Over the past few couple days we've had the opportunity to explore some of Guangzhou's historical sites. This city was a huge trade port in ancient times, and the start of the Silk Road's shipping route. It's still a major trade center.
On Sunday we visited two breathtaking sites. The first was the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees. The temple is 1400 years old, and still very popular with devout buddhists in the area. We were lucky enough to arrive in time to witness the monks of the temple in a beautiful blessing ceremony. It was a unique experience to listen to the chanting and learn about their practices. They were blessing fish, rescued from the seafood market, prior to setting them free in the Pearl River.
It was pretty hot, humid, and crowded. So while the temple was beautiful, we made it a quick stop and hurried to the next spot, the Chen Academy. The academy was built by the Chen family for their children in the 1800s, prior to any publish education being available.
It was, in a word, breathtaking. Almost every wall had a stone carving, tiled imagery or some kind of elaborate sculpture. The building is now home to several art exhibits focused on local folk craft (like jade carving and silk embroidery). We could have spent much longer here, there was so much to look at...
Our second day in Guangzhou, we needed to take Steven to a doctor's screening (required by the embassy prior to issuing his immigration Visa). It was pretty hectic at the clinic, with lots of unhappy babies and stressed parents. Matt kept the girls back at the hotel while Melinda braved the clinic. Steven was a trooper, and only fussed at being bored by all the waiting. Being under 2, he only needed a quick check up. He didn't need a TB test and just got to chill out while all his buddies had blood drawn.
The girls, of course, and a blast exploring the hotel, finding the playground and watching shows on Mom's laptop.
In the evening, we got the opportunity to take a sunset cruise on the Pearl River in a replica wooden trading boat (outfitted with neon lights, air conditioning, and bathrooms - befitting a vessel meant to hold tourists). The group ordered Papa John's pizza for the ride. Unlike a lot of US chains, Papa John's menu is almost exactly the same as the states. Total comfort food.
As the sunset, the buildings along the river lit up in a rainbow of lights and colors. It was beautiful! We loved every moment. Okay, Melinda loved every moment. The girls were more interested in the pizza then Mom dragging them into the tropical drizzle on the top deck to look at buildings. And Matt, poor Matt spent most of the voyage becoming more and more nauseous (alas, not sea sickness - food poisoning).
But, Melinda LOVED the boat ride and Matt will likely really enjoy these pictures... later, when the Zofran wears off...
On Sunday we visited two breathtaking sites. The first was the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees. The temple is 1400 years old, and still very popular with devout buddhists in the area. We were lucky enough to arrive in time to witness the monks of the temple in a beautiful blessing ceremony. It was a unique experience to listen to the chanting and learn about their practices. They were blessing fish, rescued from the seafood market, prior to setting them free in the Pearl River.
The temple has nine stories that wind up
in a maze to the top.
Banyan tree!
It was pretty hot, humid, and crowded. So while the temple was beautiful, we made it a quick stop and hurried to the next spot, the Chen Academy. The academy was built by the Chen family for their children in the 1800s, prior to any publish education being available.
It was, in a word, breathtaking. Almost every wall had a stone carving, tiled imagery or some kind of elaborate sculpture. The building is now home to several art exhibits focused on local folk craft (like jade carving and silk embroidery). We could have spent much longer here, there was so much to look at...
Matt and Steven hanging out
at the entrance of the school.
More Matt and Steven!
Many of the walls had large
ceramic panels like this one.
Did we mention Guangzhou is really hot? Really hot.
Even the pathway railings had elaborate carvings.
After a morning being dragged around
in the heat and humidity, we treated the
girls to some lollipops. Yum!
Our second day in Guangzhou, we needed to take Steven to a doctor's screening (required by the embassy prior to issuing his immigration Visa). It was pretty hectic at the clinic, with lots of unhappy babies and stressed parents. Matt kept the girls back at the hotel while Melinda braved the clinic. Steven was a trooper, and only fussed at being bored by all the waiting. Being under 2, he only needed a quick check up. He didn't need a TB test and just got to chill out while all his buddies had blood drawn.
The girls, of course, and a blast exploring the hotel, finding the playground and watching shows on Mom's laptop.
In the evening, we got the opportunity to take a sunset cruise on the Pearl River in a replica wooden trading boat (outfitted with neon lights, air conditioning, and bathrooms - befitting a vessel meant to hold tourists). The group ordered Papa John's pizza for the ride. Unlike a lot of US chains, Papa John's menu is almost exactly the same as the states. Total comfort food.
As the sunset, the buildings along the river lit up in a rainbow of lights and colors. It was beautiful! We loved every moment. Okay, Melinda loved every moment. The girls were more interested in the pizza then Mom dragging them into the tropical drizzle on the top deck to look at buildings. And Matt, poor Matt spent most of the voyage becoming more and more nauseous (alas, not sea sickness - food poisoning).
But, Melinda LOVED the boat ride and Matt will likely really enjoy these pictures... later, when the Zofran wears off...
We don't know exactly what caused Matt's
stomach wars... but smart money is on this
"American Food" a restaurant across from
the hotel tried to pawn off on us... or
maybe the weird McDonald's breakfast wrap.
Playground!
The hallways at this Marriott make us
feel like NBA All Stars.
The clinic was decorated with festive
Santa cut outs... supposedly to help
the atmosphere. We don't think the
staff knew he's kind of a seasonal guy.
The hotel gave us a free box of chocolates since
we booked our stay with points. These didn't last long...
Arriving at the pearl river, awaiting the Dragon Boat!
Papa Johns! Tastes like home.
The Canton Tower is the tallest
tower in China - also, a rainbow. My kids
100% approved and wanted one of their own.
Lights at the sports stadium.
Poor Matt dragged himself to the top
deck to see the view for a couple minutes.
Pretty spectacular!
The Pearl River really was a rainbow of lights, and it was an unforgettable cruise. The rain began to come down hard toward the end (it's monsoon season here). And, we all got pretty drenched running back to the bus. Well, the adults did. The kids, carried by parents and protected under plastic ponchos, were both pretty dry and highly entertained by the mad dashing.
But, we got to watch another light show from our hotel window - with incredible lightening illuminating the whole skyline (glad to watch that from the hotel, not the boat). What a neat night.
Sorry Jed won the bet without your even getting to eat something crazy Matt! Hope you feel better!
ReplyDeleteWell, to be fair, Melinda was a little under the weather last week. Just not on her death bed sick like I've been... Think I've slept 30 of the last 36 hours. Up 4 hours last night partying with the crew for Steven's birthday, the rest of the time I was up was random times here and there throwing up...
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