April 15, 2010
Greater Spokane inc. China Trip Day 4
We learned there was an earthquake last night in a western province, far from where we are located in Beijing. At least 400 people died. Seems very strange that we don’t know more about it, but China is also a very large country.
This morning we started out at the Jade Factory. ‘Meow Meow’ (I’m probably spelling it wrong) told us about Jade. Confuscius gave jade 11 virtues including benevolence, heaven, courtesy, virtue, respect, and good luck. During lunch we were given a sample of 56% alcohol wine. I spilled mine (before I had any), and it took off my nail polish.
We saw the Ming Tombs, the resting place for 13 of the 16 Ming emperors. The site was chosen carefully according to Fung Shui standards. Julia, our tour guide said, “if you believe in Fung Shui it work, and if you don’t believe in Fung Shui it still work.” Only one tomb has been excavated. After that, we climbed the Great Wall of China, built sometime after 210 BC, is 4,000 miles long, and only parts have been restored. Great exercise, a bit chilly, very uneven steps, parts of it are very steep, great views, and an awesome experience.
