/s400/DoneEggs.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325561026462962738" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SegxF1knAZI/AAAAAAAADyU/Ktx_pkn6bsc/s1600-h/CarlGoodEgg.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SegxF1knAZI/AAAAAAAADyU/Ktx_pkn6bsc/s400/CarlGoodEgg.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325560535715348882" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SegxiaNYGjI/AAAAAAAADy0/2aq1VYgmJGc/s1600-h/Details.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SegxiaNYGjI/AAAAAAAADy0/2aq1VYgmJGc/s400/Details.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325561026586352178" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SegxiBtmRRI/AAAAAAAADys/4fPDXmNKw10/s1600-h/DaisyBunnie.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SegxiBtmRRI/AAAAAAAADys/4fPDXmNKw10/s400/DaisyBunnie.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325561020010611986" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Segx1bzueSI/AAAAAAAADzU/W4D1eTxBXIA/s1600-h/Eggingon.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Segx1bzueSI/AAAAAAAADzU/W4D1eTxBXIA/s400/Eggingon.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325561353433151778" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SegxGP_xAZI/AAAAAAAADyc/P7XTpCIu82c/s1600-h/CarlWins.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SegxGP_xAZI/AAAAAAAADyc/P7XTpCIu82c/s400/CarlWins.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325560542808572306" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Segwya9ydJI/AAAAAAAADx0/8vmIC7N38Gg/s1600-h/APicture.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Segwya9ydJI/AAAAAAAADx0/8vmIC7N38Gg/s400/APicture.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325560202155685010" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SegwyKJdkHI/AAAAAAAADxs/pvb_Dm1y0uY/s1600-h/Annworks.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SegwyKJdkHI/AAAAAAAADxs/pvb_Dm1y0uY/s400/Annworks.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325560197641244786" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SegwyMRrceI/AAAAAAAADxk/zYULyWGmrb4/s1600-h/Ann.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 245px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SegwyMRrceI/AAAAAAAADxk/zYULyWGmrb4/s400/Ann.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325560198212579810" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SegwyMv1THI/AAAAAAAADxc/YaNN6z55Y_A/s1600-h/Advice.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SegwyMv1THI/AAAAAAAADxc/YaNN6z55Y_A/s400/Advice.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325560198339054706" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Segz0zGPNGI/AAAAAAAAD1o/mi5JZiFRsKM/s1600-h/TheEggs.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 194px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Segz0zGPNGI/AAAAAAAAD1o/mi5JZiFRsKM/s400/TheEggs.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325563541528196194" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Segz01Z8xtI/AAAAAAAAD14/FpB5LIEKuhs/s1600-h/Winners.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Segz01Z8xtI/AAAAAAAAD14/FpB5LIEKuhs/s400/Winners.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325563542147745490" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SegxF6c8RiI/AAAAAAAADyE/qa1QiINJAf4/s1600-h/AProblem2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SegxF6c8RiI/AAAAAAAADyE/qa1QiINJAf4/s400/AProblem2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325560537025365538" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SegwybKBECI/AAAAAAAADx8/WlN85wRNVNQ/s1600-h/AProblem.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SegwybKBECI/AAAAAAAADx8/WlN85wRNVNQ/s400/AProblem.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325560202206973986" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se_B2NxXAQI/AAAAAAAAEWA/r9mGi-JoJT8/s1600-h/soph2great1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se_B2NxXAQI/AAAAAAAAEWA/r9mGi-JoJT8/s400/soph2great1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327690021356372226" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se_B2Kpq9SI/AAAAAAAAEV4/GKOqu0STlW0/s1600-h/soph2creat1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se_B2Kpq9SI/AAAAAAAAEV4/GKOqu0STlW0/s400/soph2creat1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327690020518819106" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se_B2GrnYWI/AAAAAAAAEVw/oeoKis9KjuI/s1600-h/soph2creat2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se_B2GrnYWI/AAAAAAAAEVw/oeoKis9KjuI/s400/soph2creat2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327690019453231458" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se_B100J9zI/AAAAAAAAEVo/4vGo48sbn0g/s1600-h/soph2ugly2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se_B100J9zI/AAAAAAAAEVo/4vGo48sbn0g/s400/soph2ugly2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327690014657214258" /></a><br /><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Wednesday, April 15, 1400: Fresh Class 2</span></b><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sem9YTrCeoI/AAAAAAAAD8Q/1JSXqg64jKw/s1600-h/LastPresentation.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sem9YTrCeoI/AAAAAAAAD8Q/1JSXqg64jKw/s400/LastPresentation.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325996259637623426" /></a><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sem60ZUajfI/AAAAAAAAD8A/RY2ysKvtcxU/s1600-h/YesYao.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sem60ZUajfI/AAAAAAAAD8A/RY2ysKvtcxU/s400/YesYao.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325993443654798834" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sem60Mr6EXI/AAAAAAAAD7w/J_UjJNmbKkU/s1600-h/WorkingHardToo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sem60Mr6EXI/AAAAAAAAD7w/J_UjJNmbKkU/s400/WorkingHardToo.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325993440263672178" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sem6z44MqJI/AAAAAAAAD7o/tvndkAT1IWY/s1600-h/Workcontinues.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sem6z44MqJI/AAAAAAAAD7o/tvndkAT1IWY/s400/Workcontinues.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325993434946513042" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sem6ztpXvKI/AAAAAAAAD7g/9gSKMOvYTEY/s1600-h/WendyEgg.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sem6ztpXvKI/AAAAAAAAD7g/9gSKMOvYTEY/s400/WendyEgg.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325993431931534498" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sem4-f2e16I/AAAAAAAAD7Q/Ij9H9FAe1PE/s1600-h/TwoWorks.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sem4-f2e16I/AAAAAAAAD7Q/Ij9H9FAe1PE/s400/TwoWorks.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325991418183735202" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sem2jvHtI7I/AAAAAAAAD6w/9OARDtnK4_w/s1600-h/SophieDetails.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 376px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sem2jvHtI7I/AAAAAAAAD6w/9OARDtnK4_w/s400/SophieDetails.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325988759402783666" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sem2jZuZG-I/AAAAAAAAD6g/Ec8GFY0Mfns/s1600-h/Payingattention.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sem2jZuZG-I/AAAAAAAAD6g/Ec8GFY0Mfns/s400/Payingattention.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325988753659468770" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sem2jWJV9rI/AAAAAAAAD6Y/hkmdhXJTekI/s1600-h/Notready.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sem2jWJV9rI/AAAAAAAAD6Y/hkmdhXJTekI/s400/Notready.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325988752698767026" /></a><br />Mr. Crock, acting like a Wuhanese, did not want his unfinished egg to be photographed. Could it be that he was going for the ugliest egg award?<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sem1LLINunI/AAAAAAAAD6I/LSTpwuNgVqA/s1600-h/MoreWork.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sem1LLINunI/AAAAAAAAD6I/LSTpwuNgVqA/s400/MoreWork.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325987237912754802" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Diligence among the freshmen</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sem0dfup8QI/AAAAAAAAD5Y/3SR09nS7BMA/s1600-h/BunniesRUs.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sem0dfup8QI/AAAAAAAAD5Y/3SR09nS7BMA/s400/BunniesRUs.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325986453168713986" /></a>The entire freshmen give the bunny sign in response to one of the remarks the Gap Guys had made.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sem1K_8o0hI/AAAAAAAAD6A/Ph6Uo9d1h-Q/s1600-h/Morebunnies.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sem1K_8o0hI/AAAAAAAAD6A/Ph6Uo9d1h-Q/s400/Morebunnies.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325987234911408658" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The entire class erupts in one hug hunny sign for the Gap Guys comments.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sem1Kw0xlDI/AAAAAAAAD54/0Qzt0IUxBpw/s1600-h/LemonEgg.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sem1Kw0xlDI/AAAAAAAAD54/0Qzt0IUxBpw/s400/LemonEgg.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325987230851896370" /></a>Lemon's egg seems to be a preliminary favorite for the most creative. It is early so we plan to keep an eye on her egg.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sem1Kvm39MI/AAAAAAAAD5w/fZ3AWnG7vvs/s1600-h/Eggo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sem1Kvm39MI/AAAAAAAAD5w/fZ3AWnG7vvs/s400/Eggo.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325987230525158594" /></a>Aron's computer generated designs did not really help him when he tried to apply them to the egg.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sem1KnUxxsI/AAAAAAAAD5o/YocK2-H82FE/s1600-h/DetailWork.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sem1KnUxxsI/AAAAAAAAD5o/YocK2-H82FE/s400/DetailWork.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325987228301772482" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">More freshmen diligence under pressure</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sem0do8KT9I/AAAAAAAAD5g/ezNetE0Ui1o/s1600-h/CrossEgg.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sem0do8KT9I/AAAAAAAAD5g/ezNetE0Ui1o/s400/CrossEgg.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325986455641280466" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The Egg and The Cross</div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sem0dUM_b7I/AAAAAAAAD5Q/V3baX6-cDlc/s1600-h/GoodEgg.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sem0dUM_b7I/AAAAAAAAD5Q/V3baX6-cDlc/s400/GoodEgg.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325986450074726322" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Capturing a blank egg and turning it into a picture is hard work.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sem4-T5Pc9I/AAAAAAAAD7I/-ojckbn4boE/s1600-h/Theeggs.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sem4-T5Pc9I/AAAAAAAAD7I/-ojckbn4boE/s400/Theeggs.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325991414974084050" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Freshmen Class 2 Produncts</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sem4-BQnn6I/AAAAAAAAD7A/ja4W_snTFRQ/s1600-h/TheEggos.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sem4-BQnn6I/AAAAAAAAD7A/ja4W_snTFRQ/s400/TheEggos.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325991409971863458" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">More products</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "> Egg Knocking Championship</span></div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sem8Lal9-fI/AAAAAAAAD8I/jNxk8tI_8as/s1600-h/Yoaattacks.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sem8Lal9-fI/AAAAAAAAD8I/jNxk8tI_8as/s400/Yoaattacks.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325994938645477874" /></a>Mr. Yao spares no pain as he sends Mr. Joe to the sidelines. Mr. Yao became an instant favorite to win it all if he could get past the evil Mr. Monster Duck Egg of Mr. Taunus. Mr. Yao's techniques were flawless.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sem60LPoBDI/AAAAAAAAD74/jG0dTrh94GY/s1600-h/yaodoesgiselle.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sem60LPoBDI/AAAAAAAAD74/jG0dTrh94GY/s400/yaodoesgiselle.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325993439876613170" /></a>Second round action had Giselle swiftly dispatching an eager and energetic Mr. Yao. Mr. Yao spent the next few hours crying over his defeat.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sem4-LLXk6I/AAAAAAAAD64/4YrCzhsj0_k/s1600-h/SydvsTaun.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sem4-LLXk6I/AAAAAAAAD64/4YrCzhsj0_k/s400/SydvsTaun.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325991412634194850" /></a><br />First round competition pitted Ms. Sydney against the monster duck egg that Mr. Taunus had brought to the competition. Ms. Sydney's egg was crushed under the shear size of the duck egg. Some competitors began to complain about the unfair size of Mr. Taunus' duck egg.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sem2jAbZ71I/AAAAAAAAD6Q/HksngYnhVJE/s1600-h/MyEgg.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sem2jAbZ71I/AAAAAAAAD6Q/HksngYnhVJE/s400/MyEgg.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325988746868944722" /></a>Ms. Angel takes on Mr. Monster Duck Egg, the odds-on favorite to take it all. Mr. Taunus and his duck egg fall to the brilliant attacks of Ms. Angel, pushing her into the final round.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sem0c7ldxFI/AAAAAAAAD5A/hDro8lePi0A/s1600-h/Giselleattacks.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sem0c7ldxFI/AAAAAAAAD5A/hDro8lePi0A/s400/Giselleattacks.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325986443466490962" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Giselle destroys her competition to get her into the finals.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sem2jkaPjpI/AAAAAAAAD6o/-gqXwXbESJc/s1600-h/Semis.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sem2jkaPjpI/AAAAAAAAD6o/-gqXwXbESJc/s400/Semis.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325988756527746706" /></a>The finals of the Egg Knocking Competition: Ms. Giselle and Ms. Angel<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sem0dCIRC4I/AAAAAAAAD5I/FxT0lUHveKE/s1600-h/Thechamp.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sem0dCIRC4I/AAAAAAAAD5I/FxT0lUHveKE/s400/Thechamp.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325986445223070594" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Freshmen Class 2 Egg Knocking Champion</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>The Award Winners</b></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se_G73ylVxI/AAAAAAAAEW4/XCflpHU45ek/s1600-h/fresh2great1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se_G73ylVxI/AAAAAAAAEW4/XCflpHU45ek/s400/fresh2great1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327695616093280018" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se_G75FTc6I/AAAAAAAAEWw/bJ2V0XOHFss/s1600-h/fresh2great2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se_G75FTc6I/AAAAAAAAEWw/bJ2V0XOHFss/s400/fresh2great2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327695616440234914" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se_EOXzHJ3I/AAAAAAAAEWo/ZkZQ84DMIeg/s1600-h/fresh2creat1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se_EOXzHJ3I/AAAAAAAAEWo/ZkZQ84DMIeg/s400/fresh2creat1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327692635388192626" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se_EObgBseI/AAAAAAAAEWg/euP4DU8rtjY/s1600-h/fresh2creat2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se_EObgBseI/AAAAAAAAEWg/euP4DU8rtjY/s400/fresh2creat2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327692636381884898" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se_EOK4w-fI/AAAAAAAAEWY/S-GNrpSda7g/s1600-h/fresh2knock.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se_EOK4w-fI/AAAAAAAAEWY/S-GNrpSda7g/s400/fresh2knock.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327692631922244082" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se_EN3ePMTI/AAAAAAAAEWQ/WyOZr1iQzko/s1600-h/fresh2ugly1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se_EN3ePMTI/AAAAAAAAEWQ/WyOZr1iQzko/s400/fresh2ugly1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327692626710704434" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se_EN2U-jbI/AAAAAAAAEWI/ag7zdUAsQ6Y/s1600-h/fresh2ugly2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Se_EN2U-jbI/AAAAAAAAEWI/ag7zdUAsQ6Y/s400/fresh2ugly2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327692626403429810" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx5iL1H2cKlaifYA1YCKdF1hw-z0q4xvPnOae5J7dMMEIomb8g7Ombx0GBiDzQo0TYdCMWnuQvikp9HIugJuw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div></div></div></div>Cecil Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15551474809860713547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8046096126809167500.post-30776343185002521272009-04-07T16:40:00.000-07:002009-04-07T16:59:37.146-07:00An Older PoetI'm just an older poet<br />Crafting words from what I’ve seen.<br />No Shakespearean sonnet,<br />I type exactly what I mean.<br /><br />My life is one big escapade,<br />Where I pinch myself to see<br />Is it true or am I being played<br />By a mind that’s running free?<br /><br />I travel roads of interest<br />Knowing life is so complex.<br />Yet, I’m always feeling blessed,<br />Seeing things I don’t expect.<br /><br />I take a lot of pictures,<br />Looking for the one that’s great.<br />It’s funny how each captures,<br />The essence of my fate.<br /><br />I search for beauty and wisdom,<br />In places both great and small.