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This afternoon we visited the Wild Goose Pagoda and with the help of a volunteer guide we were shown the temple and pagoda and various other buildings within the park. The history was wonderful and learning about the Buddhist religion which in one temple was depicted by a three walled jade mural. The story resembled that of Jesus Christ. Today is a special day in the Buddhist calendar and all the monks were dressed in their robes and chanting in the temple. It was beautiful.
We were then taken to see some Chinese art in another building. Our guide showed and explained about Chinese calligraphy and characters. He then asked me my name and wrote that on rice paper. When he finished we were then free to buy any of the art. Ian and I ended up buying an original painting which is just exquisite. As a thank you the sales assistant said he would write out the children's names - one each on rice paper. I think he was sorry he offered!
We are now off to a dumpling banquet followed by a Tang Dynasty show which promises to be spectacular.
The banquet was impressive. Just when we thought we had been given the last then more appeared. It was also impressive how they made the dumplings into different shapes such as ducks, baskets, flowers etc. I think about a third of our dumplings ended up on another table due to us all feeling rather full. I think the date and walnut was my favourite.
The show was in the same building and was fully booked. Rather than rows of seats we sat at tables of 8. It took some organising so we could see the stage but everyone seems to have had a great time.
Tomorrow we are heading to Beijing by bullet train but not before we have had a bike ride around the city wall. Ian and I are riding tandem!
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