Hello Folks -
Sorry that it's been a few days. It seems the further north I go, the more diffcult it is to find internet connections. Also, because I can't get wifi, I'm unable to post pictures from my computer. I will as soon as I can!
I will tell you Datong was in fact dingy. When I blew my nose, black stuff came out from all the pollution. The only thing Datong is known for today is coal production. Literally huge trucks of coal zoom down the highway and everything in the city is covered in a dismal gray smogginess. However, about two hours away I went to see the Hanging Monastery. It was built on the side of a sacred Taoist mountain. The Temple was built by monks who hung over the side of the mountain and chiselled their way into it. I can't wait to show you pics. Apparently, the first monks to work on this were Buddhist but eventually they felt they needed more protection so that the temple wouldn't be flooded by a nearby river. So now it is a Buddhist, Taoist and Confucious Temple. It was closed down during the Cultural Revolution, but the site is open to tourists.
I also went to see Buddhist grottoes at Yunang Caves outside Datong. These are amazing carvings chipped into by sculptors. There were no caves here before the artists started working. Thousands of Buddha statues line these man made caves. It is shocking and beautiful. Some Buddhas are several stories high and others are only a few inches.
I got into Inner Mongolia two days ago. It is very cool and few people speak any English. BUT I've foudn the Inner Mongolians to be the nicest people. Several have gone out of their way to help me and make sure I have what I need. I went to see an amazing Lamasery here yesterday and the Inner Mongolia museum. I also saw one of China's oldest Mosques, The Great Mosque. The Muslim quarter here in Hohhot was filled with tons of food and delicious markets. I took a few pics of the kebab stands because they looked like works of art.
Now, not to worry anyone, but I had a bad case of traveller's diarrhea. I am feeling better, have medicine and slowing down. I rested a lot yesterday and expect to make a full recovery any day now. I hope this wasn't TMI!
Love,
C
2 comments:
Hi Christina-Glad to see that you are back at the blog. And yes, TMI for others but not one's mother!!!! Glad you are on the road,(literally and figuretively),to recovery!!! Can't wait to see the pics of the caves and carvings. How were the grasslands of Inner Mongolia? I'm sure you got to see a lot of the country side. Beautiful and green I'm sure. When you said IM was cool,I assume you meant temperature. Do you have the right coats,etc. Oh dear-a mom comment!!!! Sorry! Actually I know you are quite OK and having a fabulous experience. Enjoy and keep in touch. We love you! Mom and Dad
ha, i think your mom doesn't know your friends! it'd be hard for you to give me too much information. i hope you're feeling better though.
Post a Comment