China - Day 9

It finally stopped raining!!  Unfortunately, both Maggie and I are under the weather with runny noses and colds.  We've taken a few steam baths, are using lots of tissues but still having the time of our lives!  We spent some down time in the room this morning as last night was rough for both of us.  We caught up on some much needed sleep and Maggie spent some time learning to love her Grandpa.

LOVE this picture of my Dad and my baby girl - such a tender moment <3

We met up with our guide Martin and our friends, Sheila, Robert, Hannah and June and went to The Temple Of The Six Banyan Trees.  It is an ancient Buddhist temple right in the middle of the city and it was beautiful.  We were hoping to have the girls blessed by a Buddhist monk but none were available during our visit. 

 The Chinese believe that if you toss a coin and it goes into the hole at the top then you will have good fortune for the coming year.  The only one of us that was successful at it was Martin but Hannah sure did give it her best!

There are three copper Buddhas inside the temple that represent present, past and future.  Many come here to be blessed and there was a blessing ceremony going on while we were there today.

Inside this hall they were having a ceremony where many people were chanting and praying to Buddha.  The chants were mesmerizing and it was beautiful to watch and to listen to.  I found myself getting very emotional listening to it.  As I stood in the back listening to the beautiful chanting I couldn't help but wonder what Maggie's life would have been like if her family had been able to keep her.  Would she partake in ceremonies like this?  What kind of life would she have had?  The tears came and I cried silently for her and the life that she would never know.

 Dad in front of one of the Banyan trees

Burning joss sticks, or incense, is a ritual at the temple.  You are supposed to burn an odd number of sticks, dip them in oil and light them, hold them with both hands and bow three times as you wish for good fortune and to be blessed by the Gods in the coming year.  You then place them in the urn.

A modern day monk checking his email on his iPhone!!!

After the temple we went to the Chen Family Academy.  It was originally built as an ancestral temple for the Chen family and was later donated by 72 Chen clans to provide a school to study for the provincial exams.  It was amazing.  There was ornate detail in clay, stone, wood, brick and ceramic. Each section told a story the detail was incredible.  These photos don't do it justice.

 Once again it was stifling hot and Maggie was a happy camper once we found a fan to stand in front of.  It did wonders for her Mohawk :-)

Dinner tonight was at a Brazilian buffet and it did not disappoint.  As soon as we sat down the waiters came over with giant skewers filled with beef, pork. chicken, etc. and would carve it right off onto our plates.  Something about loud Brazilian music blaring while Chinese waiters in cowboy hats made me love everything about this place!!

And finally...just because she's cute!

Maggie and I are both loading up on medicine and we are hoping that tomorrow will have us both feeling better.  We have a big shopping day planned at the pearl and jade markets!!!