<br />I hear a thousand students hum,<br />Some song I can’t recall.<br /><br />I type of things that shouldn’t be<br />And are really very bad.<br />I wish that everyone could see,<br />The beauty and not the sad.<br /><br />I write the words that come to mind,<br />While I sit in silence deep.<br />Relaxing and reflecting to unwind;<br />Just before I fall asleep.Cecil Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15551474809860713547noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8046096126809167500.post-48335086540666036732009-04-06T20:02:00.001-07:002009-04-30T17:17:21.969-07:00Qing Ming (清明节) Walk to Baoguo TempleIt was a nice day so we decided to take a walk over to Baoguo Temple with one of my freshmen students, Mr. Yao. The temple is about ten or fifteen minutes from our apartment. Since I have been taking many pictures of this temple for nearly two years, I decided not to take any outside shots but concentrate on "art photos" instead.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeQDf40zyXI/AAAAAAAADtM/JpIlHFaK7XY/s1600-h/BuddhaWheel.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 286px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeQDf40zyXI/AAAAAAAADtM/JpIlHFaK7XY/s400/BuddhaWheel.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324384505823480178" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Art Photo - Buddhist Wheel Of Life</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeQPaBng-gI/AAAAAAAADv0/TG8zZ6dfX24/s1600-h/SmallPagoda.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeQPaBng-gI/AAAAAAAADv0/TG8zZ6dfX24/s400/SmallPagoda.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324397599243958786" /></a>Not really an art photo but a pretty good shot of one of the two buildings that stand inside and on both sides of the entrance.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeQEPo5GKPI/AAAAAAAADt0/LGXhlEo0O4A/s1600-h/FirstCourtyard.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeQEPo5GKPI/AAAAAAAADt0/LGXhlEo0O4A/s400/FirstCourtyard.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324385326180215026" /></a>Notice I have the Wheel of Life, the small pagoda-looking building and the lighted candles all in one picture. This gives one a good feel for the entrance layout of the temple.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeQLlLA2OjI/AAAAAAAADuc/SANdbEPrrE4/s1600-h/LeavingOldLady.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeQLlLA2OjI/AAAAAAAADuc/SANdbEPrrE4/s400/LeavingOldLady.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324393392698178098" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Art Photo - Follower</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeQLluHI6FI/AAAAAAAADu8/tJyxWFCTJc8/s1600-h/Monks.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeQLluHI6FI/AAAAAAAADu8/tJyxWFCTJc8/s400/Monks.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324393402119809106" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Not so artsy but I like the red contrasted with the monks.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeQPajr265I/AAAAAAAADwM/pceTx6gCgaM/s1600-h/Window2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeQPajr265I/AAAAAAAADwM/pceTx6gCgaM/s400/Window2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324397608388979602" /></a>Art Photo - Lotus Window<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeQPaVZFEEI/AAAAAAAADwE/NRS_vxjSqMM/s1600-h/Window.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 344px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeQPaVZFEEI/AAAAAAAADwE/NRS_vxjSqMM/s400/Window.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324397604552118338" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Art Photo - Fenshui Lotus View</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeQPaZs4HjI/AAAAAAAADv8/0dLxP6Wvr74/s1600-h/Symbol.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeQPaZs4HjI/AAAAAAAADv8/0dLxP6Wvr74/s400/Symbol.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324397605708897842" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Not sure what this thing was called but it made for a great picture.</div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeQPaNGRxpI/AAAAAAAADvs/J56tdVGvTv8/s1600-h/PalaceSign.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeQPaNGRxpI/AAAAAAAADvs/J56tdVGvTv8/s400/PalaceSign.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324397602325776018" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Is that "qi" as in energy? Nope. It means seven Buddhas.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeQNt3vW65I/AAAAAAAADvk/ZKe8cXnpLJs/s1600-h/Oval3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeQNt3vW65I/AAAAAAAADvk/ZKe8cXnpLJs/s400/Oval3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324395741166627730" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Art Photo - Oval Door</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeQNtohxL7I/AAAAAAAADvc/s_X4VUMG8zs/s1600-h/Oval2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeQNtohxL7I/AAAAAAAADvc/s_X4VUMG8zs/s400/Oval2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324395737083097010" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Art Photo - Another Oval Door</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeQNtdCWM3I/AAAAAAAADvE/Q_3az9NlHAs/s1600-h/MrYao.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeQNtdCWM3I/AAAAAAAADvE/Q_3az9NlHAs/s400/MrYao.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324395733998515058" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Here Mr. Yao stands posed by one of the doors.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeQNtn16z-I/AAAAAAAADvU/FnYN8vEEvLw/s1600-h/Oval1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeQNtn16z-I/AAAAAAAADvU/FnYN8vEEvLw/s400/Oval1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324395736899178466" /></a></div><div>Another view of one of the oval doors. Photographing these obvious Chinese doors is always a good idea.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeQNtYXjaVI/AAAAAAAADvM/ClwM6bm6Is8/s1600-h/OldFence.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 345px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeQNtYXjaVI/AAAAAAAADvM/ClwM6bm6Is8/s400/OldFence.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324395732745283922" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">This is on one of the old fences on the balcony of the second buidling.</div><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeQLlqcRPsI/AAAAAAAADu0/WB2aECFJpHU/s1600-h/MonkLook.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeQLlqcRPsI/AAAAAAAADu0/WB2aECFJpHU/s400/MonkLook.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324393401134694082" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">A nice view of the second building complex.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeQLlQ95Z-I/AAAAAAAADus/YdIQ11o2BKI/s1600-h/LotusDoorway.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeQLlQ95Z-I/AAAAAAAADus/YdIQ11o2BKI/s400/LotusDoorway.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324393394296416226" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Art Photo - Lotus Door</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeQLlHvR-vI/AAAAAAAADuk/P1WpYqHOE0M/s1600-h/LIonDogs.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeQLlHvR-vI/AAAAAAAADuk/P1WpYqHOE0M/s400/LIonDogs.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324393391819193074" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Art Photo - Guards</div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeQEQHAqFnI/AAAAAAAADuU/-Y9PP9-LOEg/s1600-h/Lanternside.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeQEQHAqFnI/AAAAAAAADuU/-Y9PP9-LOEg/s400/Lanternside.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324385334264993394" /></a>Art Photo - Lantern<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeQEP20tjgI/AAAAAAAADuM/AxNXMZIdPLg/s1600-h/Lantern.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeQEP20tjgI/AAAAAAAADuM/AxNXMZIdPLg/s400/Lantern.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324385329919921666" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">This is the above lamp but from directly underneath. Almost artsy but not quite.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeQEPzXU8OI/AAAAAAAADuE/AkvtLtLHl0s/s1600-h/FishMouth.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeQEPzXU8OI/AAAAAAAADuE/AkvtLtLHl0s/s400/FishMouth.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324385328991367394" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Art Photo - Fish Lips</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeQEP7eKuSI/AAAAAAAADt8/AibU5fet9VY/s1600-h/Fish.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeQEP7eKuSI/AAAAAAAADt8/AibU5fet9VY/s400/Fish.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324385331167541538" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Art Photo - Fish</div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeQDgczNR-I/AAAAAAAADts/fPGllwxKbQg/s1600-h/Doorway.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeQDgczNR-I/AAAAAAAADts/fPGllwxKbQg/s400/Doorway.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324384515480438754" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Art Photo - Inner Garden</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeQDgamV2pI/AAAAAAAADtk/Ch3_ZOqZjxg/s1600-h/DarkDoors.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 278px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeQDgamV2pI/AAAAAAAADtk/Ch3_ZOqZjxg/s400/DarkDoors.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324384514889603730" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Art Photo - Windows</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeQDgKCKeHI/AAAAAAAADtc/BnZJgJKixZ4/s1600-h/CarveLege.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 194px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeQDgKCKeHI/AAAAAAAADtc/BnZJgJKixZ4/s400/CarveLege.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324384510442895474" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Art Photo - Leg Carving</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeQDgPqvzkI/AAAAAAAADtU/-rEq-Hp2piA/s1600-h/CarvedDoorway.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeQDgPqvzkI/AAAAAAAADtU/-rEq-Hp2piA/s400/CarvedDoorway.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324384511955291714" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Art Photo - Superb Entrance</div><br />We spent about two hours walking around Baoguo Temple and, as you can see, I did take a few interesting pictures. Our walk back would take us to the Emei Mountain Museum and then on to Baoguan Village.<br /><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Emei Museum and Baoguan Village</span></b><br /><br /></div><div>Mr. Yao had never been to the museum so we spent about an hour and I tried to take pictures to fill in my already big collection from this museum.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeQRhiXzQrI/AAAAAAAADxE/N2BDwYOBh-k/s1600-h/EmeiMap.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeQRhiXzQrI/AAAAAAAADxE/N2BDwYOBh-k/s400/EmeiMap.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324399927318758066" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Old watercolor and ink panting of Emei Mountain.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeQRh8LFvoI/AAAAAAAADxU/5Xj_qWDqhNA/s1600-h/Bronze.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeQRh8LFvoI/AAAAAAAADxU/5Xj_qWDqhNA/s400/Bronze.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324399934244765314" /></a><br />This is part of a hug bronze moral inside the museum that displays ancient sculptures from the area.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeQRhXQ5uuI/AAAAAAAADw8/-DuD8cawddI/s1600-h/GirlPaintScroll.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 206px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeQRhXQ5uuI/AAAAAAAADw8/-DuD8cawddI/s400/GirlPaintScroll.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324399924337031906" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">A modern watercolor I found quite lovely.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeQQD_FRqqI/AAAAAAAADw0/jnhh7m69PoE/s1600-h/HavingTea.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeQQD_FRqqI/AAAAAAAADw0/jnhh7m69PoE/s400/HavingTea.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324398320117983906" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Tea drinkers. I could not resist another picture of these two guys.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeQQDnrlfgI/AAAAAAAADws/f6Pp8uTU8Fg/s1600-h/IvoryBuddha.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeQQDnrlfgI/AAAAAAAADws/f6Pp8uTU8Fg/s400/IvoryBuddha.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324398313836215810" /></a>I think I must have taken this beautiful ivory buddha at least ten times. I obvious find him quite beautiful.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeQQDoNxT0I/AAAAAAAADwk/K1o5rbRUp6Q/s1600-h/SuneePict.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeQQDoNxT0I/AAAAAAAADwk/K1o5rbRUp6Q/s400/SuneePict.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324398313979596610" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Sunee checks out some of the huge photos of the area.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeQRhvAIPWI/AAAAAAAADxM/5Bw897Ad_70/s1600-h/Directions.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeQRhvAIPWI/AAAAAAAADxM/5Bw897Ad_70/s400/Directions.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324399930709130594" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Time to move on toward Baoguan Village and back to the campus.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeQQDc7yrLI/AAAAAAAADwc/yFWUMfHKoSE/s1600-h/FinalGem.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeQQDc7yrLI/AAAAAAAADwc/yFWUMfHKoSE/s400/FinalGem.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324398310951398578" /></a>I had not taken a close up of the huge jewel inside the bronze pagoda at the end of Baoguan Village Street. Here it is.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeQQDW1vBCI/AAAAAAAADwU/g7iK_jKEwiQ/s1600-h/Waterfall.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SeQQDW1vBCI/AAAAAAAADwU/g7iK_jKEwiQ/s400/Waterfall.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324398309315380258" /></a></div><br /><br />This is a view of the square one finds as he enters the Baogua Temple area or at least the start of the actual Emei Mountain Scenic Area. Waterfalls, bronze pagoda, elephants and incense burners all make for an interesting square.<br /><br />Time to head home. It was a nice walk and it gave Mr. Yao an opportunity to visit Baogua Temple and the associated Emei Mountain Museum for the first time. A small adventure but an adventure indeed.Cecil Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15551474809860713547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8046096126809167500.post-67848591933932641582009-04-04T06:12:00.001-07:002009-04-05T15:20:34.920-07:00A Birthday Party For Cecil and John, The Gap GuyFor my birthday, we decided to take the Gap Guys (Ivan came over from his job in Leshan) and Tom to the Crouching Tiger Temple and visit our good friend, Yan Meow, who heads the school of Buddhist Thought at the temple. We walk down to the main highway and get a packed bus to the little village about a fifteen-minute walk from Crouching Tiger Temple. A pleasant day for a walk it turned out.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdjLvOZKsuI/AAAAAAAADbU/KoswiCglOc4/s1600-h/MonkRide.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdjLvOZKsuI/AAAAAAAADbU/KoswiCglOc4/s400/MonkRide.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321226971916186338" /></a>As we started our walk up the mountain to the temple, I caught a glimpse of a couple of monks waiting to board the just arrived bus. Thought it made for an interesting photo.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdjLu4pZH0I/AAAAAAAADbM/BlPs0ryYs1g/s1600-h/mahjong.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdjLu4pZH0I/AAAAAAAADbM/BlPs0ryYs1g/s400/mahjong.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321226966078660418" /></a>On each side of the road, the forest pressed against the asphalt. A few hundred meters from the village, we passed over a bridge. No water in the creek but a few people were playing mahjong on the tables set up by the dry creek bed. Interesting to see mahjong played from this angle.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdjLu7bKvgI/AAAAAAAADbE/4t-ZKKm6o5Y/s1600-h/Lost.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdjLu7bKvgI/AAAAAAAADbE/4t-ZKKm6o5Y/s400/Lost.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321226966824304130" /></a>We make our way to the temple and explain to the ticket seller who we are and she lets us all in without a problem. Looks like John might have gotten lost as we wait for Sunee to give Yan Meow a call to let her know we have arrived.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdjLuoqrpcI/AAAAAAAADa8/2eszBIM7B04/s1600-h/WelcomeIn.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdjLuoqrpcI/AAAAAAAADa8/2eszBIM7B04/s400/WelcomeIn.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321226961789101506" /></a>We arrive a little before 2 PM, give Yan Meow a call and then immediately enter the school area of the temple. No tourists are allowed in this area.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdjLvdpGw5I/AAAAAAAADbc/hM0xmbxudHU/s1600-h/MoreTeaAnyone.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdjLvdpGw5I/AAAAAAAADbc/hM0xmbxudHU/s400/MoreTeaAnyone.