The group will be meeting tonight for the first time, marking the start of the photo tour. After breakfast, I decided to visit the Temple of Heaven, a vast complex south of my hotel. Rather than walk, I got into a cycle-rickshaw. The driver/engine didn't appear to care about road rules or my mental well-being, especially when he decided to cross a major road in front of 2 rather large buses. We survived, continued on down footpaths and down back-alleys, until he finally dropped me off about 500m from the temple. I have no idea why we didn't go all the way, but I wasn't going to argue or tempt fate any further.
I've discovered that the concept of right-of-way doesn't seem to exist here - I actually think pedestrian crossings only exist as target zones for drivers to practice their aiming techniques, and are probably more dangerous places than simply lying down in the middle of traffic.
Anyhoo, the Temple of Heaven was definitely worth experiencing. It was a feast of sights and sounds. Not just the incredible temples themselves, but the acres of quiet, grassy woods and especially the humanity flowing through. Again, families everywhere, all just strolling, sitting, playing, singing and dancing. Yep, there were people doing ballroom dancing over there, 3 kids and their dance teacher practicing in front of a crowd over there, and people singing to recorded music or with old guys playing some sort of stringed instrument. It was incredibly fascinating to watch them - singing away at the top of their voices in the way most of us would only confine to inside the shower!
And once again I'm struck by how similar everyone across the world really are. The young people here are all stuck to their mobile phones, either chatting or snapping pitures; they all wear the same clothes we see at home; the parents all watch and chase the kids; and everyone just seems to be doing their own thing. I've ventured into a glitzy shopping mall and it could have been in Singapore, KL or even downtown Liverpool - same shops, sales, busy shoppers and fast food joints.
Communists with cash. Fascinating.
2 comments:
Temple of Heaven is an amazing building, no nails at all in the structure if I remember correctly?
have you walked through the forbidden city yet? you will have unlimited photo ops in there.
Day 1: conference has 2 hour lunch break - time for shopping? nap? fun? etc in the middle of the day.
Yep, not a nail in sight. You get somewhat tired of temples in Asia, but the main temple here is simply outstanding.
Post a Comment