Last day in China

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Hi all. Just wanted to make one last post from China since today I leave for Laos. Wandered around Kunming yesterday and made it to the Bamboo Temple. This was an odd little place. Initially raised in the Tang dynasty, it was rebuilt in the 19th century a sculptor Li Guangxiu and his apprentices who created 500 'noble ones.' Apparently it took eight years to create this attempt to represent human existence in statues. I assume they were once all around the courtyard but have now been moved to places where they cannot be touched, only looked at. Apparently these sculptures were considered in bad taste (likely those who thought they were in bad taste were maybe in caricature) but the sculptor disappeared into thin air at the project's completion. They are just so odd, creepy and marvelously neat that you just couldn't stop looking at them. The sizes of the noble ones ranged from about three feet to about five feet and there are some odd ones. I wasn't supposed to take photos in some area but just had to capture a couple, you'll see those later. There are some statues that are surfing fish or riding unicorns, like I said, you just couldn't look away.

Have fun, see the pics and I'll be in touch again when in Laos.

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Photos

Bamboo Temple1
The temple and courtyard

BT2
Just so much to look at...

BT3
Keep looking...

BT4
There's more to come...

BT5
And more yet...

BT6
Inside the temple itself. Can you see the one at the left, looks like he's ripping the skin of his face off to reaveal a younger man...

BT7
Look at the really long arm of the one man. How handy would that be, never have to get up to turn out the lights!

BT8
No flash was allowed so some are a bit blurry.

BT9
Something about this one just made me laugh in a peaceful sort of way.

BT10
Odd little things but completely fascinating.

One last shot...
And finally, many of the toddlers here don't wear diapers. They have these pants, completely open from navel to tailbone and just pee where ever. Interesting and environmentally friendly?

Comments

[karen]

outstanding
hey cheryl - the updates and pics are great - feels like we are all taking this journey with you - i know that tova has said she is living vicariuosly through you hope you are enjoying yourself - perhaps as a new occupation you should consider taking up travel brochures!!!

[R Watson]

You made my day

[Linda Knaus]

Hey cheryl: There are a bunch of people that I work with that are from Laos. A number of them go home quite regularly to visit. If you want me to get any info from them, just let me know. Talk soon, linda

[Billy Mitch]

China Doll...?
Hey Cheryl: Those statues weird me out more than the king at Burger King! Great photos! Nice pants one the wee one. My brother was in Japan and the Japanese guy he was with blew his nose into the street with his thumb. Rick was a little shocked and said something to the guy. The guy asked "where you from". Rick said Canada and guy laughed and said, "You blow your nose many times in one day into the same piece of cloth, then put it in your pocket and save it." Confucius has something to say about this I'm sure. Happy travels girly!