Da jia hao (hello everyone)! Yesterday was another busy day of travel and touring. We started off early getting packed and checking out of our rooms because we would be going on the train for the night. After our group was all checked out and our keys were in it was off to the Mini Potala temple. The temple is an exact replica of the Dali Lama's actual temple at at 1/3 scale. Its structure consists of a large entrance garden who's path leads to the temple. The temple is a tall read building with a gold roof. We climbed up all 400 steps to the top and took in the beautiful views of the city from up there. The temple is empty and filled only with shops now but in the days that it was being used, hundreds of years ago, its rooms housed the Dali Lama. Our group then had to proceed down the multitude of steps again and load on our bus.
We had a short time to freshen up and then were on our way back to Beijing to catch our train. On the drive we saw the beautiful Beijing countryside and took in breath taking views of the Great Wall. After a little nap on the bus we arrived at our gormet dinner location: the golden arches or McDonalds. It was the biggest relief to see that we were going to take a break from Chinese cuisine and have some good old American food. I ordered a chicken sandwich and it was deffinately different from home, but still good. The sandwich was very spicy and dark meat but, other then that, pretty American. We had a little time to browse around the shops there and then to the train station.
We had to board an overnight train from Beijing to Luoyang. When we got in, the train was surprisingly roomy. The four boys shared one room and we each had a bed. Believe it or not, we were very comfortable and excited for a good night of bonding on the train. After we arrive we will be exploring the Longman Grottos and then arrive at our home for the next 4 days: Shaolin! Well that is all for now, I can't wait to learn some Kung Fu.
Did your views of the Great Wall make you want to take another "short" hike? LOL I bet you guys are relly going to be in shape with all the hikes and the 400 steps.
ReplyDeleteI had a little bit of panic today - the DSA China site was down for almost the entire day. I just knew the typhoon had gotten you guys O: I definitely was in need of a China fix by the time the blogs were back up. Karen Wells DSA South Africa
I am waiting for the grasshoppers.....you can have mickeyD's at home......I'm hoping the weather is holding up for you all...Enjoy the Kung Fu, but let the masters break the 2X4"s, you just watch. This adventure is nothing less than SWWWEEEEEEEEEETTTTTTTTTT:)
ReplyDeleteAha, at last I understand the Mini Potola temple. Why don't I always read you first.... You mention of the Dali Lama brings an immediacy to your visit, putting a face that has been repressed by your host culture to the site.
ReplyDeleteYour description of the gourmet restaurant has me LOL.
RJ Stangherlin
PA DEN Leadership Council Blog Coordinator
Cory,
ReplyDeleteYou just made my China Experience Day!! And to think I ALMOST missed it. Love your photo gallery!!! When I finish reading all the blogs, I am going to try to figure out how you got the 9-image view to your blog. I have a slideshow, but I love the view you have. VERY COOL INDEED!!!!
Just viewed your Picasa gallery. Xiu xiu.
RJ Stangherlin
PA DEN Leadership Council Blog Coordinator
Grasshopper, if you can snatch the quarter from my hand you can have an American Hamburger. I was getting nervous as I read this last post because I thought there wouldn't be any mention of food. Alas, my fears were unfounded. You are seeing such amazing things and being exposed to so much history. I bet you can't even wrap your head around al that you have seen and all that you still have to see.
ReplyDeletekeep us updated and get some well deserved rest. i think I have to go on the China tour next year. Teill everyone that i said hi.
J. Simon