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321226976009569170" /></a>Yan Meow serves us lots of Emei Mountain Zhuyeqing Green Tea and was happy to answer our many questions we asked her via our interpreter - Sunee. We all learned a lot about Buddhism and Crouching Tiger Temple.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdjKTl7mVRI/AAAAAAAADa0/Qc4_wCh0SwI/s1600-h/YanMeowPlay.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdjKTl7mVRI/AAAAAAAADa0/Qc4_wCh0SwI/s400/YanMeowPlay.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321225397686654226" /></a>Yan Meow plays the gucheng for us. She has been practicing for over a year and was anxious for us to listen to her music. She is a wonderful musician.<br /><br /><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdjKTtxHQoI/AAAAAAAADas/fHlPXvhI0_c/s1600-h/Guchengentertain.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdjKTtxHQoI/AAAAAAAADas/fHlPXvhI0_c/s400/Guchengentertain.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321225399790158466" /></a>All of us gave wonder to the Asian exotic sounds that she was producing. Sounds like a river running down through the forest of Emei Mountain was Tom's comment. Yeh, there is something very special about these ancient Chinese musical instruments. </div><br /><br /><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdjKTBalpLI/AAAAAAAADak/8cLpGojogVE/s1600-h/DaveDoesGucheng.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdjKTBalpLI/AAAAAAAADak/8cLpGojogVE/s400/DaveDoesGucheng.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321225387884520626" /></a>Dave fiddles (or rather guchengs) around on the instrument. He, too, made some pleasant sounds without really trying.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzk7PQR8worT_eg8GiNN2Hf2lrDs3JiVuQrxf_KeJFZzHeEEw0pDiK3D0lwDIUvYzSb6-owxKalb8Sb7Gy7lQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdjKTAdxooI/AAAAAAAADac/yUo0kWE1L9M/s1600-h/SuneeGucheng.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdjKTAdxooI/AAAAAAAADac/yUo0kWE1L9M/s400/SuneeGucheng.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321225387629453954" /></a>Sunee gives the gucheng a try. Just plunking around on it produces some very pleasant sounds. Sunee wanted to learn how to play but realized it would take many years to master this ancient instrument.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdjKS1p7rLI/AAAAAAAADaU/rF-wu0QzOuQ/s1600-h/IvanDoesGucheng.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdjKS1p7rLI/AAAAAAAADaU/rF-wu0QzOuQ/s400/IvanDoesGucheng.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321225384727653554" /></a>Ivan gives the gucheng a shot. He plays a bass guitar and so he tended to keep on the bass side of the gucheng, if there is such a thing.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdjHTwRX6wI/AAAAAAAADaM/2OFrPYq3a5I/s1600-h/YanMeowDoorway.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdjHTwRX6wI/AAAAAAAADaM/2OFrPYq3a5I/s400/YanMeowDoorway.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321222101927455490" /></a>Yan Meow, our nun hostess, bids us farewell from the door of her school. Every time we have visited with her, we leave even more impressed with her radiance and sweetness. <div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdjHTwz2F-I/AAAAAAAADaE/bFIsYAPwYLc/s1600-h/ThreeGappers.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdjHTwz2F-I/AAAAAAAADaE/bFIsYAPwYLc/s400/ThreeGappers.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321222102072039394" /></a>Here come the THREE GAP GUYS! They seemed to be having a great time on MY birthday trip. Glad they came along.<div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdjHToVaJYI/AAAAAAAADZ8/GGI84Yu3fLU/s1600-h/TomPagoda.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdjHToVaJYI/AAAAAAAADZ8/GGI84Yu3fLU/s400/TomPagoda.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321222099796895106" /></a>Tom told me he had counted about 500 Buddhas on this old pagoda and got tired of counting. Figured there were around 1000 of them all told. I get a good shot of Tom focusing in on some of those Buddhas. <div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdjHTtTIVkI/AAAAAAAADZ0/Mh_3P-hoiS8/s1600-h/Deskcolorful.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdjHTtTIVkI/AAAAAAAADZ0/Mh_3P-hoiS8/s400/Deskcolorful.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321222101129516610" /></a>The table in front of the really old iron pagoda at the center of the side courtyard on the way to the 500 Arhats Temple. A lot of color. Those things on each side represent elephants.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdjFn0AW-yI/AAAAAAAADZk/UHphY3Th5Sc/s1600-h/IncenseLook.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdjFn0AW-yI/AAAAAAAADZk/UHphY3Th5Sc/s400/IncenseLook.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321220247503960866" /></a>Tom shows Dave around the temple. The incense makes a great veil of smoke for them to look through and make this a really interesting picture.<div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdjHTCuGWdI/AAAAAAAADZs/nOm7zVZcjMM/s1600-h/CakeMake.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdjHTCuGWdI/AAAAAAAADZs/nOm7zVZcjMM/s400/CakeMake.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321222089699908050" /></a>We left Crouching Tiger Temple and got to downtown Emei City at around 4:20 PM. Just enough time to get a cake. Here the cake decorator is working on our cake for the Birthday Party. We were to meet Bogdan at the two ladies statue at around 5 PM. Our timing was superb!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdjFn22SAcI/AAAAAAAADZc/MFaC0RhfDpk/s1600-h/VisitBogdan.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdjFn22SAcI/AAAAAAAADZc/MFaC0RhfDpk/s400/VisitBogdan.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321220248266998210" /></a>While waiting for the birthday cake time, Sunee visited with Bogdan about our trip to Crouching Tiger Temple.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdjFnhPiZCI/AAAAAAAADZM/iwFYjjEKiJc/s1600-h/ShareCherries.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdjFnhPiZCI/AAAAAAAADZM/iwFYjjEKiJc/s400/ShareCherries.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321220242467349538" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Of course, we got the cherries as it was John and my birthday cake.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdjFnjICdhI/AAAAAAAADZE/qZs4h9u1na0/s1600-h/Candles.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdjFnjICdhI/AAAAAAAADZE/qZs4h9u1na0/s400/Candles.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321220242972767762" /></a>Happy Birthday to us! This unique little candle holder played "Happy Birthday" over and over. A cute little gadget that worked well.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdjDXuG_YFI/AAAAAAAADY8/x7Y664g-osg/s1600-h/Dinner.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdjDXuG_YFI/AAAAAAAADY8/x7Y664g-osg/s400/Dinner.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321217772019998802" /></a>The birthday meal was fantastic with duck, specially prepared mashed potatoes, kungpao chicken and a lot more!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdjDXj3eooI/AAAAAAAADY0/PAg8glZHOKk/s1600-h/HappyBirthday.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdjDXj3eooI/AAAAAAAADY0/PAg8glZHOKk/s400/HappyBirthday.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321217769270583938" /></a>Of course, the birthday cake looked as good on the table as it did at the bakery. It turned out to be mostly cream with a little bit of sponge cake. It was no overly sweet but very delicious (ask Tom about that).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdjDXfUBGHI/AAAAAAAADYk/1SyzCizr1xg/s1600-h/BirthBoys.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 322px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdjDXfUBGHI/AAAAAAAADYk/1SyzCizr1xg/s400/BirthBoys.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321217768048105586" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The Birthday Boys official picture prior to the destruction of the cake.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdjDXRqp9SI/AAAAAAAADYs/DfIyUzW0wr4/s1600-h/CutCake.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdjDXRqp9SI/AAAAAAAADYs/DfIyUzW0wr4/s400/CutCake.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321217764384961826" /></a><br />Here Sunee uses a serious Chinese cleaver to cut the cake and to insure that no one got more than they deserved. No one dared argue with her.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdjDXFgS4hI/AAAAAAAADYc/7DOqOhs7FG0/s1600-h/BogdanTheman.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 389px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdjDXFgS4hI/AAAAAAAADYc/7DOqOhs7FG0/s400/BogdanTheman.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321217761120281106" /></a>Bogdan also had a great time, making sure that the refreshments kept on coming during the entire dinner. </div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdjFn891siI/AAAAAAAADZU/5qDdA2jvIGY/s1600-h/StopMusic.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdjFn891siI/AAAAAAAADZU/5qDdA2jvIGY/s400/StopMusic.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321220249909309986" /></a>And the music played on and on and on and on until we were all sick of the "Happy Birthday" song. Here Ivan tries to stop the music. It just would not stop. Happy Birthday. Happy Birthday. Happy Birtday . . . </div></div></div></div></div>Cecil Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15551474809860713547noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8046096126809167500.post-81667071388111025622009-04-03T00:29:00.000-07:002009-04-03T00:32:16.457-07:00A Short Story From Freshmen Writing Class 2<b>Angry Plum</b><br /><i>by Giselle Lee</i><br /><br />Every pig knows one day when they grow up, they will be taken to a place called “pig paradise,” and the fatter one grows the faster that day comes, which was common sense and ideal to all the pigs at “Mourn Farm.” My job there was to feed the pigs and I guaranteed to do my best to fatten them into big pork balls, gathering leftovers, chopping rotten cabbage, mixing all these with rough grain and then pouring them into the trough. All pigs die for food, so were mine, of course, apart from Angry Plum.<br /><br />Angry Plum had caught my peculiar attention, since he was born. His mother had thirteen piglets, he was the last one, the unlucky number, besides, unlike his brothers and sisters, he was almost black all over, except a white plum mark on his back, the shape of that plum was twisted like the angry face of a fire monster. That was how he got his name “Angry Plum.”<br /><br />Compared to the other pigs at Morn Farm, Angry Plum was surely a bag of bones with four long legs and a shorter tail, twisted, making a perfect full-stop. That long and sensitive nose intent to search every delicate change in the surroundings. A pair of abnormal ears, unlike fans, but two alarm bells, energetically raising up like dogs’ ears when hearing any strange footsteps. Sesame is the exact word coming to mind when I try to figure out a thing to describe his eyes. Two shiny sesames were carved into the face to which most females would show no interest, sparkling with passion, longing and wisdom.<br /><br />Every morning, as the routine, I opened the fence and started to clean up their half-out house, all pigs rushed back to the corner away from me, but only Angry Plum kept tarring at me like a 5-year-old child, took a few trying steps and then retreated. Finally, when I convinced this ugly creature that I was, indeed, harmless, he fluttered to me, turned round and round, and touching my boots with his too-long-a-nose-to-be-a-pic snout. From then on, I and he, set out on our journey of friendship. Dear readers, it was absolutely unbelievable and unreasonable during my time as a free laborer at my grandma’s Mourn Farm, a time when one was in want for something modern and refreshing, I had a pig friend named “Angry Plum!”<br /><br />We spent most of our time wandering among the fields of barley, enjoying the scents from the waves of gold, or lying underneath the jealous sky, indulging the cool breeze from the valley messing up our hair which he had little of anyway. Sometimes when it was raining, I would lean against the fence and listen to the rhythm of the falling rain while he raised up his front feet, put them on the fence just like a human child, and then lift all his weight on his trembling, skinny back feet, as if to demonstrate himself to be a human, and I knew, I knew that I would never ever forget the moment I saw the falling rain reflected in his eyes, which dawned on me that we were the same.<br /><br />At the same time, I never expected our friendship could only last a few months, the peace went broke when my grandma found Angry Plum missing. I tore into the pigs’ house, only to find the door unlocked, all pigs remained, but Angry Plum. Punishment? Definitely, but I was grateful to receive it as a gift, because I knew Angry Plum was on his adventure of freedom. I had foreseen this fate in his eyes on that rainy day.<br /><br />Nothing is more delightful than to know your friend is on the go for his dream. Angry Plum, God bless you, buddy!Cecil Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15551474809860713547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8046096126809167500.post-29007242934344262672009-03-30T01:01:00.001-07:002009-04-04T06:17:09.308-07:00Applied Conspiracy Theory<div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">The Plot</span></b></div><div><br /></div>Conspiracies abound throughout the world and cover a plethora of events and trends. To assist in the conspiracy against the Gap Guys, I developed what I call the Conspiracy Setup Matrix or CSM. This matrix consists of the following elements:<br /><br />secrecy<br />anxiety<br />manipulation<br />decoys and smokescreens<br />suppression<br />disinformation, lies, revisions and coverups<br />infiltration<div>buy-in<br />“bait and switch”<br />plots within plots<br />problem, reaction, solution (thesis, antithesis, synthesis)<br /><br />By using part or all of these techniques, one can successfully pull off a “sting” or “set up” for fun and/or profit. We apply these techniques to set up our very own Gap Guys - Dave and John.<br /><br />Because the Gap Guys were scheduled to go to Chengdu last Monday, I had enough time to develop and implement this setup with my Sophomore Class 1 using the upcoming Presentation and Debate on Eastern and Western Medicine. The debate would center on whether or not one could mix Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with Western medicine. We decided to develop a "plot within a plot" where some selected students would argue for and against TCM rather than for and against the mixing of the two. Of course, our plans had to be kept secret.<br /><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">The Secret</span></b><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdassriuFpI/AAAAAAAADYM/Op0rnSmKctE/s1600-h/1Conspiracy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 386px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdassriuFpI/AAAAAAAADYM/Op0rnSmKctE/s400/1Conspiracy.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320629893387392658" /></a>The plans were kept secret and everyone involved swore an oath to this secrecy. This secret plan was devised, developed and then recorded on this special edible paper in case a leak of the plan occurred.<div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">The Victims</span></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Of course, our victims were the Gap Guys and we all figured they would be easy targets for this conspiracy. This would also be payback for their missing class the previous Monday to attend some dumb wedding with Dr. Robert Liu<b>.</b></div><div><b><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sdashcdv_BI/AAAAAAAADX8/jk72Ze0Mt38/s1600-h/1Victim1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sdashcdv_BI/AAAAAAAADX8/jk72Ze0Mt38/s400/1Victim1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320629700361452562" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Gap Guy #1 Code Name - John</span></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdashHd2pBI/AAAAAAAADX0/FPJQdOaxsEw/s1600-h/1Victim2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdashHd2pBI/AAAAAAAADX0/FPJQdOaxsEw/s400/1Victim2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320629694724744210" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Gap Guy #2 Code Name - Dave</span></div><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">The Manipulation</span></b></b></div><b><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">In order to pull this setup off, we all had to act natural and conduct ourselves as if everything was in order.</span></span></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdassXI1C2I/AAAAAAAADYE/YTPsDwQowXw/s1600-h/1StudentsArrive.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdassXI1C2I/AAAAAAAADYE/YTPsDwQowXw/s400/1StudentsArrive.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320629887910087522" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Here the students arrive and sit in their normal places, chatting and visiting with each other and greeting our victims and me with their usual friendly insolence. So far, our victims are unaware of their coming demise.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sdasg4jVszI/AAAAAAAADXs/NFR8tsQzUJM/s1600-h/2DavePresents.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sdasg4jVszI/AAAAAAAADXs/NFR8tsQzUJM/s400/2DavePresents.