Asoka Temple

Hello everyone! Sorry we have not been good about updating our blog on a more regular basis. We've been really busy with school and have actually also been spending a good deal of time with friends. One of the really great things about living here and working here (Carlan has already expressed this, but it must be restated) is that we actually have time outside of school to do things during the school year. I often don't know if people really understand how hard it is for teachers to have a social life outside of school. It is certainly not for lack of want. I think by nature we're quite gregarious folk, but the job (in the states) definitely does not allow for a lot of time to be human. Anyway, I try to remain positive, but when I think about my US colleagues and how hard they work with such little reward it is very frustrating.

On a lighter note, Carlan and I have had some time to visit some local sites during our morning bike rides, one of which is a nearby Buddhist temple named after King Asoka (pronounced A-sho-ka). King Asoka is actually a quite famous Indian ruler from the 4th century BC who, in his latter life, was converted to Buddhism. With his wealth he decided to dig up Siddhartha Gautama’s remains (the first Buddha), break up his skeleton, and build reliquaries throughout Asia (over 800 exist). Allegedly, Asoka temple houses part of the cranium bone of Siddhartha. The temple complex also houses several different statues of Buddha, other important persons, and images of nirvana which are quite striking.

The relic itself is within the large pagoda of the complex, and I should probably know much more about the architecture and its significance, but I have had so little time to do the research (I will though). Anyway, the temple is considered to be one of the most important within Zhejiang province and is also very important to the Japanese.

In addition to our bike ride adventures, we have also been making trips to local markets to buy rugs, plants, and artwork in order to make the apartment a little homier. We found some really awesome bonsai plants and a cool Norway Pine that reminds us of Oregon—all for very cheap. We do miss Oregon’s beauty; it is certainly something that is hard to match no matter where we visit, but a little green is a nice reminder.

We should have a lot to report here soon. This weekend we are traveling to Shanghai, and the week after next is October break. This is a traditional Chinese national holiday, similar to the fourth of July that recognizes China’s transition to Communism. We have a week off and are going to travel to Beijing. We have been warned not to travel anywhere in China during this time, especially because it is the 60th anniversary of Communist Party rule. Apparently the crowds can be horrendous and travel can be frightening, but I say when in China, do as the Chinese do.

We will spend the national holiday in Beijing and our hotel is right in the middle of it all. We will be within walking distance to Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and the famous night market. I can’t wait to go the night market. I am so going to try some of the most exotic and crazy foods possible (I’ll have Carlan document it all). After a few days in Beijing, we’ll be heading out of town to see the Great Wall. We want to see the ‘wild wall,’ that is, a part of the wall that has not been renovated and we’ll probably, at this point, want a break from the crowds so we’re going to do a day trip out into the mountains and see some of the less touristy Ming Dynasty wall.

Anyway, I am sure we’ll have a lot to blog about after these trips as well as a lot of pictures to show. Until then, zai jian! Actually, on a final note, Carlan and I would like to thank all of you for keeping track of us and making comments on our blog. We really appreciate the words from home; it means a lot to us to have such great friends and family. We love you all!

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