Profile
Blog
Photos
Videos
23rd Feb
Walking down a small alley, Andy spotted a Chinese character reading 'Noodles' and so decided it would be our best bet for something to eat. Walking through some large wooden doors, a little table and two stools was all that could be seen. Is this it? A lady came from out back and Andy said he ordered 2 dishes of some kind. Whatever he'd said ended up being a great choice; 2 big, hot dishes of noodle and meat were brought to us, as the lady explained that out back where the kitchen was the ceiling was 100 years old. She'd made a little extention on the front of the building for any small passing trade and unfortunatly out back hid the beautifully sculptured ceiling.
Confucius; was from around 551 BC - 479 BC and was a Chinese thinker and social Philosopher The philosophy of Confucius emphasized personal and govermental morality, correctness o social relationships, justice and sincerity. These values gained prominence in China during the Han Dynasty. Confucius' thoughts have been developed into a system of philosophy known as Confucianism. Some people see this as a religion in itself, others just a great Philospher who they look up to through his teachings.
The sun was at it's highest, a cool wind ran through the trees and yet Andy and myself had the run of the temple. Maybe because it was mid-week everyone was at work but I still expected to see others. It was so peaceful.
Everything has it's beauty but not everyone sees it ~ Confucius.
Confucius Temple wasn't the original temple of were Confucius taught, as that had been destroyed but still many people came here to light insense sticks or candles thanking Confucius for his wisdom and teachings, or students came to study. We were in Old City of Shanghai but you'd be looking at the beautiful architecture of the Pagoda looking up it and then a huge sky scraper looms just behind it. It felt so strange to be within such history and peace and yet just outside was the worlds fastest developing city.
In a country well governed, poverty is something to be ashamed of. In a country badly governed, wealth is something to be ashamed of. - Confucius.
Confucius didn't have a religion and just lived his life what seemed to me, realistically.
Ignorance is the night of the mind but a night without moon and star ~ Confucius.
We left the Temple, "Let's turn left... Right..." We didn't know where were going expect the alleyways were getting tighter and the generations of people were getting older. This was the elders community and outside of these small alleyways lay the big, busy 'world' of Shanghai. I did much prefer this community with it's happiness and kindness. People smiling as you walked by their crammed shops or a man sat outside on his stool peeling vegetables. After seeing some light at the end of the narrow walk way, we were back in the open and caught a taxi to The French Concession. We were trying to find the 'art deco' buildings but all that seemed to be on show were clothes shops from Gucci to Ralph Lauren. We walked and walked, talked and talked and finally decided it was time for a well earned beer. Turns out we'd bascically walked over 4 stops on the subway, so atleast 4 miles. As we stood amongst the crowd on the subway back to Songjiang, Andy helped me with my Chinese. An older man over heard us and started correcting my tones. He didn't speak any English but he got the idea and a few stops later of free Chinese tuition, we thanked him as he got off.
He who learns but does not think, is lost! He who thinks but does not learn is in great danger! ~ Confucius.
24th Feb
Beth stayed at ours after heading to Red Bar last night. Up at 10pm, too early but we were hungry and so it was a little trip to the Muslim joint.
I had bought some rollerblades but had yet tried them out because of the weather so this morning I had no excuse. We were half way and my ankle kept moving out to the side, not being able to hold it straight, I don't think the road condition helped me out. After finally making it to the restuarant, I sat outside not being able to get up the stairs. Within a few mintues a few women had gathered by the side of me, a man stood directly in view and people at the bus stop had turned around. I seemed to making quite a scene sat in my rollerblades, people were so intrigued by the foreigner. One lady approached me touching my arm, as I was wearing a t-shirt. She made the gesture of being cold, "Nooo" She was very confused; Red-headed foreigner, in a t-shirt and wearing rollerblades! It wasn't cold today, I didn't understand why they all had their puffy coats on. Am I going to be able to cope with the stuffy, polluted Summer Songjiang will bring?
Beth bascially pulled me back to the apartment, where I couldn't wait to take the blades off! My ankle was starting to pain; I should of thought about that before, as I have a weak ankle. Nevermind, I can say I've tried it and it wasn't a success. I will stick with the safer, ordinary option of walking!
x x x
- comments