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320629690721219378" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Once more the class presentation begins with Dave introducing the topic and saying a few words about his presentation. He then gets a count of who believes TCM can supplement Western medicine or Western medicine can supplement TCM. The final count showed a class pretty evenly divided between the positive and the negative. Dave continues his portion of the lecture.</span></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sdasg3nL9eI/AAAAAAAADXk/_Ol8aqqeXa0/s1600-h/2JohnPresents.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sdasg3nL9eI/AAAAAAAADXk/_Ol8aqqeXa0/s400/2JohnPresents.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320629690468922850" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">John follows and presents his half of the presentation, emphasizing that the debate will be on the ability to mix the two medical philosophies or not. </span></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdasgmXeUMI/AAAAAAAADXc/HxuPSp2_PIQ/s1600-h/2ListenIntent.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdasgmXeUMI/AAAAAAAADXc/HxuPSp2_PIQ/s400/2ListenIntent.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320629685839614146" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">The conspiracy develops as the students listen intently to the two victims and what they had to say.</span></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdasL4pKfuI/AAAAAAAADXU/BKA7bb6kL3w/s1600-h/2NormalPresents.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdasL4pKfuI/AAAAAAAADXU/BKA7bb6kL3w/s400/2NormalPresents.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320629329968398050" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">The two victims become more animated as it appears the class has become very enthusiastic about what they have to say. They are clueless about the ongoing setup.</span></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdasLy53m0I/AAAAAAAADXM/5tzKtM4uK_E/s1600-h/2PresentationBegins.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdasLy53m0I/AAAAAAAADXM/5tzKtM4uK_E/s400/2PresentationBegins.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320629328427850562" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Students and teachers interact in what appears to be a dynamic and interesting interactive session with a great presentation. What more would teachers ask for?</span></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">The Decoys</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">All successful conspiracies and set ups have a few well-placed decoys to insure the victims follow along to the trap.</span></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdasLnlkhoI/AAAAAAAADXE/VPnnoSUwCr8/s1600-h/2TheHook.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdasLnlkhoI/AAAAAAAADXE/VPnnoSUwCr8/s400/2TheHook.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320629325389923970" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Here, Craig uses his English skills to entice the victims into thinking that they are beyond successful in their presentation about the two philosophies of medicine. It is obvious that both Dave and John have bought into the idea that this class is heavily involved in the lesson. They are becoming more and more excited about how well they must be doing. </span></div><div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdbIRImVvII/AAAAAAAADYU/1jHfkgpr-q8/s1600-h/2Lorysets.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdbIRImVvII/AAAAAAAADYU/1jHfkgpr-q8/s400/2Lorysets.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320660206476442754" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Lory, too, continues with the theme of discussing the two sides by asking pertinent questions to string the victims along.</span><br /><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">The Crossover To Build Anxiety</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Every successful setup has to build anxiety with its intended victims, where the victims are then easily "hooked" and are pretty well sold on the deal. When asked to change sides if the y have changed their minds, the students all move to the left side - "against the mixing of the two medicines." In utter disbelief, the two victims watch as their debate dwindles to a probable one-sided affair. Anxious for a successful completion of their class, they are now ready for the hook.</span></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdasLlzGy6I/AAAAAAAADW8/in3DdkmoYJE/s1600-h/3TheCrossover.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdasLlzGy6I/AAAAAAAADW8/in3DdkmoYJE/s400/3TheCrossover.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320629324909824930" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">All the students are now sitting on the side against mixing the two medical philosophies. The two victims are now in anxiety mode as what to do next.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">The Hook</span></b><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sdar3TyeX3I/AAAAAAAADWk/WMdHq5Zm8Rs/s1600-h/4TheMan.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sdar3TyeX3I/AAAAAAAADWk/WMdHq5Zm8Rs/s400/4TheMan.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320628976477953906" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Mr. Daniel is our "hook." Here he proposes the "buy in" debate of West versus East Medicine instead of the proposed TCM/Western Medicine supplementary arguments. A brilliant and classical "bait and switch" operation where Mr. Daniel proposes that we must first delineate between the two philosophies of medicine before we can go further. He brings up statistics to show that 67% of all Western trained doctors have studied or have a working knowledge of TCM while no TCM doctor has a working knowledge of Western medicine. He further shows that TCM has lost favor in the minds of the educated Chinese who want something more scientific. He then challenges anyone to show him this concept in TCM call "qi."</span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdasLe28RKI/AAAAAAAADW0/IZAbhTon8nA/s1600-h/4TheARgument.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdasLe28RKI/AAAAAAAADW0/IZAbhTon8nA/s400/4TheARgument.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320629323046864034" /></a><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Mr. Sabrina, red-faced and angry, attacks Mr. Daniel personally and philosophically. How dare he say such things about TCM! It is one of the bedrocks of Chinese culture. How dare he casually put 5000 years of Chinese medicine in the trash and throw it away. Her arguments are tinged with disgust and hatred forcing the Gap Guys to try to calm her down. Their anxiety is now controlling their actions as they are on the verge of losing the class to these internal arguments. </span></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> The Buy In</span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: 800;font-size:18px;"><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sdar3iZYRAI/AAAAAAAADWs/yC7hZZoo4So/s1600-h/4Thecons1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sdar3iZYRAI/AAAAAAAADWs/yC7hZZoo4So/s400/4Thecons1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320628980399227906" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">The students, having seen the two victims begin to buy into the internal arguments as genuine, show their smugness at their obvious success.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sdar3b9TlLI/AAAAAAAADWc/FjIApD1_30g/s1600-h/5MoreCon.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sdar3b9TlLI/AAAAAAAADWc/FjIApD1_30g/s400/5MoreCon.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320628978670867634" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">To finalize the buy-in of the victims, Mr. Winter tries to calm her classmates down and then tries to infiltrate and sympathize with the victims anxiety and let them know it is ok to have this argument. </span></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sdar3JltiiI/AAAAAAAADWM/vIMtkGaDJTY/s1600-h/6RiosCase.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sdar3JltiiI/AAAAAAAADWM/vIMtkGaDJTY/s400/6RiosCase.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320628973740067362" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Mr. Rio, however, pushes the idea of a problem, reaction and solution to ease the storm now gathering between the various factions of the class. His efforts further erode the confidence of the two victims now in full panic mode.</span></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdargQk9lZI/AAAAAAAADWE/_fl-2Rx4tFY/s1600-h/5TheBuyIn.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdargQk9lZI/AAAAAAAADWE/_fl-2Rx4tFY/s400/5TheBuyIn.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320628580478981522" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Once more Mr. Daniel is attacked for his outrageous beliefs concerning TCM. Ms. Shirley is adamant and relentless in her attacks on Mr. Daniel and his philosophy. </span></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdargfoW6AI/AAAAAAAADV8/vqFqK4vUnEI/s1600-h/6TheActing.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdargfoW6AI/AAAAAAAADV8/vqFqK4vUnEI/s400/6TheActing.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320628584519755778" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Mr. Daniel continues to defend himself against the attacks of both Ms. Shirley and Ms. Sabrina. He even begins to call them superstitious and uneducated and ask them why they waste their time in college. Tempers begin to flare.</span></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdargACEcwI/AAAAAAAADV0/0o3288Z6Le8/s1600-h/7Morebuys.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdargACEcwI/AAAAAAAADV0/0o3288Z6Le8/s400/7Morebuys.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320628576037663490" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">It is time for some disinformation to further confuse the victims. Here Amelia confounds the universe with her statements of facts about TCM. She uses several ploys to convince the victims that she is sincere in her statements. The victims are duped into believing her stories.</span></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdargLuIQDI/AAAAAAAADVs/XJZvLRhHWLk/s1600-h/8Pushingthecon1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdargLuIQDI/AAAAAAAADVs/XJZvLRhHWLk/s400/8Pushingthecon1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320628579175252018" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Ms. Lory again, working as a decoy, tries to obviously calm things down to make the victims believe that the students are now involved in this heated discussion. </span></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdarfylIKzI/AAAAAAAADVk/Dd8xubJkvdE/s1600-h/9Gotcha.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdarfylIKzI/AAAAAAAADVk/Dd8xubJkvdE/s400/9Gotcha.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320628572426611506" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">The two victims buy into the discussion and the events totally. They are both convinced that the argument was East versus West and that an air of hostility now exists among the students over this issue. </span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Not until the class ended, did I tell them that they had been had by a classical "GOTCHA."</span><br /><br /></div></b></div><b></b>Cecil Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15551474809860713547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8046096126809167500.post-66835996536899404002009-03-29T01:41:00.000-07:002009-04-02T04:50:20.174-07:00Farm House Fun With Freshmen Class 2<div style="text-align: left;">Received a call Sunday Morning at around 1000 from Mr. Taunis. The Freshmen Class 2 was having a group activity for the Gap Guys and they wanted Sunee and I to attend. They had tried to contact us on Saturday but, of course, we were in Chengdu. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It took us about fifteen minutes to get ready and as we walked toward the West Gate, we met Mr. Taunis and Ms. Sophie who guided us the rest of the way. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The group was meeting at what was translated from the Chinese to mean "Farm House Fun." This was a local farm which the owners had converted to offer the public a place to visit, relax and enjoy the farm atmosphere. It was about a twenty or thirty minute walk from our apartment.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">The Way To Farm House Fun</span></b></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdDoabcCbBI/AAAAAAAADDw/y8LI40mYaiQ/s1600-h/Thesign.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdDoabcCbBI/AAAAAAAADDw/y8LI40mYaiQ/s400/Thesign.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319006700664155154" /></a>This is the introduction/direction sign that told what the farm house offered and it was at the start of the farm house road.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdDoZ7h2jdI/AAAAAAAADDo/Kr4sPAJ-DLQ/s1600-h/FarmHouseTractor.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdDoZ7h2jdI/AAAAAAAADDo/Kr4sPAJ-DLQ/s400/FarmHouseTractor.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319006692098608594" /></a>Instead of farm animals, we found this beat up farm tractor to take pictures on the way to the farm house.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">The Farm House</span></b></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdDoZooJaNI/AAAAAAAADDg/82z6p95noC4/s1600-h/TheFarmhouse.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdDoZooJaNI/AAAAAAAADDg/82z6p95noC4/s400/TheFarmhouse.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319006687024736466" /></a>The farm house had been converted to an area which offered several different kinds of activities. Of course, there was Mahjong. This IS China, you know!<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">The Farm Work</span></b></div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdDmaZC-dcI/AAAAAAAADCY/WhdPMiRymFo/s1600-h/TheCroc.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdDmaZC-dcI/AAAAAAAADCY/WhdPMiRymFo/s400/TheCroc.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319004500998911426" /></a>When we arrived, all the students were involved with their farm work. Here, THE CROCCODILE shows why he is call "Croc." Lovely teeth, don't you agree?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdDmZ6lL-nI/AAAAAAAADCQ/KU4CmlEClLA/s1600-h/Grilling.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdDmZ6lL-nI/AAAAAAAADCQ/KU4CmlEClLA/s400/Grilling.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319004492820904562" /></a>Vincent does grilling. Several of the students were grilling the vegetables in preparation for the upcoming farm lunch<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdDlFxMYnwI/AAAAAAAADBo/9W8YtCdkxKA/s1600-h/MoreWork.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdDlFxMYnwI/AAAAAAAADBo/9W8YtCdkxKA/s400/MoreWork.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319003047191944962" /></a><br />Too many chefs spoil the soup. Ok, ok, so this is not soup and these students are not chefs. The grilled veggies were not spoiled either.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdDlGtVBKGI/AAAAAAAADB4/LKXpLyFFPjc/s1600-h/WorkTestProgram.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdDlGtVBKGI/AAAAAAAADB4/LKXpLyFFPjc/s400/WorkTestProgram.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319003063334283362" /></a>Working quickly and in tandem with the supervising eyes of Mr. Taunis, the students efficiently turned out some really great grilled products.<div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">The Farm Training Program</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Farm House offered extensive training in the art of jaodz making. Everyone gathered round to learn this ancient and secret art of China.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdDlGCZMvNI/AAAAAAAADBw/ZGA7IqOEz44/s1600-h/TheWork.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 391px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdDlGCZMvNI/AAAAAAAADBw/ZGA7IqOEz44/s400/TheWork.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319003051809094866" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sydney became the designated jaodz instructor</div><br /><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxla7YUnj--Qd8x8yrOCoCKHrMEJ7CA_hrxqfMyxIGFh1D0ujtJJF3HrMOm4nOHXgxubPaSN4gdiswxQi-U7w' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Jaodz training instructor Sydney gives us a lesson in the secret art of making jaodz.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdDlFFj6ZPI/AAAAAAAADBg/OGk3r2-K_Qk/s1600-h/Training.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdDlFFj6ZPI/AAAAAAAADBg/OGk3r2-K_Qk/s400/Training.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319003035479467250" /></a>Here Dave destroys another jaodz. He tried to make at least 100 jaodz without too much success. I actually counted three successful jaodz during his training period. Bet he cannot sing either.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdDlHN-_ZcI/AAAAAAAADCA/EiE4FUs6aIc/s1600-h/ElegantWork.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 184px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdDlHN-_ZcI/AAAAAAAADCA/EiE4FUs6aIc/s400/ElegantWork.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319003072100263362" /></a>Giselle continues to impress all with her elegant method of making jaodz. Notice the stylized use of the famous but difficult to use tool called chopsticks. Elegant indeed!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdDmZDA_5FI/AAAAAAAADCI/ic9iywhiXWI/s1600-h/Jaudz.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 278px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdDmZDA_5FI/AAAAAAAADCI/ic9iywhiXWI/s400/Jaudz.