This morning I visited the Temple of Heaven. The gardens were filled with many people exercising. Everything from Tai Chi, Ballroom dancing, ______ (like Da Ca in Vietnam_ and Tai Chi Rouli – with racket a ball. In addition there were people playing cards, performing Opera, playing musical instruments/ Basically, it seemed that people were in the park, participating with others that had similar interests to them. All seemed very relaxed and peaceful within the park. We were even invited to try out several of the activies.
We then continued to the Temple of Heaven, which had been restored for the Olympics. The massive dome was constructed without the use of nails. (Much more intensive than my old treehouse!). I learned about some of the symbolism – like the blue dome representing heaven and the round circles of the heaven being connected to the square base of the courtyard symbolizing the earth and connecting it to Heaven. We were also told that walking around the base was considered lucky. So we all made several trips.
Later today after visit to a local hutong for lunch, we’ll board overnight train for Xian. The journey continues.
We then continued to the Temple of Heaven, which had been restored for the Olympics. The massive dome was constructed without the use of nails. (Much more intensive than my old treehouse!). I learned about some of the symbolism – like the blue dome representing heaven and the round circles of the heaven being connected to the square base of the courtyard symbolizing the earth and connecting it to Heaven. We were also told that walking around the base was considered lucky. So we all made several trips.
Later today after visit to a local hutong for lunch, we’ll board overnight train for Xian. The journey continues.
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