Hi everyone ... well, this will be my second to last blog for our China trip, as tomorrow is our last day in China. It has been an incredible trip -- one that I believe, in many ways, has probably changed my life!
We started today by bidding our families in Jining a farewell at the school gate in the morning, before meeting up with our fellow travelers from Housatonic in Tai'an. In Tai'an, we climbed Taishan, or Tai Mountain, the most sacred of all mountains in China. The Chinese people believe that the closer you are to the heavens, the closer you are to having the heavens hear your thoughts, concerns and wishes. Therefore, all along the climb, there makeshift Buddhist temples -- Mrs. Carter, Adrianne and I participated in a Buddhist practice by purchasing a lock and incense. We lit the incense and bowed to Buddha three times, before taking our lock (on which our name and the date had been carved) and "locking away" all of our past mistakes, therefore opening ourselves up to new experiences! (A little spiritual, I know, but it was a very cool experience!)
Here's my lock! (my hand normally doesn't look that big!)I don't think our group was prepared, however, for the strenuous climb Taishan would be -- it took us 4 hours!! Most of the group stopped half-way (2 hours into the climb, mind you) and took a cable car up to the top, where lunch was waiting. But Brian, Jan, Lauren, Kendra, Adrianne and myself toughed the rest of the climb up! Here are some pics from the way up!
This picture is from the very top of Taishan -- we climbed over 6,000 stairs!! 
This shot is from about 2/3 of the way there -- Adrianne and I came to a point and then looked up and couldn't believe how much farther we had to go up!! You can't really tell from the picture but right in the center of where the mountains meet the sky was the top!
This sign appeared more than half-way up ... it reads "Climbing Begins Here." Begins???? :)
A few from far down the mountain!Tomorrow, we're taking the morning express train to Beijing, where our fearless leader, Bing, will be waiting for us. From there, we're going to spend the day shopping in the Silk Market, before heading back to the hotel and prepping ourselves for the return home. Some of us might splurge on a foot massage, as we hear they are very good -- I know a few girls are interested, but I'd like to see if one of the guys would be too -- it'd be a nice pic to add to the blog :)
Until tomorrow ... :)
Wan an
Ahhh I must be tired tonight (it's 10pm now, and we're getting up at 5am for the train) ... but I did forget to mention that the 4 hour climb was just UP the mountain ... we took a cable car down, thank goodness! And please excuse some typos ... I think the sun and wind got to my head! :)
ReplyDeleteWan an ;)
I am so glad to see the post with pictures. Adrianne has called and told me all about it. She said it was even tougher than Machu Picchu, I thought that nothing would be tougher than that. I love the one picture, Adrianne is bending over on the stairs, it really shows how tough it was! Good for all of you for making it, great cardio workout too!
ReplyDeleteThe lock ceremony sounds cool and your hand looks fine! I just can't believe that you are coming to the end of your trip. Adrianne says she is going for the foot massage, sounds like you all may need one after climbing Mt. Tai.
Rod and I looked it up on the internet last night. Very interesting information about it. Oh, by the way, that sign is just a little bit disturbing half way through. Have a great night sleep and fun on the bullet train tomorrow!
Ms. Gembala,
ReplyDeleteI just want to tell you how much we enjoyed your Blog and can't wait to hear all about the trip from Nick. What an incredible trip you all have had!! It has been a great thing to share with the rest of our family too, so THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!
Wishing you all a safe and smooth trip back to CT.
-Doug and NikiTubach