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Published: July 24th 2006
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Master of Nets Garden
The halls and walkways have "picture" windows. It is "painting" of nature. Built in the Song dynasty (900's AD) and renamed in the Qing (1700/1800's) We are in Suzhou for another few days. This blog is more an observation of Chinese culture than a description of places. Please enjoy the pictures.
I took a leap of courage and walked around Suzhou on Friday. It was interesting to see the hustle and bustle of the city, learn to navigate crossing a street and basically learning where everything is located. I feel very safe walking around. Everday I get a little braver and try new things to accustom myself to the culture. I really did not do to much other than walking. I stopped at tea/coffee house to get out of the heat. I spent an hour just watching the intersection to see how traffice interacts. I have come to like good jasmine green tea. It is better with the loose tea than in teabags. It has a delicate floral flavor to it. Unfortunately the green tea has caffeine so I can't drink it at night or I am wide awake. I bought a 250g package for about $1USD. This will keep me in tea for a couple of months.
I did go to the Master of Nets Garden which was orginally built around the 900's
Master of Nets Garden
The halls and walkways have \"picture\" windows and doors. It is \"painting\" of nature. and was ultimately a residence for a retired fisherman in the 1700/1800's (Qing Dynasty). I think this is my favorite of all the gardens, because it gives the sense of intimacy. I could picture myself living there.
Saturday Dave and I went on a whirlwind tour of Suzhou. We had a guide named Becky. She grew up in a village nearby Suzhou and was very knowledgable. Most of the gardens are large enough that you need several hours to see it all. We caught the highlights. What I am learning about the gardens is that they are all very similar in their meanings and symbolisms. It is about the balance. The fish symbolize happiness, dragons and phoenixes mean power, lotuses keep the ponds clean, but also symbolize how a person can come out of mud and muck to be an upright/upstanding person of beauty. The pavilions and halls are for enjoying the garden in different ways. Some are only used in certain seasons because of the view and the plants that are around it. It is something to keep in mind when I return to my own garden.
Everything in China is about balance. The gardens are so
Lingering Garden
We did not get to linger as much as we would have liked. Lots to see! and this was the first stop of the day. peaceful. they are a respite from the hurriedness of the world. It is fascinating to walk into a garden, and it is quiet. I am not sure how they figured out how to keep out the city noise. The moment I walk into a garden, it is like the city disappears. I understand why people go there and just sit for several hours.
I am sure people have their favorite garden and go several times a week with friends. it soothes the mind and the soul.
Another observation is cultural. I have noticed that men do get preferential treatment. When I am with Dave, service is much better. I have noticed that the men can walk into the lounge or restaurant and are waited upon immediately. If I walk in by myself and there is no one around, I get waited on. However, the moment a man walks in, I am forgotten and usually have to ask for what I want. I am sorry if this sounds like complaining. It really is for me just an interesting situation and one that I will get used to eventually. I can say that I appreciate the service of waiters and waitresses
Lingering Garden
Look closely and you will see an eagle fighting a dog. This garden was built during the Ming dynasty (1300-1600's) in the US a lot.
I like China. I think Dave and I will enjoy living here. Overall the people are very friendly and very helpful. While it is not completely necessary to learn to speak Chinese, I think I am going to give it a shot. It is about being culturally aware and being respectful. It is also interesting to be able to speak an interesting language that is so different than English or Spanish. It is a challenge. And I love a challenge to learn.
The other cultural icon of China that thoroughly fascinates me is Tai Chi. Every morning in the plaza below our hotel room a group of about 15 chinese citizens come together to practice Tai Chi. What a great way to start a day. I love waking up to the music. I go to my window and watch them while I drink my coffee. They all do the same move. There does not appear to be any one person who leads, but they all move in unison. I am sure there is a reason and each move follows the previous one because a sense of balance, unity and peace. That is the
Canal near Hanshan Temple
Common sight in Suzhou. The temple was founded in 500'sAD. Chinse way when the western culture is set aside for a moment.
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