#139 Teaching at Taizhou Teachers College, China ( CONFUCIUS and his city, Qufu, Shandong,)


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Asia » China » Shandong » Qufu
March 21st 2012
Published: March 19th 2012
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The time is so limited these days, though my thoughts and heart are always with my friends. Sharing these TravelBlog-entries and photos these past six years in China are one of my great joys. Researching and composing them is the best way for me to reflect on my adventures and experiences during my stay and travels in China. Most importantly, I love spending my time with the lovely and eager stude... Read Full Entry



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Walking the Confucius Forest/Cemetery, #1Walking the Confucius Forest/Cemetery, #1
Walking the Confucius Forest/Cemetery, #1

The Confucius Forest is large, and thousand of Confucius's descendents have their final resting place in this large cemetary, only reserved for the Kong family.
Walking the Confucius Forest/Cemetery, #2Walking the Confucius Forest/Cemetery, #2
Walking the Confucius Forest/Cemetery, #2

It is so peaceful walking among the ancient stelae and carved animals, with unusual statuary around every new road, reminding us of more than 2,400 years of history.
Walking the Confucius Forest/Cemetery, #3Walking the Confucius Forest/Cemetery, #3
Walking the Confucius Forest/Cemetery, #3

Some of the stone stelae date back thousands of years, others only centuries, and I even saw new graves being dug during my visit. The family name continues to influence this city of Qufu to this day.
Walking the Confucius Forest/Cemetery, #4Walking the Confucius Forest/Cemetery, #4
Walking the Confucius Forest/Cemetery, #4

I wish I could read Chinese, to read the ancient inscriptions of the stelae, and the symbolism of the carved animals.
Walking the Confucius Forest/Cemetery, #5Walking the Confucius Forest/Cemetery, #5
Walking the Confucius Forest/Cemetery, #5

The thousands of stone stelae will continue to tell the stories of the Kong Family for centuries to come.
Walking the Confucius Forest/Cemetery, #6Walking the Confucius Forest/Cemetery, #6
Walking the Confucius Forest/Cemetery, #6

Walking the extensive paths of the Confucius Forest, I began to understand better, that life is transitory, and here marked only by a few ancient stones.
Walking the Confucius Forest/Cemetery, #7Walking the Confucius Forest/Cemetery, #7
Walking the Confucius Forest/Cemetery, #7

An open area provides a space for a rest, much needed, since the Confucius Forest area is truly large.
THE FOOD STREET OF QUFU, #1THE FOOD STREET OF QUFU, #1
THE FOOD STREET OF QUFU, #1

Now, that I have acquired an appetite from my walks through Qufu's famous landmarks: The Confucius Temple, the Confucius Mansion, and through the Confucius Forest/Cemetery, it is time to check out some of the food along the Food Street of Qufu.
THE FOOD STREET OF QUFU, #2THE FOOD STREET OF QUFU, #2
THE FOOD STREET OF QUFU, #2

No thank you! Time to move on to the next vendor!
THE FOOD STREET OF QUFU, #3THE FOOD STREET OF QUFU, #3
THE FOOD STREET OF QUFU, #3

Dog is the specialty of this food vendor. Dog is considered comfort food in many parts of China, and an aid to the male labito. Time to move on!!!
THE FOOD STREET OF QUFU, #4THE FOOD STREET OF QUFU, #4
THE FOOD STREET OF QUFU, #4

You may not wish to look too closely, but these are the parts of the dog left for sale. Dinner anyone??
THE FOOD STREET OF QUFU, #5THE FOOD STREET OF QUFU, #5
THE FOOD STREET OF QUFU, #5

After the food stand selling dog-meat, this looked more a possibility for a quick snack.
THE FOOD STREET OF QUFU, #6THE FOOD STREET OF QUFU, #6
THE FOOD STREET OF QUFU, #6

I had some of this delicous bread; lost my appetite for any kinds of meat on this day.
THE FOOD STREET OF QUFU, #7THE FOOD STREET OF QUFU, #7
THE FOOD STREET OF QUFU, #7

Freshly hand-made noodles became my best choice for a satisfying snack. I must say, the most disappointing part of my visit to Qufu, Shandong was the selections of food and quality restaurants.
Confucius Elementary SchoolConfucius Elementary School
Confucius Elementary School

Entrance to the Qufu Elementary School with marble statue of Confucius in the background.
Marble statue of Confucius in the courtyard.Marble statue of Confucius in the courtyard.
Marble statue of Confucius in the courtyard.

The Confucius Elementary School in Qufu, Shandong,
My Hotel in Qufu, ShandongMy Hotel in Qufu, Shandong
My Hotel in Qufu, Shandong

This is where stayed, during my visit to Qufu, Shandong. Looks great outside, but somewhat disappointing on the inside.
A WARNING TO ALL SUN-LOVERSA WARNING TO ALL SUN-LOVERS
A WARNING TO ALL SUN-LOVERS

I am not looking for sympathy, only a warning, that there may be consequences for the love many of us share for too much sun. Please protect yourself and avoid future pain and medical bills. The scar has healed very well and is now hardly noticable. Thanks to my family for their support.



19th March 2012

Thanks
We visited Qufu when we were teaching in July Taizhou in 2008. Many happy memories. I am returning again this year to teach for the Education Department in Jiangsu in July.
19th March 2012

Looks like a wonderful time! I need to go back to China again one day. Great pictures and so incredible how his teachings are so relevant till this day.
19th March 2012

vielen Danke fuer das Blog. Gute Besserung!
20th March 2012

'Good to see you're still travelling...
Hi Hans, ‘Great photos again. Does Qufu have any of the original walls left? I did not fast track to the last photo like many others may have. Yes, beware of the sun. I assume you are back at the old college. I have almost completed updating my blog of Taizhou and other journeys before home (including the long overdue Silk Road trip). I will let you know when it is ready. Good luck with the coming year. John
20th March 2012

Hi again from Oz!
Another informative blog & great photos, Hans. I didn't quite get to Qufu, but looks like a fascinating place to visit. Enjoy and keep yourself well. Hugs Sue
26th March 2012

Interesting DIY tour
Hi Hans, it's always nice to read your travel blog and see how do you explore and enjoy different parts of China. I am going to Chengdu for several days during Easter Holiday, do you have any recommendations?

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