Today is the last full day on the ship. We docked at night at Fengdu, the "City of Ghosts". This is the number one tourist attraction on the upper reaches of the Yangtze. The temple area on top of Ming Mountain pays tribute to the "King of the Underworld". Ther are many displays portraying interpretations of the Afterlife. You can choose to take a chair lift up to the top of the hill or go up about 350 stairs. Of course Ward and I choose to walk up the stairs. Part way up are three stone bridges. Our guide explained that we must choose one of the three to walk over. The first is the bridge of health, the second, judgment and the third, wealth. The second also had another meaning. If a couple walked over the bridge in 9 steps they would be together forever. Ward and I choose the second bridge. The site is under construction again due to the destruction during the cultural revolution. We haven't spoken to one Chinese individual that hasn't expressed how terrible that time was. The have lost so many ancient treasures.
The Chinese are not very religious. The are extremely superstitious. Near the City of Ghosts sits an unfinished hotel in the shape of a goddess - by the way there is only one goddess. The owner, in his 40s, was killed in an automobile accident. No one will complete the project because they feel there is bad karma there.
In the afternoon we attended a lecture on silk carpets. We have now learned everything we need to know if we ever purchase a rug. Density and number of knots - these are the keys.
Today the kite expert tried to fly one of his kites and Wards. Unfortunately there was very little wind. Too much yesterday, not enough today. Ward has been feeling kind of down since he found out that his kite wasn't the best quality. I told him to go buy another one. Well he bought two and will have them shipped home. One is a dragon, the other a peacock (it is very pretty).
Dinner was a farewell dinner with lots of good food and wine. The captain was introduced once again and the chef. We have very good waiters.
The evening ended with a Karaoke Kontest. I've never seen one, let alone participated. People that can't sing, play handbells! I tried all afternoon to get someone to do it with me but no takers -can't imagine why! Well at the contest we pulled it together and the Avalon women (that's the name of our tour group) got up and sang Bye Bye Love. We weren't half bad! Real teamwork took place tonight!
Tomorrow we leave the ship (I'm ready)and get off at Chongqing.
1 comment:
It sounds as if you are ready for Karaoke next season at La Romana. You certainly couldn't do any worse than the people we've heard on Friday nights!
These last two entries are fascinating. Bob has always wanted to see the Terra Cotta Warriors. For now, we'll have to settle for the ones in front of P.F. Cheng.
Post a Comment