New Year at the Lama Temple

---

Let me just say that last night there were a lot - and I mean, a LOT - of fireworks! I didn't think that so many fireworks existed in the world, let alone in Beijing, but apparently they do. New year doesn't just bring out the fireworks though, it brings out all of the Chinese people - hordes of them came out from wherever they were hiding, holding little Chinese flags or teddy bears of oxen. Today really reminded me that China is the most populated country in the world! Streets that were practically empty two days ago were swarming today, but the atmosphere was great!

We were originally going to spend the day temple-hopping, but as it took us over two hours to get into the first temple, we decided to just leave it at that. And the one we went to was the Lama Temple, a Tibetan Buddhist temple, which probably would have been quite peaceful and serene if half of China wasn't crammed into it. But having all of the people there gave it quite a buzz, everyone had lit bunches of incense and were bowing down to statues of Buddha, or gonging bells for good luck, or throwing coins at statues, etc. Even though we were choking from the incense smoke, it all felt very spiritual. Unfortunately, we weren't allowed to take photos in a lot of the buildings, but we got some. And we still have the smoke from the incense ingrained into our clothes, so that's a memento I suppose!

On the way to the temple and back, we saw that the river was completely frozen over, and was being used as a road by everyone else, so we walked along on it as well. It was really surreal! I'm getting quite adept at walking on ice now - haven't even fallen over once. I do, however, have a huge bruise on my leg from when I fell on the Great Wall (another memento!)

The main computer of the hostel is broken (of course), so I'm using one that I have to pay for and I can't find how to upload photos onto it. I might work it out, but if not, the next time I'm on the other computer, I'll add piccies! Hope everyone at home is well!

---

Comments

[Substitue Dad]

Skating on thin ice
Finished my current duty of night slaving and unable to sleep.....wish you two were here.........house going to rack and ruin (sic).....just ruin!!! Have you told them yet they celebrate New Year on the wrong day?.... and why haven't you organised the population yet? Looking forward to world harmonisation along Polefield princilpes....ahem....not sure that would lead to peace and harmony but at least no non Mostonian power would dare to challenge the authority of the 'We can walk on water too' Trio. Missing the powers of the Dark Mark, Ceriteena and Bingo Meister......did you know we are `officially' in a Depression in the UK? Happy hunting in economies less stressed.....enjoy. All is well, Miss you, Simon XXX