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319004477905167442" /></a>The finished product. Only about half the students were considered to be successful and only a few of them actually received certificates in jaodz making. The ones who did get their certificates were very proud of their accomplishment.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdF-ys6HmZI/AAAAAAAADD4/7k7CVZ1fbeQ/s1600-h/certrificate.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 309px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdF-ys6HmZI/AAAAAAAADD4/7k7CVZ1fbeQ/s400/certrificate.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319172044414753170" /></a>The Certificate of Training awarded to those students who successfully completed their training. Less than ten percent received this coveted award certificate.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">The Farm Food Testing</span></b></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdDnSYC9izI/AAAAAAAADDA/szGhGz_4XyE/s1600-h/FoodTesting.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdDnSYC9izI/AAAAAAAADDA/szGhGz_4XyE/s400/FoodTesting.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319005462803090226" /></a>Prior to the start of the official Farm House Lunch, special students were selected to do the testing of the food. Here Tracy gives us the OK TO EAT sign. She did not show any ill effects from the food so we carried on with the preparations.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdDnRTzD97I/AAAAAAAADCw/4lLHZHJvUpg/s1600-h/EvenMoreFoodTesting.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdDnRTzD97I/AAAAAAAADCw/4lLHZHJvUpg/s400/EvenMoreFoodTesting.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319005444482791346" /></a>Of course, Lemon volunteered to be one of the testers. She was not very good as each veggie took at least four or five tests before she would approve them. She had no ill effects from her tastings so she gave us the green light.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">The Farm Lunch</span></b></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdDnSNzR2jI/AAAAAAAADC4/73b9VnPDp-w/s1600-h/HesHungry.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdDnSNzR2jI/AAAAAAAADC4/73b9VnPDp-w/s400/HesHungry.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319005460052957746" /></a>We are all called to lunch at the Farm House. And, I might add, not a minute too soon as Dave was beginning to get on everyone's nerves with his I AM A HUNGRY BRIT renditions. They went on and on until the call to lunch. Several students admitted later that they had discussed plans for Dave's demise prior to us all being called to lunch.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdDkLOq8qdI/AAAAAAAADBY/dkyz-NmRavQ/s1600-h/TheLunch2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdDkLOq8qdI/AAAAAAAADBY/dkyz-NmRavQ/s400/TheLunch2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319002041492482514" /></a>A Farm House Lunch is served. We had three tables and each had a grand feast specially prepared for us by the Farm House staff. They also included our own specially made jaodz. No doubt many of the less successful jaodz makers would easily recognize their handiwork.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdDkK_i9PMI/AAAAAAAADBQ/mp4EIE1YB_0/s1600-h/TheLunch1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdDkK_i9PMI/AAAAAAAADBQ/mp4EIE1YB_0/s400/TheLunch1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319002037432433858" /></a>The lunch was great and the highlight was the consumption of the jaodz that we had made (or at least tried to make in the case many of the students).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdNwmVCtYBI/AAAAAAAADEc/NyM1z0i93Zk/s1600-h/YoYo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdNwmVCtYBI/AAAAAAAADEc/NyM1z0i93Zk/s400/YoYo.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319719388640534546" /></a>Ms. Yoyo requested her picture be included in this blog. Unfortunately, she was playing the role of host and was popping in and out when I was taking pictures. This is the only picture i was able to take of her. Yoyo stands for: Your only young once. Is that why you have all the energy going all the time?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">The Farm Fun</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">After the brilliant (Dave's word on mine) lunch we were commanded to involve ourselves in the art of Farm House Fun.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdDoZLCaICI/AAAAAAAADDY/BhX5xhD03-E/s1600-h/TheFun1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdDoZLCaICI/AAAAAAAADDY/BhX5xhD03-E/s400/TheFun1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319006679081820194" /></a>Here we have the two Gap Guys having fun with two of the freshmen. They were told they were having fun.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdDkKqTiUzI/AAAAAAAADBI/hMffsc5_HQg/s1600-h/Mahjong1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 231px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdDkKqTiUzI/AAAAAAAADBI/hMffsc5_HQg/s400/Mahjong1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319002031730610994" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Mahjong is actually fun even though one must work hard to do it right.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdDkKJHWw7I/AAAAAAAADBA/2pfL7fSd2TY/s1600-h/Mahjong2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdDkKJHWw7I/AAAAAAAADBA/2pfL7fSd2TY/s400/Mahjong2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319002022821151666" /></a>John was caught cheating so many times during the afternoon that many of the freshmen were secretly planning his demise. Fortunately, John got tired of cheating after a few hours and went on to the next Farm House Fun - ping pong.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdDkJr7HXqI/AAAAAAAADA4/xtPaT8P-4_M/s1600-h/SophieSlams.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdDkJr7HXqI/AAAAAAAADA4/xtPaT8P-4_M/s400/SophieSlams.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319002014985182882" /></a>Ms. Sophie's slams were too much for most of the other freshmen. She eventually had to play with herself which turned out not to be much fun for her. Many of her fellow students began to plan her demise but she quickly dispatched all of them with her relentless slams.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdDjDNZn3BI/AAAAAAAADAw/oXq2PQ4lCCk/s1600-h/CherryVolley.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdDjDNZn3BI/AAAAAAAADAw/oXq2PQ4lCCk/s400/CherryVolley.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319000804200799250" /></a>Ms. Cherry was much more considerate of other student's feelings, allowing all of them to trounce her easily and often. Here she tries to smack the ball in the Chinese penholder fashion. Of course, she was kind enough not to hit the ball back. There were never plans calling for Ms. Cherry's demise.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdDjC5zxMSI/AAAAAAAADAo/HK-CfvFk-lw/s1600-h/DaveDoesPong.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdDjC5zxMSI/AAAAAAAADAo/HK-CfvFk-lw/s400/DaveDoesPong.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319000798941753634" /></a>Dave's fame as a ping ponger grew with each ball he hit. Not only did he hit the ball with authority but he did not allow himself to be overcome with pity for his frail and weak freshmen opponents. Many of the freshmen began to secretly plan for his demise. These plans fell through as most of those making the plans could not understand Dave's weird British accent.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdDjCn6hO3I/AAAAAAAADAg/i6JLopNSzi8/s1600-h/TaunisDoesPing.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdDjCn6hO3I/AAAAAAAADAg/i6JLopNSzi8/s400/TaunisDoesPing.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319000794138229618" /></a>The true spirit of ping pong as demonstrated by the unrelenting style of Mr. Taunis. His ability to keep the ball in the air astounded us all. Dave and John began to plan for his ultimate demise but Mr. Taunis would have nothing to do with such plans and they eventually failed due to their lack of logical cohesion.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxLdd6CFNe_fexrZIiXMqgelyPHV_O-v5haDlL130Cg87PPj78nf4DfwE97EptXty1jIdrmlZVS5DeoIdxY_g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;">Demonstrating the art of good!</div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdDjCKuWJkI/AAAAAAAADAY/u9JP9v173Wk/s1600-h/BigPaddle.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdDjCKuWJkI/AAAAAAAADAY/u9JP9v173Wk/s400/BigPaddle.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319000786302543426" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">They took pity upon my frailty</div></div><div style="text-align: center;">Giving them a chance to see</div><div style="text-align: center;">An old man attempting to play</div><div style="text-align: center;">Ping pong in a big, big way. </div><div><br /></div><div>Nope the large paddle did not help much. Something to do with hand/eye coordination, stoutness and an inability to see the ping pong ball.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdDjBliY5eI/AAAAAAAADAQ/4JFxmKeibTY/s1600-h/PingPongBoy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdDjBliY5eI/AAAAAAAADAQ/4JFxmKeibTY/s400/PingPongBoy.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319000776320280034" /></a>Mr. Yao's demise was caused by too many balls and not enough time as we close out this blog and the Farm House Fun time. We all had fun. No one went home disappointed and no one met their ultimate demise.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Cecil Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15551474809860713547noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8046096126809167500.post-57825793275358781652009-03-28T05:39:00.000-07:002009-04-16T04:48:15.780-07:00The International Artists Village, ChengduAfter spending two days in the Luodai/Longquan area, we returned to Southwest Jiaotong University area and checked into a hotel near the north gate where we had taken a taxi from where the Luodai bus had deposited us. <div><br /></div><div>We decided to walk to the business hotel we usually stayed, near the east gate. As we walked along toward the intersection, a student asked if he could help with our one bag. We politely refused his help and he immediately struck up a conversation. His English was really very good and he was interested to visit with us when he found I was a teacher at the Emei Branch of Jiaoda. </div><div><br /></div><div>It was he who suggested we stay at a hotel that was just up the street. To be honest, I had seen the flashing neon signs and thought the place was a night club. As it turned out, it was a very nice hotel just a few hundred meters from the north gate. </div><div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdsviLHwNuI/AAAAAAAADkk/Jy3ht0zzMQQ/s1600-h/HotelSWJTU.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdsviLHwNuI/AAAAAAAADkk/Jy3ht0zzMQQ/s400/HotelSWJTU.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321899648815740642" /></a>The hotel was in back of the main row of stores and shops which one saw as one approached the north gate of Jiaoda. It was a beautiful hotel and in such a convenient location.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdsvhwxdITI/AAAAAAAADkc/JkOHe1Z0PlM/s1600-h/HotelStatue.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdsvhwxdITI/AAAAAAAADkc/JkOHe1Z0PlM/s400/HotelStatue.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321899641742893362" /></a>The inside of the hotel was decked out in Ancient Roman Grotesque with this beautiful statue next to the elevators. It had a very Roman feel to it so I took her picture.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdvxqifDbzI/AAAAAAAADtE/hijMhiE0Los/s1600-h/Mr.Leo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdvxqifDbzI/AAAAAAAADtE/hijMhiE0Los/s400/Mr.Leo.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322113097782226738" /></a>Here Mr. Lucas helps us get checked in to the hotel. His English was great and we really appreciated his efforts in finding us this really convenient hotel. </div><div><br /></div><div>Saturday, we coordinated with Weiyan and Bogdan to meet them as they got off the bus from Jiaoda. Ms. Weiyan got an old friend to drop by and pick us up to the rendezvous point. He came by around 0915. He was a doctor who had spent many years in Tibet. </div><div><br /></div><div>We picked up Bogdan and Weiyan at the first Jiaoda bus stop and then for the next two hours we tried to find the International Chengdu Artist Village. As it turned out, it was tucked deep inside a residential area somewhere in Chengdu. We finally found it with much effort from the driver and Weiyan asking directions.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdsrBQP-eqI/AAAAAAAADkU/8HF3VUoLZkQ/s1600-h/FrontSign.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdsrBQP-eqI/AAAAAAAADkU/8HF3VUoLZkQ/s400/FrontSign.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321894685210213026" /></a>The entrance to the village is well-marked but the location was down a backstreet through the furniture section of Chengdu. No one will ever find this place by accident. It is a true artist village, secluded from the surrounding residential area via a huge tract of land. Very impressive piece of property.</div><div><br /></div><div>Weiyan called her friend who was waiting for us and she immediately came to fetch us and show us where she lived. She is an artist who spends her time living and painting at the village.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdsrBbAS1mI/AAAAAAAADkM/1fbDDdJk7u8/s1600-h/BogdanChecking.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdsrBbAS1mI/AAAAAAAADkM/1fbDDdJk7u8/s400/BogdanChecking.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321894688097228386" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Bogdan checks out some of her works with an eye to modernity.</div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdsrBA9zO2I/AAAAAAAADkE/8-vBhI7cyWA/s1600-h/Insects.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdsrBA9zO2I/AAAAAAAADkE/8-vBhI7cyWA/s400/Insects.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321894681107446626" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Sunee found the grasshoppers on the flowers very interesting and appealing.</div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdsrBA5KCKI/AAAAAAAADj8/ZEqDdFZrBmw/s1600-h/InsectMore.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdsrBA5KCKI/AAAAAAAADj8/ZEqDdFZrBmw/s400/InsectMore.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321894681087969442" /></a>Here Sunee points out the painting she liked the most. The grasshoppers eyes were very big and realistic.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdsrA75AUoI/AAAAAAAADj0/Bu-eny_IGhE/s1600-h/Explaining.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdsrA75AUoI/AAAAAAAADj0/Bu-eny_IGhE/s400/Explaining.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321894679745155714" /></a>The artist explains the meaning behind the curious form of the lady floating in the air next to a strange-looking man. Never did quite understand its meaning.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sdsp_yQKDmI/AAAAAAAADjs/kxPPWFnyacY/s1600-h/WomanPortrait.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sdsp_yQKDmI/AAAAAAAADjs/kxPPWFnyacY/s400/WomanPortrait.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321893560466411106" /></a>Sunee takes a deeper look at the strange painting of the floating woman. Something to do with feminism or something she said.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sdsp_WE3rAI/AAAAAAAADjk/r21ZGOnERqI/s1600-h/ModPaint.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sdsp_WE3rAI/AAAAAAAADjk/r21ZGOnERqI/s400/ModPaint.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321893552902876162" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Modern art. Not sure what to write about it. Is this Chinese?</div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sdsp_MUAK7I/AAAAAAAADjc/GDtuqP2mMsQ/s1600-h/WhatIsIt.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sdsp_MUAK7I/AAAAAAAADjc/GDtuqP2mMsQ/s400/WhatIsIt.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321893550281993138" /></a>Another piece that is supposed to be a view of the vast universe above us. Sunee sees a black hole!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sdsp-4R7lqI/AAAAAAAADjU/dnl8P2MHd5I/s1600-h/FishPaints.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sdsp-4R7lqI/AAAAAAAADjU/dnl8P2MHd5I/s400/FishPaints.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321893544904595106" /></a>After visiting with Weiyan's friend we take a tour of some of the other artists in the area. Here Sunee checks out a bunch of fish pictures. Yep, these are all fish that are looking directly at you as you gaze into their eyes. Actually, both Sunee and I liked these paintings very much.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sdsp-Oz1OvI/AAAAAAAADjM/sigzIfdX_CQ/s1600-h/FishMore.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sdsp-Oz1OvI/AAAAAAAADjM/sigzIfdX_CQ/s400/FishMore.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321893533772495602" /></a>More fish paintings. It took some time, but one actually did see the fish starring back and this with little or no effort in using one's imagination. Sunee like them.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sdsob7kQPEI/AAAAAAAADjE/kBpdS3SIKZk/s1600-h/Map.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sdsob7kQPEI/AAAAAAAADjE/kBpdS3SIKZk/s400/Map.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321891844979702850" /></a>This is the map of the Artist Village. The place is huge and well hidden.