24th March


?Fact:
The Church on She Shan hill, is the biggest Church in East Asia.


Staring down at Steven and I was a brick and wood, seven story Pagoda, originally built 700 years ago. Some monks walked past in their yellow, slack garmets preparing for the afternoon prayers. I felt out of place not knowing where to walk, if I was doing something correct or even offensive and that would last thing I would ever want to do!!
Clouds of incense wafted from great bronze bowls and out of wooden doors. A large, laughing Buddha sat holding a young child. I've never seen such a happy Buddha before. His large, round cheeks made you want give 'him' a big hug!
Small rooms adorned with fresh flowers and golden Buddhist figures stood tall. Taking photos really took away the beauty. The colours weren't as bright when the flash was on and when the flash was off it was too dark. I really wasn't winning.
Tables covered with offerings of fruit and nuts and candles burning down to the bottom. There was just so much going on, I wanted to know and really understand everything I was seeing.
Every room, well temple, was beautifully decorated. From the skillful paintwork on the ceilings to the carvings in the floor. "I wonder what this means? Why do they do that? Who is he?" I didn't even know what the temple was called, everything was in Chinese characters. I wish I could have a little Chinese person who could sit in my pocket and I'd take them everywhere. Feed them the crumbs in my pocket, as they translate and explain all I need to know... :)
'Ding ding' a small bell is struck and a drum beats twice. Some monks assemble in the larger temple. I couldn't get over the large scale of this golden Buddha sat cross legged infront of them. The noise of the bell and drum continues, whilst the monks recite a prayer.


Upon leaving Xilin Temple, peaceful music was being played from a shop and so I went to explore. A man and woman welcomed me. A brown, green and yellow, wooden bracelet stood out amongst everything else in the cabinet. The man explained what the symbols meant on each bead. Unfortunately, I didn't understand but politely smiled and nodded. He seemed happy by each symbol, he made me feel happy and so I bought it. He carefully placed it into a yellow silk bag, tied the top and positioned it next a golden Buddha that sat at the end of his shop. He ushered me over and showed me how to kneel down onto the stool, where to place my head and my hand positioning. It was amazing. I took off my bag and copied him again, saying some words in my head. We stood, bowed to the Buddha and he gave me my purchase. I wonder what he said to the Buddha about my bracelet. I thanked them both, said my goodbyes and continued walking back to the apartment with Steven. I couldn't believe how lovely they were to me, how wonderful the whole experience was. They'll be seeing me again!


x x x