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Published: July 17th 2006
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Where did I leave off last? I honestly have no clue, so I will start off at the tour of the mansions, shimmy into the 10,000 buddhas temple, run through my food poisoning and end on my so far, not so exciting day.
I will begin with a Haiku:
On the Tour
There was a torrential
Downpour. Wet.
So that's how my Sunday morning started, having our tour of the ancestral halls in the New Territories (re: Hong Kong closest to the China border). It must have been the heavens opening up on the entire class for a few reasons:
1. To wash away our sins from Friday night (we visited Lan Kwai Fong which is this ultimate tourist destination for clubbing/bars/drinking/ prostitutes and beautiful man-ladies)
2. The ancestors were trying to keep us away because we're dirty dirty.
3. I smelt really bad and needed a cleanse to prevent from disturbing the ancestors from their graves, or tablets in this case.
After the downpour and significant soakage of our clothing, we visited the ancestral halls which contained 12"x3" tablets of the ancesters which were a part of this village. It was interesting to hear the history behind
Guan Yin Overlooking Repulse Bay
Guan Yin is a Bodvisstah(sp?) and is overlooking the Bay. The Goddess of Mercy was made purely from lifeguard donations b/c there were many people who drowned at the bay it, but my mind started drifting because the amount of information and details which they provided us was too overwhelming (even for my overly average head!)
We visited some Chinese mansions also, which was a great site to see. It's significantly different from the castles in Europe (well, mainly Germany) and from the mansions in the big N.A. The amount of baroque influence in a Chinese house, well it was interesting to see the fusion. There's plenty of elaborate details, all of which is too many to fully appreciate and absorb.
The group ended the day (well, the friends I have here) with a Chinese meal from a local restaurant closeby the residence. I had the strangest craving for spaghetti and trusting that I make a pretty decent noodle (considering I don't cook) I believed the same from the restaurant. I basically had alphagettis in a dish with questionable cheese...
Now shimmying on to the 10,000 Buddha temple visit:
I managed to reward myself with a mild case of food poisoning the night before (re: above spaghetti) and was slightly feverish with discomfortable bowel movements. I know I shouldn't be talking about my bowels, especially on
a blog but I feel it's important to give an accurate perception of all the good and the not so good of Hong Kong. The climb up to the temple (something which felt like 10,000 steps up) was hell. It's true, one must purify to enter into a place of sanctuary (think purgatory). I definitely sweat out all the toxins. Little did I realize that I was dripping with sweat by the time I got to the temple, where I was greated by this sweet chinese lady who kindly suggested that I rest in her restaurant and enjoy a cold drink before I head anywhere else.
I refused because I felt much better despite my not so cute exterior. I must admit, the temple was immaculate. Oh, I forgot to mention, the climb up was lined with statues of monks, all different (about 500 of them). So the temple's interior was lined with little buddha statues (not the happy buddha as many of you are familiar with), I have pictures but I don't have my usb cord with me. Will upload next time though.
There's also this monk, who meditated so much that upon his death and burial,
Tai Chi at the Ancestral Hall
It was moody and just right. But imagine a group of 50 students showing up in the downpour and staring at you while you're trying to channel your Chi. he was naturally mummified. They exhumed his body, still intact with no signs of deterioration and plated him with gold. He's now a statue in the temple, which is amazing. The views from the temple were also something to be reckoned with. It sat on top of a mountain (or hill) and it overlooked the housing below. In the distance, there were green mountains with clouds swirling around, like something out of a chinese painting.
The way back was hell (stomach cramps) but the trip was well worth it.
Now finally, my day at school was another day at school. I don't know what to say, the classes are interesting, but at the same time, it's hard to pay attention especially when there's so much to see and do here! We learnt about Confucianism and I've drawn similarities between confucian teachings and being a good leader as discussed with many EWBer's (FYI, check out www.ewb.ca if you want an explanation of what EWB is).
So, off and away to Mong Kok to drive some bargains at the Lady's Market and Temple Street. I hope this finds you well rested and in peace.
Rice cakes and watermelon
Chinese Mansion (back in the day)
It's big, very very big. And Old, very very old. fleecy's for all. Until next time!
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