We arrived in Luoyang @ 12:30am, it was a long flight from Beijing. We got up early today to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Longmen Grottoes (similar to the ones blown up by the Taliban in Afghanistan) and the Shaoshi Shan (Kung Fu made famous by Bruce Lee).

China has three great sculptural treasure troves: Mogoa Caves (Dunhuang), Yungang (Datong), and Longmen Grottoes. Reserve a visit to Longmen Grottoes if you come to China! There are 5 main caves:
1) Fengxian Si - dates back to AD 675. Largest and most beautiful. Main Buddha, Vairocana seated on lotus flower is 17m tall, head is 4m high, 1.9m earlobe.
2) Lotus Flower Cave - dates back to AD 527, there is a large lotus at the centre of the domed roof.
3) Ten Thousand Buddha Cave - built in 680
4) Prescription Cave - built between 550-77, inscribed to the wall are prescription for 120 diseases
5) Binyang San Dong - built in AD 523 it took 24 years to complete & contains 3 Buddha's (central one, Sakyamuni) representing past, present & future.
It is sad, there are several headless statues due to vandalism and theft. Be prepared to climb some steep hills. My legs are still jelly from the Great Wall climb.

Next stop is Song Shan, it is approximately 90 minute drive away from the Caves. Shoalin Monastery is now known for it's martial arts then religious affiliations. It has really become a tourist site with vendors lined up the main street as you enter the site. The Monestery has been burnt down several times, but a lot of martial arts enthusiast pay pilgrimage & to train in Kung Fu. Next to the site is the graveyard & marked by stone pagodas lie the remains of notable monks.

We had our most expensive meal of the trip. We ate a late lunch Prior to the visit to the Shaolin Monestery. Rafael ordered for us wild rabbit & chicken. May said (Kim & I agreed), "there is no way, I am going to eat Bugs Bunny". I think the rabbit was prepared ahead if time, but they brought us the chicken to confirm the weight we wanted. Did anyone see that movie with Brad Pitt & Kate Blanchett - where their kids visited Mexico? Remember the scene with the chicken? Well that's all I'm going to write. BTW, the meal cost us 600 RMB.

We leave tomorrow for Xi'an (Terracotta Warriors) ...