Seneca

"Not because it is unattainable, we do not dare, but because we do not dare, it is unattainable." Seneca

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Saturday, March 29, 2014 - Chizhou

A gray rainy morning - what better to do but have a long elaborate breakfast and some serious talk about the unknown future?!


Well to ask about the bus departure times is no matter to be taken lightly. You are led to the business area and the matter is seriously and thoroughly discussed.


One of these stores with lots of dried yummy ... stuff.


This guy was great. he wanted me to take a picture of him, his shop and us. We wanted to let him know we should also take a picture with his mobile so he has one too. So funny when I tried to get his cellphone he misunderstood and thought I wanted him to empty all his pockets for the picture... :D
Gotta lo'em so cute and kind and .... well most of them though.



Hey! Whaaats up?!









Interesting these door panels - these are being restaurated. Quite detailed work...






Incense- the more the better. BUT always certain numbers and never 4!



Ain't he the cutest ever?! Yes we'd love to take you home with us!



Mosts are temple this is a nunnery. Did not came across many...





Lunch time! This ain't no museum. This is how a proper Chinese lunch table looks like.
We sat on a small square one as there were only two of us.
Well ordering food was always an adventure even though many restaurants have their menu on display to enable you to make your choice.
For some reason they also like to wrap up the plate, bowl and glass in plastic. Maybe this shall indicate that they have been cleaned properly as they are often still wet when you unwrap them... :s

Friday, March 28, 2014 - Guanyin Peak - Tiantai Tempel

Well rested and fed we set out for a magnificent day.
By bus we went from our hotel to the base of another cable car (made in Switzerland).


During the golden periods of the Ming and Qing dynasties, there were as many as 360 temples and 4,000 to 5,000 monks and nuns.



Everything here has to be carried up - everything....



If it is too much for you - feel free to use the chair-service...


Seriously - it is real steep - no shame about it!




The mountain is not only famous for its Buddhist culture but also noted for its natural landscapes featuring old pines, green bamboo forests, strange rocks, waterfalls, streams and caves.


The guy is burning incense - pointing it - as it is custom - in all cardinal points.


Mystical Moments




Some detail of some Temple - just as a contrast ;)


Living with a view...


Well yes - this is the toilet - with awesome view too! :P












Have your cucumber peeled... and enjoy!

 
After a steep climb way better than ice cream. Also helped to create the bon mot:
"Gemeinsam gurkt es sich am schönsten!" <3











This Mr. Monk was awesome. 
He actually spoke some English and was quite interested to have a chat with us.


He went as far as to gift us with two holy apples of which you see one below.
We had a Ritter Sport chocolate as a return present. His comment was the best ever!
He looked at it and said "Delicious!" Flavour crispy cereal wrapped in Buddha yellow! :)













Not sure if it is a spelling mistake - most endearing though! :D


Some other Temple we discovered by accident on our way back with the bus...











Which ever way one turns - it going to be a steep one...



The looong stairs are covered with roofs.


This is how they look from underneath. Quite elaborate!






Please note the feather duster on his right knee. Gotta love this culture!
Quite relaxed. It is about you and your belief - not as stiff as some churches in Europe...








Our crew! We had a favourite restaurant where we would let the day come to an end.
Those funky staff would make our stay an enjoyable one - every time. So cute and kind!