The Lama Temple

 

Today I was solo, and decided to go visit the Lama Temple which is north of where we are staying. I took Beijing's underground metro for the first time and was thankful for my previous experience in London. Actually I started my visit at another site which I paid to enter, and have no idea what it was, but soon realized it wasn't a temple...no statues or incense. I changed direction and continued to ask people and show pictures of the temple until I reached its entrance. Before reaching the temple there are many, many incense shops like the one above. People buy incense to burn in front of the many buddhist statues as an offering while they pray.

 

 

Originally a palace for Prince Yongzheng in the late seventeenth century, it was transformed into a temple in 1723 when he became emperor. Photography of the many statues of Buddha is prohibited. They were beautiful to see. One is 85 feet tall and carved out of a single block of sandalwood.

 

One thing I have definitely noticed, everyone is so friendly. Even when they don't speak English, they try to help. That hasn't always been the case in other places we have visited. So far, I am really enjoying our visit. Tomorrow...the Forbidden City with Jack.

 

Our first day in Beijing. We woke up shortly after six this morning, and ate a buffet breakfast. Guess what Jack found directly across from our hotel? He has already been there twice.

 

We did a little exploring after breakfast. Beijing reminds me of a large city in the United States. Lots of hustle bustle. Cars and bikes everywhere. 

 

This is Small Eats Street. There are many stalls here selling all different types of food.

 

This is the Wuyutai Tea Shop. It sells many types of tea, the best being loose leaf. You can imagine how nice it smells. After exploring, we headed back to the hotel. Jack started his work for P & G  at noon and will be back tomorrow night. I am relaxing, reading, and thinking of my dinner options. So far, we are off to a good start. 

We've Arrived in Beijing

According to my computer, it is 9:55 in the morning for our most of you and we have just arrived and gotten settled in to our hotel-10:55 Tuesday night. We are headed off to bed. Maybe I will be on an almost normal time schedule here. Our flight was long but very comfortable on ANA airline. When we landed in Tokyo to switch flights for Beijing there was a delay in letting us leave the plane. Finally, a group of government/health officials entered the plane wearing masks. They had us fill out forms about our health status, where we had been in the last ten days, and where we would be staying, with a request for a contact phone number. They also were video taping us. I'm sure a concern about the swine flu. Usually this wouldn't bother me, but somehow on the way over I had developed an allergic reaction to something (a down pillow?) and my nose had been running constantly. My pockets were full of crumpled tissues and my nose was quite red. I had images of being detained and not making it to Beijing. They released us, but requested we all wear face masks. As we left the plane there was a group of journalists shooting videos and taking pictures. With jet lag, it seemed very surreal. On the other hand, our arrival at the Beijing airport went very smoothly. We will report more tomorrow. Hopefully with photos!

Leaving Tomorrow

We are almost ready to go. At 7:30 we will be on our way to the airport.

Max is at the dog sitter. Off the "to do" list

Jack decides at 4:00 this afternoon to shop. He brings home new shoes,

a pair of jeans, and five new shirts.

This drives me a little crazy, but it is an endearing characteristic.

My China note cards. Filled with fun facts.
Our next post will be from Beijing!

Easter 2009

 

Here is the family at Easter brunch. I'm practicing my blogging skills. My fingers are crossed.

Welcome

Hello All,

Jack and I are headed to China and we are very excited about the adventure ahead. I have decided to share our experience through this blog with all of you. Wish me luck! Beijing here we come!               Lori