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Kate's Chronicles
Spring is definitely in the air now......flowers are starting to appear, blossom trees starting to bloom and the sun is shining. It was time for me to start some serious sightseeing so I've spent the last few days playing tourist.
Headed out from the Uni on Friday with the intention of walking to a nearby park. Along the way I unexpectedly came across the most beautiful scenic area called Wulongtan. I ran into one of my students and she was able to give me the background on the area. Apparently many famous Chinese historical figures lived in the area and the park was developed to commemorate them. It is literally a 10 minute walk from my apartment and is the most beautiful oasis in the middle of our concrete jungle. I can see myself spending lots of time there over the next few months. I took heaps of photos as there was just so much to see.
Then I headed off to Qingliangshan Park (my original destination) which is home to a famous Chinese art school and also a Buddhist Temple amongst other things. Again the park was delightful, walking through the winding paths listening to the birds singing it felt like I was out in the country not in the middle of a city. Lots of local people were wandering about so many "ni hao's" (hello) later I felt like I belonged. Again I took heaps of photos because there were so many wonderful sights to see.
Feeling thoroughly rested I continued on my merry way........and promptly got completely lost!!! I mean well and truly lost - had no idea where I was or which direction to head in - maps and sign posts are useless given they are all in Chinese and my wonderful "tourist" map only has the main roads marked out not all the little alleyways and back streets that I seem to have found myself in!! I just kept walking for about an hour and starting to feel a tiny bit anxious when I stumbled across a familiar sounding street name. I was miles from where I started but at least I could find my way back.
Finally staggered down the street that I knew would get me back to our Uni and came across an "Aussie" pub called Blue Skies. It is run by an Australian guy and his wife and we got chatting so I ended up stopping there for a few drinks, a meal and a few games of pool. Met a few more expats and got told about a number of places worth visiting. After being totally revitalized I headed back to my apartment and so ended my day of sightseeing. Bloody exhausted and my legs felt like they were about to fall off!!!!
Not to be deterred I was up and out again the next day. Headed in a different direction and for a completely different experience. No beauty to start today as I headed to the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Museum. A little history lesson for you........In 1937, after the Nationalist government fled Nanjing the Japanese soldiers invaded and the inhuman Nanjing Massacre happened. In six weeks, more than 300,000 Chinese people were killed including women and children. So many atrocities were committed against innocent people and much of what is seen today was photographed by Japanese army photographers!!!! After eight years of resistance, in 1945 the Chinese people eventually drove the barbarous Japanese invaders out of China's homeland and the war criminals got what they deserved. However Chinese people will never forget the history. Finally, on April 23rd, 1949, Nanjing was liberated by the People's Liberation Army and Kuomintang's power in China was ended. This event is often referred to as the "Rape of Nanjing". The buildings in the complex are fashioned out of black and white granite blocks, looking spectacular and magnificent, with a feeling of solemnity and reverence. This memorial museum is not for the faint at heart as it is an exhibition site with historical records and objects as well as architecture, sculptures and video and film projections to unfold a specific chapter of history concerning one of the ugliest experiences forced on mankind.It includes graphic photos of execution, torture and even a viewing platform of an unearthed mass graves. It is set within the "safe zone" created by John Rabe during the height of the tragedy. The stark and modern surroundings add to the somber feeling of the exhibits. The final room is dedicated to post-war relations and reconciliation which demonstrates a side to the Chinese character that must be truly admired. I simply cannot put into words the profound effect this museum had on me and I only hope these photos give you a sense of the horror but also of the reconciliation.
I left there feeling so emotionally drained that I needed to find something positive to see that would take away some of the horrific sights that I had seen and the stories from witnesses that I had heard. I headed to yet another park.....this time...Mochou Park (Mochou means don't worry). I actually paid to enter this park and wandered around but could not dispel the sense of gloom that hung over me. I headed back into the city centre and decided to treat myself to a nice dinner. Headed to a place called Studio 21 which came highly recommended by a number of people and it was easy to see why. I had a delicious 3 course meal including a glass of sangria all for 58yuan (about $9)......and so ends another day of playing tourist in Nanjing.