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdsobfkyYSI/AAAAAAAADi8/zphuNCrOb7w/s1600-h/InternalArtist.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdsobfkyYSI/AAAAAAAADi8/zphuNCrOb7w/s400/InternalArtist.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321891837465747746" /></a>More signs advertising the village where different shows have been scheduled throughout the year.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sdsoa7vG4oI/AAAAAAAADi0/ZbJtNbHDl7M/s1600-h/Residence.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sdsoa7vG4oI/AAAAAAAADi0/ZbJtNbHDl7M/s400/Residence.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321891827845358210" /></a>Living and working quarters of the residence. We were told that several Germans were actively supporting the village and its artisans.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdsoajqyyNI/AAAAAAAADis/sbxDyEj7EGA/s1600-h/Residentanother.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdsoajqyyNI/AAAAAAAADis/sbxDyEj7EGA/s400/Residentanother.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321891821384812754" /></a>Some of the artist residence were very nice with normal entrances to their studios. </div><div><br /></div><div>We shared lunch with Wieyan's friend and then returned to Jiaoda to catch the 5 PM bus. Weiyan remained behind in Chengdu as Bogdan joined us on the return trip.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdsoaEMaBHI/AAAAAAAADik/YYRa6eywa1U/s1600-h/Flowers.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdsoaEMaBHI/AAAAAAAADik/YYRa6eywa1U/s400/Flowers.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321891812935861362" /></a></div>It is springtime in Chengdu as shown by the many flowers now blooming on the trees inside the campus area. A great trip and a great ending to another China adventure.Cecil Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15551474809860713547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8046096126809167500.post-69244470814838363542009-03-28T05:38:00.002-07:002009-04-30T04:21:42.782-07:00Longquan and Shi Jing Temple<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Longquin City, Longquan County, Sichuan Province</span></span></div><br /><br />We walked back to the bus from the Luodai ancient street and caught a bus to Longquin City in hopes of seeing the waning days of the famous Peach Blossom Festival. We had heard of this festival for the past month but only now had decided to attend.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrKgs9liEI/AAAAAAAADic/3iYn2yUFCZI/s1600-h/BusStation.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrKgs9liEI/AAAAAAAADic/3iYn2yUFCZI/s400/BusStation.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321788572865759298" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The bus station in Longquan City.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrKgL-ou9I/AAAAAAAADiU/ZfoTnZ3-9ww/s1600-h/PeachBlossomFestiva%3B.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrKgL-ou9I/AAAAAAAADiU/ZfoTnZ3-9ww/s400/PeachBlossomFestiva%3B.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321788564011793362" /></a>Signs of the Peach Blossom Festival could be seen throughout the town and especially in the town's central park area.<div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrKfho9e2I/AAAAAAAADiM/8iFnFRGc8TU/s1600-h/toilet.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrKfho9e2I/AAAAAAAADiM/8iFnFRGc8TU/s400/toilet.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321788552646589282" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">This is not an "art photo." This is not an "art photo." If not, then what?</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrKObVSCdI/AAAAAAAADiE/wbo_HOLxmus/s1600-h/Kites.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrKObVSCdI/AAAAAAAADiE/wbo_HOLxmus/s400/Kites.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321788258895661522" /></a>In the area of the Peach Blossom Festival, we found more kites than people. The day was overcast and threatening rain. For sure this was the last days of the festival as we saw little evidence of peach blossoms. The kites are neat, though!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrKObYv7DI/AAAAAAAADh8/WSXtNhzGfog/s1600-h/MoreKites.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrKObYv7DI/AAAAAAAADh8/WSXtNhzGfog/s400/MoreKites.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321788258910202930" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">More kites for sale.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrKOf2mCrI/AAAAAAAADh0/re6dFs_dAwk/s1600-h/MoreKites2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrKOf2mCrI/AAAAAAAADh0/re6dFs_dAwk/s400/MoreKites2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321788260109126322" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Art Photo - Kites</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrKOKEDh0I/AAAAAAAADhs/H2nePLYF-pk/s1600-h/Rapeseed.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrKOKEDh0I/AAAAAAAADhs/H2nePLYF-pk/s400/Rapeseed.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321788254260004674" /></a>We saw no peach blossom, so we asked where they were. The people selling the kites pointed the way up a winding path up the local mountain. The rapeseeds were in full blossom so I took advantage and snapped their picture. </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrKOFWXoWI/AAAAAAAADhk/_ssjqFv_pxY/s1600-h/OldFarm.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrKOFWXoWI/AAAAAAAADhk/_ssjqFv_pxY/s400/OldFarm.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321788252994642274" /></a><br />Amongst the rapeseed, about half way up the hill, I caught a glimpse of this farm on the right. I just knew it would turn out to be an "art photo."<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrJ3OoAsKI/AAAAAAAADhc/V2patn3zMjw/s1600-h/OldHouse.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrJ3OoAsKI/AAAAAAAADhc/V2patn3zMjw/s400/OldHouse.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321787860347564194" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Art Photo - Rapeseed House</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrJ3H7PncI/AAAAAAAADhU/UH9AHYClOvI/s1600-h/PeachBlossom1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrJ3H7PncI/AAAAAAAADhU/UH9AHYClOvI/s400/PeachBlossom1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321787858549185986" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Just a little past the house above we came upon our first peach blossoms.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrJ24ROOjI/AAAAAAAADhM/YfUxIHI9jb8/s1600-h/PeachBlossom2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrJ24ROOjI/AAAAAAAADhM/YfUxIHI9jb8/s400/PeachBlossom2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321787854346402354" /></a>They were few and far between but peach blossoms they were.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrJ203c5KI/AAAAAAAADhE/bEhLHWioXv4/s1600-h/PeachBlossom3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrJ203c5KI/AAAAAAAADhE/bEhLHWioXv4/s400/PeachBlossom3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321787853433005218" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Now the questions is - was it worth the time and effort to come here?</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrJ2aFN3gI/AAAAAAAADg8/DpTRKOZJYcc/s1600-h/PeachBlossom4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrJ2aFN3gI/AAAAAAAADg8/DpTRKOZJYcc/s400/PeachBlossom4.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321787846242983426" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Art Photo - Peach Blossom</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Neither Sunee nor I were disappointed in the small number of actual peach blossoms we encountered. We were out and traveling again. Sunee began to try to find out what else was of interest in the area. One of the vendors where we had eaten a quick lunch told us about a temple we could travel to by bus. Great idea. We immediately walked about 2 kilometers along the now empty Peach Blossom Festival road to the main highway to catch a bus to our next destination - Shi Jing Temple.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Shi Jing Temple, Longquan County</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">The trip to Shi Jing Temple took two hours through some pretty obvious peach blossom country. Check out the pictures from the trip.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrDmoGsmuI/AAAAAAAADd0/4vb4ydFGe3U/s1600-h/Onthewaytemple.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrDmoGsmuI/AAAAAAAADd0/4vb4ydFGe3U/s400/Onthewaytemple.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321780978059614946" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">A sign telling us we are going in the right direction.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrEGDiCxvI/AAAAAAAADek/aNdRy_YtZtY/s1600-h/InBloom.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrEGDiCxvI/AAAAAAAADek/aNdRy_YtZtY/s400/InBloom.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321781517998016242" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Look at all the peach blossoms still available for viewing.</div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrFXV-3UnI/AAAAAAAADgE/0Lh4PqaH_zA/s1600-h/BusyPlace.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrFXV-3UnI/AAAAAAAADgE/0Lh4PqaH_zA/s400/BusyPlace.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321782914520142450" /></a><br />Our bus stopped across the street from this magnificent temple and we were anxious to visit what appeared to be a very busy temple.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrE_cMcHsI/AAAAAAAADfU/f7rIwWANcXo/s1600-h/ForSale.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrE_cMcHsI/AAAAAAAADfU/f7rIwWANcXo/s400/ForSale.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321782503870832322" /></a>Arriving to the area of the temple, I began to take pictures immediately in front of the temple. Here are some vendors selling various products from the local area.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrEkDqotPI/AAAAAAAADfM/LLvqjrxOZJA/s1600-h/GordsSale.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 232px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrEkDqotPI/AAAAAAAADfM/LLvqjrxOZJA/s400/GordsSale.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321782033430131954" /></a>Sales lady with gourds right outside the entrance to the temple. Sunee wanted some but waited until we visited the temple.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrFtRL7r_I/AAAAAAAADg0/CQktO-iFb2Y/s1600-h/1Entrance2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrFtRL7r_I/AAAAAAAADg0/CQktO-iFb2Y/s400/1Entrance2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321783291189899250" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The impressive entrance to the obviously real and working Buddhist temple. </div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrFtcXwmsI/AAAAAAAADgs/u3ZJmysxgeA/s1600-h/2Entrance.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 325px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrFtcXwmsI/AAAAAAAADgs/u3ZJmysxgeA/s400/2Entrance.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321783294192294594" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Inside entrance to the first courtyard. </div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrEjrWglYI/AAAAAAAADes/D1kuFw39yA0/s1600-h/HighTemple.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 178px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrEjrWglYI/AAAAAAAADes/D1kuFw39yA0/s400/HighTemple.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321782026903262594" /></a>A panoramic view of the main temple immediately in back of the first courtyard. According to what I could find out later, this temple along with the Wenshu Temple in Chengdu are the best examples of this specific style of temples. Try to find this temple on the internet and one only gets two or three hits that even mention it. Fabulously beautiful and well worth the two hour trip.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrFtLl-WJI/AAAAAAAADgk/OMKAKG8NkN4/s1600-h/ActiveTemple.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrFtLl-WJI/AAAAAAAADgk/OMKAKG8NkN4/s400/ActiveTemple.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321783289688512658" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">This is an active Buddhist temple. We were not charged to visit it.</div><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrFXn39DbI/AAAAAAAADgU/DGiouwbQP2g/s1600-h/BlindLuck.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 256px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrFXn39DbI/AAAAAAAADgU/DGiouwbQP2g/s400/BlindLuck.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321782919322996146" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Art Photo - Good Luck</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrFXoDT_NI/AAAAAAAADgM/qlSTUIGOSkI/s1600-h/BuddhaSmall.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrFXoDT_NI/AAAAAAAADgM/qlSTUIGOSkI/s400/BuddhaSmall.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321782919370636498" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">One of the many Buddhas scattered around the temple and housed in beautiful buildings.</div><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrE_xFHj5I/AAAAAAAADf0/yd7qbkqB77I/s1600-h/DoorPanel1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 236px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrE_xFHj5I/AAAAAAAADf0/yd7qbkqB77I/s400/DoorPanel1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321782509477269394" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrE_87JiGI/AAAAAAAADfs/K1WxQyS8iOg/s1600-h/DoorPanel2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 233px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrE_87JiGI/AAAAAAAADfs/K1WxQyS8iOg/s400/DoorPanel2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321782512656681058" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Two cute door carvings I could not resist.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrE_rRPGEI/AAAAAAAADfk/GAkcvmheSpA/s1600-h/Fence.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 245px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrE_rRPGEI/AAAAAAAADfk/GAkcvmheSpA/s400/Fence.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321782507917482050" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Carvings from one of the fence sections inside the first courtyard.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrE_qTsDSI/AAAAAAAADfc/5Koq9zk7Gds/s1600-h/FirstBuilding.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrE_qTsDSI/AAAAAAAADfc/5Koq9zk7Gds/s400/FirstBuilding.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321782507659332898" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">First courtyard.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrEkCCS_xI/AAAAAAAADfE/yseX405L2lE/s1600-h/GreeninDoor.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrEkCCS_xI/AAAAAAAADfE/yseX405L2lE/s400/GreeninDoor.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321782032992501522" /></a>Halfway up the mountain inside the temple complex, I took this really great photo. Love the green contrasting with the red.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrDKKLAm4I/AAAAAAAADc0/L_1qlrADZwU/s1600-h/RedDoorLook.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrDKKLAm4I/AAAAAAAADc0/L_1qlrADZwU/s400/RedDoorLook.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321780488988302210" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Art Photo - Visitor in Green</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrEj_TNuLI/AAAAAAAADe8/Y3BUTGPEgTI/s1600-h/GuardianDog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrEj_TNuLI/AAAAAAAADe8/Y3BUTGPEgTI/s400/GuardianDog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321782032258152626" /></a>A temple guard dog along a brilliant red fence separating the levels of the temple. The temple is set on a mountain slope among beautiful trees. Very natural and very beautiful.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrEj_q5dVI/AAAAAAAADe0/MJPKqqwNN_I/s1600-h/GuardDogRed.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrEj_q5dVI/AAAAAAAADe0/MJPKqqwNN_I/s400/GuardDogRed.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321782032357487954" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Art Photo - Temple Guard</div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrEFyV3zHI/AAAAAAAADec/HJWYLouud7w/s1600-h/MOvies.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrEFyV3zHI/AAAAAAAADec/HJWYLouud7w/s400/MOvies.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321781513383562354" /></a>Sunee took some time out from admiring the temple to take some movies. These are the first movies we took since getting our video camera repaired in Thailand. Nice to have it back in action.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrEF1q0OvI/AAAAAAAADeU/LiZCB12n1II/s1600-h/INcenseSmoke.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrEF1q0OvI/AAAAAAAADeU/LiZCB12n1II/s400/INcenseSmoke.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321781514276715250" /></a>Small temple on the upper slopes of the mountain. Again, notice this is an active, working Buddhist temple.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrEFqLQ5MI/AAAAAAAADeM/2vJOTSDmWaQ/s1600-h/MonkWalk.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrEFqLQ5MI/AAAAAAAADeM/2vJOTSDmWaQ/s400/MonkWalk.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321781511191585986" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Art Photo - Temple Walk</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrDmtj0ftI/AAAAAAAADd8/kfgXheD7QD0/s1600-h/NearMiss.