Tuesday 1st August 2017

After an early morning visit to the gym and swimming pool. An adventure in itself, we had a late buffet breakfast in the hotel. We decided this was best so we only needed a lunch time snack and early dinner.

We then headed to Jinci Temple and Park via taxi. This was about a 30min taxi ride and cost 76CNY which is about $15. We arrived at the entrance and were approached by a hawker immediately trying to send us across the road to the shops. We ignored her, we are getting good at that and headed towards the entrance.

We decided on getting a wide brimmed hat for Colleen as the weather is very humid and hot and walking around all day is very draining. At the entrance we were hassled by a little old lady sitting on her haunches to buy a map. At 3CNY I bought it. We were then approached by a student asking us if we needed a guide. I had discussed this with Colleen and we had decided in advance that we would if it was an OK price and their English was good. She ensured the guide would have good English so we agreed. She then walked us quickly through the park section and explained a couple of things. Her English was OK but quite limited. We decided we would look at the park more thoroughly on our way out.

At the entrance we met our guide. She explained that Colleen’s entry was Free as she is over 60 and mine would be 80CNY. Lucky Colleen was free as we only had 500CNY between us and it would have been tight otherwise. Lesson learned. Always carry about 1000CNY as they are still a very strong cash society.

We then entered the temple grounds. Our guide explained about the many temples, dysnasties and structures within the grounds. It was very interesting, some of the buildings were made of wood with no nails over 3000 years ago. They have been restored in parts but they have tried to keep them looking original. There were also trees over 1000 years old and one that fell over in an earthquake that was 3000 years old. At the temple entrance there was a “never ageing spring” and the water temperature stays at 18° all year round. So cool in summer and warm in winter. They wash their face in it for long life. I am sure you will see our photos from here on our faces will be much more youthful. Their were many statues of guards, hand maidens, emperor and his wife. It was a very interesting morning and much more enjoyable with the guide, just giving us a little understanding of the age and life in China.

The guide left us at the exit after about 1.5 hours so we were more than happy with the money spent.  We thought we would then go out and have a walk through the park but to our disappointment we were at a different exit. It was quite desolate and felt like a back alley with a dirt car park road, although there were taxis in abundance. We were immediately asked if we wanted a taxi but decided on the one we knew from the train station as we have been told to be wary of the hawker drivers. Unfortunately we missed out on our walk through the park, but really had no idea how to get back there.

Another taxi ride back to the hotel for a rest.

After our rest we headed out again. Another taxi to the Twin Pagoda Temple. About 15 mins away at a cost of 12CNY (about $2.40). This was also a good outing with temples, gardens, trees and a timber gallery as well. As you all know, I love trees and the timber gallery was amazing. I tried to google the artist but couldn’t find out who he was.  I climbed the 180 steps to the top of one of the twin pagodas. Each landing you came to their was arch windows to look out at the city and the opposite pagoda. Each landing the window was a little smaller so by the time I reached the top I had to sit on my bottom and shuffle across through the tunnel to take a photo. The two men at the top had a little chuckle at my expense. Twin Pagodas are the tallest pagoda temples in China.

We had decided we would walk home but saw a taxi which I flagged and went home. We were glad we did as we really only had time for a little rest before we had to leave to meet Ben. Lack of time had us having the hotel buffet dinner which was really good. I experimented with a lot of food and only one had too much chilli for me. Colleen had a mixture of western food and Chinese food. The desserts looked very nice.

Off to the theatre to watch Ben’s performance. It was amazing, the control they have of their bodies is incredible. It was a most enjoyable performance and Benny was well featured. Benny had a function to go to afterwards so we just walked home via the ice cream shop. Two cornettos cost 9CNY (less than $2). We then had to pack and be ready to leave early for our next train leg at 8.25am tomorrow.

A few things of interest.

• There seems to be works in progress everywhere, rubble in the street, shops being pulled apart and renovated, and buildings falling down, making it look really quite dirty.
• The traffic is amazing, 5 lanes each way. Cross sections are out of control, pedestrians, bikes, scooters, cars, buses all going in every direction. They are very good drivers and manage to get in and out of trouble without batting an eyelid. We even saw a woman standing on the line of lane 2 of a 5 lane road where we were going at 100kmh. It seems like they use their horns as a form of communication, not in anger at another driver.
• They don’t wear any helmets, some wear a visor cap which comes down to their chin. Others wear like a Doona that covers their arms and in front to protect from sun or wind, I am not quite sure.