Shapes in Suzhou (sue joe)

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Shapes in Suzhou (sue joe)
Suzhou, 5.7 million, Jiangsu Province, known for classical gardens and canals.

Last weekend was spent in Suzhoe, a beautiful garden city between Nanjing and Shanghai. We took the fast train and got soft seats, so we were comfortable. You can’t choose first or second class tickets, or business or coach here, just hard seat tickets and soft seat tickets, or hard sleeper, soft sleeper.

The train was fun. I love trains! The station was clean and very well organized. It’s a new station in Nanjing with a coffee shop and small acquariums. Your bag goes through security, but I didn’t see anyone looking at a screen so I can’t figure out how the security system works, or if it works.

Linell made the arrangements for the train tickets and hotel reservation. Based on Small Planet’s recommendations and Linell’s conference experiences in Suzhou, we had decided on the Dongwu Hotel at Suzhou University. It was quiet, and we had a tree outside our window, a surprising benefit. Smelled good. The Provence Café (yes, French) was next door so we had great coffee and a western breakfast. One evening we went there for music and dinner. Another meal was at a restaurant down the street. We wanted fish. The owner took a fish from the tank by the table—I think it was the fish that had splashed Linell earlier—and had it cooked for us. As always, the fish was delicious.

There’s a lot to see in Suzhou, so we narrowed it down to the Humble Administrator’s Garden, the Master of the Nets Garden, the silk museum, and the North Temple Pagoda—the tallest south of the Yangzi. We also walked a lot and did some shopping. Plus, we had a pedicab ride through the back streets. If I were living in China, I’d buy property in Suzhou. I bet the inner city, with the developing gentrification, becomes very valuable real estate for vacation rentals. A few of my photos from the pedicab ride reminded me of the European impressionist era. (the pix were blurry!)

My photos reflect the variety of shapes in Suzhou. Windows, buildings, doorways, and the gargoyles, which I really like. This is a very beautiful city known for the classic Chinese gardens.

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Photos

New Nanjing train station
We took a soft seat, fast train from Nanjing to Suzhou.

Superman in Nanjing
Yes, this man was dressed as superman. He was a passenger at the Nanjing train station--got on our train.

Hotel in Suzhou University
Dongwu Hotel was more like a guesthouse. Comfortable.

administrator's garden entrance
This garden is probably the most beautiful in all of China.

adminstrator's classic gardening
Classic Chinese gardening doesn't include flowers. This photo shows several of the key elements of buildings, rocks, water, shades and shapes of trees and bushes.

Window shapes
These windows include colored glass as well as repeating shapes.

cavelike rocks
Rocks are very important; these have caves in them.

climb over and under the rocks
it would be fun to be a child playing in these rocks with caves, holes, tunnels, etc.

wilted lotus leaves
These are the leaves that the rain hits. The gardens appeal to all your senses.

another window
More windows.

great doorway
Look at this doorway.

pedicab and driver
He took us along the canals and back streets.

Linell at garden
here's Linell at the garden

Susie at Admin garden
Here I am at the Administrator's Garden

Worship area
By the Pagoda are several temples and a tea garden. Here is a worship area for one temple.

Temple Pagoda
Here's the tallest pagoda south of the Yangtze River. We did not climb to the top, however!

fat buddha
This Buddha was in front of the Pagoda, behind him, facing the other way was a small Buddha.

an artist's environment
Doesn't this remind you of the French impressionist era?

Comments

[Taina]

great photos! I'm glad you are feeling better after being sick! Happy thanksgiving. =)

[Peggy Baughns]

Pictures are so calm and inviting.....
That looks like a great getaway...!! Hope you had fun!! Peggy