Sunday was spent first at church, where thankfully we had a translator. That afternoon we went to see a Buddhist Complex that had a enormous Buddha. On the way there we stopped buy a memorial place for families. They don't bury their dead, so I do not know why the spots are so big, but they were fun to see. Some were very well taken care of and others not, but each was interesting. I'm standing in front of one with a phoenix and a dragon. Those two creatures together symbolize the perfect eternal marriage.
Here we are at the Buddha complex. There were pagodas the length of the pathway up to the giant Buddah, each had a name that was part of the pathway to enlightenment. There was a museum as well that was interesting. We then got close to the Buddha and wow it was huge.
That evening we went to dinner with the bishop's family. It was a wonderful evening. Their children kept our children well entertained and the family understood English quite well. It was a great dinner and night. Here we are walking to their apartment.
I thanked the Li family for helping your family have such a good evening. They were so pleased that you enjoyed it. Feeding and welcoming people into their homes is a special part of Chinese culture. It is important to them they you feel comfortable and welcomed.
ReplyDeleteI also do not know why they have such ornate memorials in their cemeteries. The round sites take up so much space and waste so much space in a country where space is a premium. I could never find out the answer to this obviously traditional set up.