Bye for now. xxx
Headed out from the Uni on Friday with the intention of walking to a nearby park. Along the way I unexpectedly came across the most beautiful scenic area called Wulongtan. I ran into one of my students and she was able to give me the background on the area. Apparently many famous Chinese historical figures lived in the area and the park was developed to commemorate them. It is literally a 10 minute walk from my apartment and is the most beautiful oasis in the middle of our concrete jungle. I can see myself spending lots of time there over the next few months. I took heaps of photos as there was just so much to see.
Then I headed off to Qingliangshan Park (my original destination) which is home to a famous Chinese art school and also a Buddhist Temple amongst other things. Again the park was delightful, walking through the winding paths listening to the birds singing it felt like I was out in the country not in the middle of a city. Lots of local people were wandering about so many "ni hao's" (hello) later I felt like I belonged. Again I took heaps of photos because there were so many wonderful sights to see.
Feeling thoroughly rested I continued on my merry way........and promptly got completely lost!!! I mean well and truly lost - had no idea where I was or which direction to head in - maps and sign posts are useless given they are all in Chinese and my wonderful "tourist" map only has the main roads marked out not all the little alleyways and back streets that I seem to have found myself in!! I just kept walking for about an hour and starting to feel a tiny bit anxious when I stumbled across a familiar sounding street name. I was miles from where I started but at least I could find my way back.
Finally staggered down the street that I knew would get me back to our Uni and came across an "Aussie" pub called Blue Skies. It is run by an Australian guy and his wife and we got chatting so I ended up stopping there for a few drinks, a meal and a few games of pool. Met a few more expats and got told about a number of places worth visiting. After being totally revitalized I headed back to my apartment and so ended my day of sightseeing. Bloody exhausted and my legs felt like they were about to fall off!!!!
Not to be deterred I was up and out again the next day. Headed in a different direction and for a completely different experience. No beauty to start today as I headed to the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Museum. A little history lesson for you........In 1937, after the Nationalist government fled Nanjing the Japanese soldiers invaded and the inhuman Nanjing Massacre happened. In six weeks, more than 300,000 Chinese people were killed including women and children. So many atrocities were committed against innocent people and much of what is seen today was photographed by Japanese army photographers!!!! After eight years of resistance, in 1945 the Chinese people eventually drove the barbarous Japanese invaders out of China's homeland and the war criminals got what they deserved. However Chinese people will never forget the history. Finally, on April 23rd, 1949, Nanjing was liberated by the People's Liberation Army and Kuomintang's power in China was ended. This event is often referred to as the "Rape of Nanjing". The buildings in the complex are fashioned out of black and white granite blocks, looking spectacular and magnificent, with a feeling of solemnity and reverence. This memorial museum is not for the faint at heart as it is an exhibition site with historical records and objects as well as architecture, sculptures and video and film projections to unfold a specific chapter of history concerning one of the ugliest experiences forced on mankind.It includes graphic photos of execution, torture and even a viewing platform of an unearthed mass graves. It is set within the "safe zone" created by John Rabe during the height of the tragedy. The stark and modern surroundings add to the somber feeling of the exhibits. The final room is dedicated to post-war relations and reconciliation which demonstrates a side to the Chinese character that must be truly admired. I simply cannot put into words the profound effect this museum had on me and I only hope these photos give you a sense of the horror but also of the reconciliation.
I left there feeling so emotionally drained that I needed to find something positive to see that would take away some of the horrific sights that I had seen and the stories from witnesses that I had heard. I headed to yet another park.....this time...Mochou Park (Mochou means don't worry). I actually paid to enter this park and wandered around but could not dispel the sense of gloom that hung over me. I headed back into the city centre and decided to treat myself to a nice dinner. Headed to a place called Studio 21 which came highly recommended by a number of people and it was easy to see why. I had a delicious 3 course meal including a glass of sangria all for 58yuan (about $9)......and so ends another day of playing tourist in Nanjing.
Bye for now. xxx
- comments
wayne Ah beautiful.......spring.....then summer......hmmmmm..we missed summer