The most interesting stop was the Buddhist Temple---a beautiful, peaceful place, lush and fragrant with the heavy scent of incense. It was also very clean. Dozens of people were scrubbing every inch of the place in preparation for the upcoming spring festival (Chinese New Year). Our guide, Peter, said they burn incense for 2 reasons: for prayers lifted up, but also to chase away mosquitos, as a Buddhist would never slap a bug and kill it...!
The Chen family ancestral hall was another interesting stop. Members of this particular family, from far and wide, donated money to build a place of worship (of their ancestors). They visited to pay their respect to their ancestors, and to ask for prayers for themselves, but only twice a year, so it was used as a school as well. Now it belongs to the government and houses a wonderful folk art museum.
We enjoyed a bag of tasty, Chinese onion sesame pancakes and then stopped at one of the main pedestrian shopping areas for a quick look. I'm kind of glad we ran out of time at that point and headed back to the hotel. It was crowded and noisy, and Lily was ready for a nap. Interesting to see, though. A mile long street closed to cars, filled with shops both inside and out.
Dinner was very interesting last night. We went to a popular local place and enjoyed another fabulous meal. We passed on the buffet---various raw fishes, pig knuckles in pig's blood soup, shredded eel---My shrimp and cashew dish was great and came with bamboo (which I'm happy to report was digested just fine). The kids slurped down rice noodles with beef and hot, steamed buns.
Little Moi Moi is doing just fine. She's a great sleeper--hope that continues!--- and she loves to eat. She seems most content in my arms. She's still very quiet, but those big, black eyes are taking everything in. She has plenty of smiles for Faya.
Buddhist temple:
Our guide, Peter:
I love to read each day about your travels and your bonding with Moi Moi. How does Nathan keep his hair so perfect in all the pics? :) Wish I could travel in your suitcase, but I guess that would be pretty heavy. Miss you!
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