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrDmtj0ftI/AAAAAAAADd8/kfgXheD7QD0/s400/NearMiss.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321780979523944146" /></a><br />This thing almost hit me on the head as I was taking picture of the second or third building in the temple complex. Is it an Art Photo?<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrDmdj17FI/AAAAAAAADds/gvttsWvwXfs/s1600-h/OPENING.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrDmdj17FI/AAAAAAAADds/gvttsWvwXfs/s400/OPENING.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321780975229070418" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Art Photo - Open Door</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrFX-Sg6tI/AAAAAAAADgc/0Tsdc0EgVjU/s1600-h/AnotherOvalBlue.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrFX-Sg6tI/AAAAAAAADgc/0Tsdc0EgVjU/s400/AnotherOvalBlue.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321782925339978450" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrDmYauxpI/AAAAAAAADdk/ZcexBwfeAEg/s1600-h/OvalBlue.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 347px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrDmYauxpI/AAAAAAAADdk/ZcexBwfeAEg/s400/OvalBlue.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321780973848675986" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrDmDDyuPI/AAAAAAAADdc/5sa2-tFlqvs/s1600-h/OvalCrossover.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 348px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrDmDDyuPI/AAAAAAAADdc/5sa2-tFlqvs/s400/OvalCrossover.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321780968115321074" /></a>These three "art photos" are some of the best I took at the temple complex. I saw this lady coming down the path and took several pictures of her going through the door and heading off to my right.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrDKkbUpOI/AAAAAAAADdU/Jaoktax05hA/s1600-h/PagodaSteps.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrDKkbUpOI/AAAAAAAADdU/Jaoktax05hA/s400/PagodaSteps.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321780496036046050" /></a><br />This pagoda acted as the entrance to another level of the temple. The temple was spacious and laid out in the most beautiful way. Interesting how those ancient Chinese had a near perfect grasp of beauty and function.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrFXDqVysI/AAAAAAAADf8/iRuFp3Uvi7I/s1600-h/CollegeStudents.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrFXDqVysI/AAAAAAAADf8/iRuFp3Uvi7I/s400/CollegeStudents.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321782909602220738" /></a>We met these college students as we wandered around the temple grounds. Very friendly and very active.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrC1lMNSxI/AAAAAAAADcM/FOnk2Bdr9qE/s1600-h/WaterPavillion.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrC1lMNSxI/AAAAAAAADcM/FOnk2Bdr9qE/s400/WaterPavillion.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321780135463832338" /></a>This structure was built over a beautiful expanse of water. It always has amazed me how the ancients combined water with the buildings and then set the whole thing into a natural surrounding as it everything fit together naturally.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrDKkqy6OI/AAAAAAAADdM/YiT3a2XmJgc/s1600-h/QuietPlace.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrDKkqy6OI/AAAAAAAADdM/YiT3a2XmJgc/s400/QuietPlace.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321780496100944098" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Art Photo - A Quiet Place</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrDKTA8rOI/AAAAAAAADdE/ovBtnMhN0D0/s1600-h/RedCorner.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrDKTA8rOI/AAAAAAAADdE/ovBtnMhN0D0/s400/RedCorner.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321780491362020578" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Art Photo - Red Corner</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrDKbpjUUI/AAAAAAAADc8/fjOHOZE79xE/s1600-h/RedCourtyard.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrDKbpjUUI/AAAAAAAADc8/fjOHOZE79xE/s400/RedCourtyard.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321780493679808834" /></a><br />This is a courtyard off to the left of the second level of temples. Nice size and location made Sunee thing may be the right size for our own future Siheyuan or Chinese courtyard.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrC2Ws3HII/AAAAAAAADcs/L7gsGNFKQ4k/s1600-h/ShiJinLights.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrC2Ws3HII/AAAAAAAADcs/L7gsGNFKQ4k/s400/ShiJinLights.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321780148754128002" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Active Buddhists could be seen throughout the temple complex.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrC2MpptFI/AAAAAAAADck/vBskybk1II8/s1600-h/SignDIrections.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 251px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrC2MpptFI/AAAAAAAADck/vBskybk1II8/s400/SignDIrections.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321780146056311890" /></a>So this is a monastery. I have to remember to look up the difference between a temple and a monastery in Chinese.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrC2DYB0DI/AAAAAAAADcc/VnpexXoqlLg/s1600-h/SonJiao.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 307px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrC2DYB0DI/AAAAAAAADcc/VnpexXoqlLg/s400/SonJiao.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321780143566475314" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Another Buddha housed in a small building up the side of the mountain.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrC1qqQ28I/AAAAAAAADcU/HYwGjpaztlY/s1600-h/TempleTop.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdrC1qqQ28I/AAAAAAAADcU/HYwGjpaztlY/s400/TempleTop.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321780136932072386" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Ya gotta love Buddhist Temple designs. They are very unique in the world of architecture.</div><br /><br />What an exciting trip this turned out to be. Luodai was wonderful but very commercial. This temple, on the contrary, was wonderful and not commercial. We loved this temple. But, unfortunately, it was time to go back to Luodai, collect our stuff and return Chengdu and then to our mountain paradise - Emei.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:18px;"><b><img src="http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif" alt="Add Image" border="0" class="gl_photo" /></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:18px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Back To Chengdu</span></b></div><br />The trip back to Chengdu was uneventful. We got off the bus at a place we did not recognize but there were pictures . . .<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sdqslmjk6gI/AAAAAAAADcE/LSwauAWrbjc/s1600-h/Strange.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sdqslmjk6gI/AAAAAAAADcE/LSwauAWrbjc/s400/Strange.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321755671696566786" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The location of our bus stop revealed this interesting sculpture.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sdqsk5HO_4I/AAAAAAAADb0/yP-XrJx7nfA/s1600-h/Snacktime1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sdqsk5HO_4I/AAAAAAAADb0/yP-XrJx7nfA/s400/Snacktime1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321755659498094466" /></a>We got a taxi back to SW Jiaotong University where we checked into our hotel and went out for a snack. This lady provided us the said snack - a genuine Sichuan version of food.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdqskyocOWI/AAAAAAAADbs/bv8Wzw9LobU/s1600-h/Snacktime2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdqskyocOWI/AAAAAAAADbs/bv8Wzw9LobU/s400/Snacktime2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321755657758325090" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">I call it glue, Sunee likes it.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdqsknilBhI/AAAAAAAADbk/yVweBDQ1Ll0/s1600-h/Snacktime3.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdqsknilBhI/AAAAAAAADbk/yVweBDQ1Ll0/s400/Snacktime3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321755654780945938" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This snack was mine - a sweet crepe-like delight full of chocolate. I loved it.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Cecil Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15551474809860713547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8046096126809167500.post-87794613872728911512009-03-28T05:38:00.001-07:002009-04-30T05:03:51.951-07:00A Two-Day Trip to LuoDai in Chengdu<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We took the 0800 bus from Jiaoda- Emei and got off at the first stop in Chengdu. From there we caught a taxi to the bus station. It did not take long to find out about the bus to Luodai since there were buses leaving every thirty minutes or so. Figure we had some time so we walked across the street and had a lunch of jaodz and noodles. Not so good but better than nothing. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The trip to Luodai took about an hour and cost around 6 Yuan. We got off the bus and followed a group of people to the start of the Luodai Ancient Street. Figured we might as well find a hotel so we asked around and found the San You Hotel just a few hundred meters from the entrance to the ancient street. The place was comfortable and at around 120 Yuan, reasonable. So we start our visit to Luodai and its ancient street.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Places And Sites</span></b></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdtiNuQEtII/AAAAAAAADs8/vVDhhKOFTXU/s1600-h/SanYouHotel.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdtiNuQEtII/AAAAAAAADs8/vVDhhKOFTXU/s400/SanYouHotel.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321955372561642626" /></a>This is the interior of the San You Hotel where we stayed. It is right at the front of the ancient street. It had a beautiful inner court with three stories of Ming style architecture. The actual court was nothing but a water garden and was a bit small. It gave us a good idea on how we will be constructing our own Chinese courtyard in Thailand later on.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdthmihmtDI/AAAAAAAADs0/f6uibkq45P4/s1600-h/BeautyDoor.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 344px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdthmihmtDI/AAAAAAAADs0/f6uibkq45P4/s400/BeautyDoor.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321954699399050290" /></a>Chinese doors are always picture worthy and Luodai was no exception. Here a series of beautiful doors serve as an entrance to a closed store that appeared to be a food store of some kind.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdthmVXwM8I/AAAAAAAADss/AvJH_5iKNMc/s1600-h/BigPagoda.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdthmVXwM8I/AAAAAAAADss/AvJH_5iKNMc/s400/BigPagoda.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321954695868068802" /></a>This pagoda was located across the street from the "other" entrance to Loudai street. We saw it when we returned from our visit to the Great Wall. This "great wall" was just replica of the real thing and served as a tourist site for people to climb, kick back and ride horses. Actually it was of little interest but only cost one yuan a piece to go their by bus. We took a van back for a total of 20 yuan.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdthmM8b1_I/AAAAAAAADsk/RuOe5L3F6Og/s1600-h/Chopsticks.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdthmM8b1_I/AAAAAAAADsk/RuOe5L3F6Og/s400/Chopsticks.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321954693606004722" /></a>There were restaurant area in just about all the side streets along the main ancient street. We meandered our way down several of them and I found this interesting combination so I took a picture of it. Those are chopsticks drying out for the next round of customers.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdthXpmrB2I/AAAAAAAADsc/T-HoLXNKZZ0/s1600-h/DoorPicture.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdthXpmrB2I/AAAAAAAADsc/T-HoLXNKZZ0/s400/DoorPicture.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321954443601315682" /></a>Another beautiful Chinese door but this one has a cute poster, or rather, a pair of cute posters. I could not resist the colors of the posters with the wood background.<div><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdthXToQnDI/AAAAAAAADsM/MsZprHrsFAg/s1600-h/DoorSign.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 359px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdthXToQnDI/AAAAAAAADsM/MsZprHrsFAg/s400/DoorSign.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321954437702392882" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Art Photo - Brown Doors</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdthXP8CKWI/AAAAAAAADsE/AfoyoE9EDug/s1600-h/DragaonWall.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 339px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdthXP8CKWI/AAAAAAAADsE/AfoyoE9EDug/s400/DragaonWall.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321954436711590242" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">This was on one of the guild building in the middle of street. Massive and very impressive.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdthXHxE3QI/AAAAAAAADr8/CxwVhRQnWUU/s1600-h/GardenEntrance.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdthXHxE3QI/AAAAAAAADr8/CxwVhRQnWUU/s400/GardenEntrance.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321954434518146306" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">A doorway into a beautiful garden setting. We never did get back to check this garden out.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdthFe_kbAI/AAAAAAAADr0/a_S54lFSTCI/s1600-h/GoodDoorRed.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 327px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdthFe_kbAI/AAAAAAAADr0/a_S54lFSTCI/s400/GoodDoorRed.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321954131515304962" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Art Photo - Guilded Red Doors</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdthFbi9jvI/AAAAAAAADrs/fjQT2YuyKs0/s1600-h/GreatWallEntrance.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdthFbi9jvI/AAAAAAAADrs/fjQT2YuyKs0/s400/GreatWallEntrance.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321954130590011122" /></a> We were told about the "great wall" so we decided to take the one yuan bus trip to see what it was all about. Of course, it was fake great wall for tourists. Nice picture though, don't you think.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdthFZH4dHI/AAAAAAAADrk/Dbk1X9lRxCM/s1600-h/GreatWallHorseRide.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdthFZH4dHI/AAAAAAAADrk/Dbk1X9lRxCM/s400/GreatWallHorseRide.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321954129939559538" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Tourists doing touristy things like riding horses.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdthFVn2SqI/AAAAAAAADrc/E8Ah3Em2j-w/s1600-h/GreatWallOldLady.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdthFVn2SqI/AAAAAAAADrc/E8Ah3Em2j-w/s400/GreatWallOldLady.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321954128999893666" /></a>While Sunee was making movies, this 84-year-old lady was helping her with the focusing. Actually this lady was very friendly and answered our questions about the area. Yep, the place is new and built for tourists.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdthEx_grKI/AAAAAAAADrU/03JaH3NKyO0/s1600-h/GreatWallSunee.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdthEx_grKI/AAAAAAAADrU/03JaH3NKyO0/s400/GreatWallSunee.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321954119435463842" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">We are tourists. This is a tourist place so . . . a tourist picture.</div><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sdtgzquoq7I/AAAAAAAADrE/puKUKqShniE/s1600-h/HOrses.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sdtgzquoq7I/AAAAAAAADrE/puKUKqShniE/s400/HOrses.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321953825427860402" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">More tourist stuff.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The trip back to Loudai street was quick and painless after our introduction to the painfully cheezy "great wall." Both the great wall and Luodai Street are commercialized, the difference is that Luodai has some real stuff in it.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdtgzzDLxWI/AAAAAAAADrM/OZ12N5EAoJk/s1600-h/GreekCeramic.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdtgzzDLxWI/AAAAAAAADrM/OZ12N5EAoJk/s400/GreekCeramic.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321953827661530466" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Strange sculpture for a Chinese ancient street.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdtHVFRe7sI/AAAAAAAADpk/l7Jr8DZm4BQ/s1600-h/ThreeNasties.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdtHVFRe7sI/AAAAAAAADpk/l7Jr8DZm4BQ/s400/ThreeNasties.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321925812186705602" /></a>And if you thought the above picture was strange, check this one out. Actually this was in a store that sold ceramics on Luodai Street.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdtgztBWZXI/AAAAAAAADq8/25SGWntu8kk/s1600-h/InCementPagoda.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 143px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdtgztBWZXI/AAAAAAAADq8/25SGWntu8kk/s400/InCementPagoda.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321953826043225458" /></a>Center of the street seemed to be this cement pagoda. Not too pretty but nicely shaped.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdtgztMs-9I/AAAAAAAADq0/QQU5-seiruo/s1600-h/LoudaiInfo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 166px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdtgztMs-9I/AAAAAAAADq0/QQU5-seiruo/s400/LoudaiInfo.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321953826090843090" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">All you ever wanted to know about the town.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdtgzSe0FNI/AAAAAAAADqs/zWBVkIqi3-0/s1600-h/Loudaipana1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 125px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdtgzSe0FNI/AAAAAAAADqs/zWBVkIqi3-0/s400/Loudaipana1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321953818919048402" /></a>One of the three or four guild halls still standing in the ancient town. Remember the big dragon?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sdtgbg-Uk_I/AAAAAAAADqk/zWKFgd46snA/s1600-h/OPenDoor.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sdtgbg-Uk_I/AAAAAAAADqk/zWKFgd46snA/s400/OPenDoor.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321953410492437490" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Art Photo - Welcome In</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdtgbZDfCMI/AAAAAAAADqc/lv708XVv1dQ/s1600-h/OpenLanturns.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 302px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdtgbZDfCMI/AAAAAAAADqc/lv708XVv1dQ/s400/OpenLanturns.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321953408366610626" /></a>This led into a courtyard with a theater and other shops. Also many tourists were running around getting their pictures taken in period costumes or really very victorian costumes. The tourists seemed to love this stuff wherever we go in China.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdtgbZ6szeI/AAAAAAAADqU/DY3Xj47Oaqs/s1600-h/Moreknockers.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdtgbZ6szeI/AAAAAAAADqU/DY3Xj47Oaqs/s400/Moreknockers.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321953408598199778" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Art Photo - Brass Knockers</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdtgbdqWMNI/AAAAAAAADqM/LhDxrMLduaQ/s1600-h/ShoeGuard.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 185px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdtgbdqWMNI/AAAAAAAADqM/LhDxrMLduaQ/s400/ShoeGuard.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321953409603350738" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Art Photo - Tennis Shoes and Mop</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdtgazMn6xI/AAAAAAAADqE/5Wjt_5_HITo/s1600-h/Stage-Set.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdtgazMn6xI/AAAAAAAADqE/5Wjt_5_HITo/s400/Stage-Set.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321953398204394258" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Theater inside the large courtyard I imaged earlier.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdtHVg-_99I/AAAAAAAADp8/S2u0sGX_tJU/s1600-h/Steele.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdtHVg-_99I/AAAAAAAADp8/S2u0sGX_tJU/s400/Steele.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321925819625371602" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The official stele of the area or maybe not. It is a nicely done piece though.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdtHVYYY_UI/AAAAAAAADp0/xQlbft6NVXw/s1600-h/Storefront.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdtHVYYY_UI/AAAAAAAADp0/xQlbft6NVXw/s400/Storefront.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321925817315949890" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Art Photo - Butcher Shop</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdtHVEutlsI/AAAAAAAADps/YYmijs0qYdY/s1600-h/TallBuilding.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdtHVEutlsI/AAAAAAAADps/YYmijs0qYdY/s400/TallBuilding.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321925812040865474" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Nice building at the end of the ancient street.</div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdtHU8oOtlI/AAAAAAAADpc/8XabhyabV9E/s1600-h/ToyShop.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdtHU8oOtlI/AAAAAAAADpc/8XabhyabV9E/s400/ToyShop.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321925809866192466" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Anyone interested in a little carnival action?</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">People</span></span></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdtE9pu5LXI/AAAAAAAADpU/vuixNYJVv2k/s1600-h/XunPlayer.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdtE9pu5LXI/AAAAAAAADpU/vuixNYJVv2k/s400/XunPlayer.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321923210633620850" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">We bought a really nice Xun from this guy. That is what he is playing. </div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdtE9sLnOKI/AAAAAAAADpM/097sjIwp5AY/s1600-h/WeddingVehicle.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 292px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdtE9sLnOKI/AAAAAAAADpM/097sjIwp5AY/s400/WeddingVehicle.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321923211290949794" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">For weddings</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdtD4sr3muI/AAAAAAAADpE/6AfNbfKV0Ic/s1600-h/WeddingPhoto.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdtD4sr3muI/AAAAAAAADpE/6AfNbfKV0Ic/s400/WeddingPhoto.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321922026015267554" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">They pay five yuan and get their pictures taken. Another wedding set up, obviously.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdtD4k3fiQI/AAAAAAAADo8/Kxbt53g7RPE/s1600-h/Transport.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdtD4k3fiQI/AAAAAAAADo8/Kxbt53g7RPE/s400/Transport.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321922023916538114" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Hakka transportation along the street in Luodai.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdtD4e3mYVI/AAAAAAAADo0/up3M4U9hI8Q/s1600-h/TheRightOne.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdtD4e3mYVI/AAAAAAAADo0/up3M4U9hI8Q/s400/TheRightOne.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321922022306373970" /></a>Choosing the right gourd can be difficult but Sunee always comes through.</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdtD4Ryit6I/AAAAAAAADos/rX2sJSUxGoc/s1600-h/SuneeShoot.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 253px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdtD4Ryit6I/AAAAAAAADos/rX2sJSUxGoc/s400/SuneeShoot.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321922018795501474" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Camera work.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdtD4GCHeiI/AAAAAAAADok/3Mtok-EzNYw/s1600-h/SuneeBySteele.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdtD4GCHeiI/AAAAAAAADok/3Mtok-EzNYw/s400/SuneeBySteele.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321922015639599650" /></a>Had to take a picture of Sunee in front of these authentic steles. Yep, they are part of the original, none commercial Luodai. My guess is they are at least Ming Dynasty.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdtAmBZyNMI/AAAAAAAADoM/V8tXFPX9sUo/s1600-h/Shopping.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdtAmBZyNMI/AAAAAAAADoM/V8tXFPX9sUo/s400/Shopping.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321918406624163010" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Shopping for . . . you name it, she shops for it.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdtAmHP73tI/AAAAAAAADoE/59z6tCHtVt0/s1600-h/Seller.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 294px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdtAmHP73tI/AAAAAAAADoE/59z6tCHtVt0/s400/Seller.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321918408193466066" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Art Picture - Shop Keeper</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdtAlx2rlMI/AAAAAAAADn8/GKX2WroKduo/s1600-h/Posing.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 224px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdtAlx2rlMI/AAAAAAAADn8/GKX2WroKduo/s400/Posing.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321918402450396354" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Aren't those flowering thing beautiful - NOT!</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sds_R3gn1lI/AAAAAAAADn0/Yr2-VLd9KkU/s1600-h/PictureTake.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sds_R3gn1lI/AAAAAAAADn0/Yr2-VLd9KkU/s400/PictureTake.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321916960859477586" /></a>Is this a picture or what. The outfit was stunning and the lady was not bad looking either.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sds_Rxi5VJI/AAAAAAAADns/l1m2zoVIK4k/s1600-h/LovelyPhoto.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 236px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sds_Rxi5VJI/AAAAAAAADns/l1m2zoVIK4k/s400/LovelyPhoto.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321916959258399890" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Kinda hard to criticize this tourists. Certainly her costume fit the area well.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sds_RgonoSI/AAAAAAAADnk/yTsFGQKhlCc/s1600-h/KidSweetEat.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 378px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sds_RgonoSI/AAAAAAAADnk/yTsFGQKhlCc/s400/KidSweetEat.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321916954719002914" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">ARt Photo - Sweets</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sds_RCY59cI/AAAAAAAADnc/q3ltyOHwRzo/s1600-h/Kids.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sds_RCY59cI/AAAAAAAADnc/q3ltyOHwRzo/s400/Kids.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321916946600031682" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Two cuties</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sds_P3nCSCI/AAAAAAAADnU/DMOzvHBRXt4/s1600-h/CottonCandy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sds_P3nCSCI/AAAAAAAADnU/DMOzvHBRXt4/s400/CottonCandy.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321916926526638114" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Cotton candy anyone?</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sds76e7yqUI/AAAAAAAADmk/8_1kRKFTdUk/s1600-h/Chicken.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 136px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sds76e7yqUI/AAAAAAAADmk/8_1kRKFTdUk/s400/Chicken.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321913260590672194" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Waiting for customers to try her special duck.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sds76BdVJ8I/AAAAAAAADmc/cxW7ARXTPn8/s1600-h/CheckingPict.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sds76BdVJ8I/AAAAAAAADmc/cxW7ARXTPn8/s400/CheckingPict.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321913252678281154" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">"I thought you said you knew how to use this thing."</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sds76AN2owI/AAAAAAAADmU/gihMRHIPltM/s1600-h/CarryLady.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sds76AN2owI/AAAAAAAADmU/gihMRHIPltM/s400/CarryLady.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321913252344931074" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Art Photo - Vegetable Vendor</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sds75zGRsOI/AAAAAAAADmM/y50lOWoT928/s1600-h/AnotherPhotOp.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 319px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sds75zGRsOI/AAAAAAAADmM/y50lOWoT928/s400/AnotherPhotOp.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321913248823488738" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Victorian no doubt!</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sds755KN_vI/AAAAAAAADmE/j10SPHzTy90/s1600-h/AllLookGood.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sds755KN_vI/AAAAAAAADmE/j10SPHzTy90/s400/AllLookGood.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321913250450636530" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Hunger does strange things to people, like making them want spicy duck.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Food</span></span></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sds6vbggBPI/AAAAAAAADl8/yEoOm9t6eaQ/s1600-h/Sweets.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 292px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sds6vbggBPI/AAAAAAAADl8/yEoOm9t6eaQ/s400/Sweets.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321911971180709106" /></a>This is a sweet snack that one can find all along the ancient street of Luodai. Mostly tofu in sweet sauce.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdszIi3vuiI/AAAAAAAADl0/s8lmpOQ_20U/s1600-h/SweetGone.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdszIi3vuiI/AAAAAAAADl0/s8lmpOQ_20U/s400/SweetGone.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321903606560963106" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Ok, so I ate this last one. It was very good.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdszIS4kwaI/AAAAAAAADls/APQlVIVch4k/s1600-h/Snacks.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdszIS4kwaI/AAAAAAAADls/APQlVIVch4k/s400/Snacks.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321903602269471138" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Kinda like bread sticks but with a crunchier feel. Good snack.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdszIBq-8TI/AAAAAAAADlk/kaz0LWW4Hgs/s1600-h/SnackGood.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdszIBq-8TI/AAAAAAAADlk/kaz0LWW4Hgs/s400/SnackGood.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321903597649064242" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">More tofu stuff but this time spicy. I did not care for it but Sunee loved it.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdszHtziznI/AAAAAAAADlc/csqdEp5o4cY/s1600-h/NegotiateSnak.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdszHtziznI/AAAAAAAADlc/csqdEp5o4cY/s400/NegotiateSnak.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321903592316259954" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">How many did you say you wanted?</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdszGzzM3II/AAAAAAAADlU/V6z3EGFMJ_U/s1600-h/HakkaDuck.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 256px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/SdszGzzM3II/AAAAAAAADlU/V6z3EGFMJ_U/s400/HakkaDuck.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321903576745565314" /></a>This place is supposed to be famous for their duck so we got some duck. Doesn't it look really great. Looks are deceiving. It sucked. Way too salty.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sdsx420cEMI/AAAAAAAADlM/bHBs4dkJXPM/s1600-h/GreatChicken.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sdsx420cEMI/AAAAAAAADlM/bHBs4dkJXPM/s400/GreatChicken.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321902237526266050" /></a>Sunee bought this chicken leg at the "great wall." It was spicy and cooked in banana leaves. Very good. At least it was better than the above duck.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sdsx4pyYsyI/AAAAAAAADlE/HZuxVPMknkc/s1600-h/FoodShop.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sdsx4pyYsyI/AAAAAAAADlE/HZuxVPMknkc/s400/FoodShop.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321902234027995938" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Ar Photo - Noodle Soup</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sdsx4Rey-XI/AAAAAAAADk8/Nq5Yb9UeUgo/s1600-h/FastFood.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 328px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sdsx4Rey-XI/AAAAAAAADk8/Nq5Yb9UeUgo/s400/FastFood.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321902227503380850" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Art Photo - Luodai Fast Food</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sdsx4Ei6nKI/AAAAAAAADk0/oycrAi7tDpg/s1600-h/Dohua.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sdsx4Ei6nKI/AAAAAAAADk0/oycrAi7tDpg/s400/Dohua.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321902224030997666" /></a>We were told this is tofu hua. Whipped tofu? I have not got a clue. Great shot though, right?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sdsx3mIxR2I/AAAAAAAADks/Cwi6_SW5aoQ/s1600-h/AlcoholSales.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 342px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_80BbyvYDnzE/Sdsx3mIxR2I/AAAAAAAADks/Cwi6_SW5aoQ/s400/AlcoholSales.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321902215868270434" /></a>Anyone interested in some really strong alcohol from Luodai. Lots of it available.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyeHrlJoWK2WURgF9INnb34E63eLPnnHrJ7RdcyOBGXWLNuD4RiM7DlIzcgF7jTSfO3l63whDC1AxwSI7gPig' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><br />I finish off this blog with a masterful rendition by our friend who sold us the Xun. He is good.Cecil Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15551474809860713547noreply@blogger.com1