Hello to you all.
I haven't been on here to write anything new for a couple days....I apologize because I know that many of you are trying to stay up with our events through this blog.
It seems as if we have been doing the same routine the last couple days without any new details to post.
Yesterday we went to the Museum of Natural History which showed the history of bone sculptures, pearls, jade, scroll paintings, stone stamps, fine thread embroidery tapestry, and straw fans. It was a nice setting with a lovely garden and beautiful roof lines.
We also visited the Six Banyan Temple, which is a Buddhist temple. We went as tourists though. We were a group of four families and when we went in we told our guide that we were just visiting and we not interested in participating in any of the rituals. There were probably a hundred people there worshipping their idols. Our guide said that many of the families that come like to have the Chinese children blessed by the monks that reside there. It was pretty cool to see that two other couples followed in their faith such as us with turning down the blessing by the Buddhist monks. One of the couples went through the ritual and the others of us stood outside praying for them. It was quite a unique place....very serene and beautiful. I was under the impression that there was one Buddhist idol....but after this tour we discovered that there are several Buddhist idols, one for happiness, one for rain, one for wealth, one for blessed pregnancy, then there were three large ones that stood probably 30 feet tall that were for past present and future....so that was a bit of an education. There were others too but I can't remember what all they are.
Then we got to eat lunch again at MCDONALD'S...you would have thought Sydney was on cloud 9.
Today, we went with one other couple to the pearl market and shopping mall again......just to get out of the room. We found a Chinese to English Telletubby video set that Asher was just crazy over that we had to buy because we learned before we came that his favorite thing on TV to watch is the wonderful telletubbies. He was so excited and was showing everyone.....there was another little 4 year old girl with us that was upset because they only had one set and there wasn't another for her so they must be very popular in China.
After we returned our whole group went to the White Swan Hotel to get our infamous "Red Couch" photos. The children were all dressed up in the little formal traditional Chinese outfits and looked so cute....I am a little partial, but Asher was just a handsome site. I was able to get several photos (attached above) plus one at his finest with his finger up his nose....too funny.
It is Monday night here about 6:30.....we usually go to bed at about 9:00 so almost another sleep down and when we wake up we will only have 3 more sleeps left......OH, we can not wait to see you all and give you all big hugs and kisses. We love you all so much!! Thanks for being there for us.
I haven't been on here to write anything new for a couple days....I apologize because I know that many of you are trying to stay up with our events through this blog.
It seems as if we have been doing the same routine the last couple days without any new details to post.
Yesterday we went to the Museum of Natural History which showed the history of bone sculptures, pearls, jade, scroll paintings, stone stamps, fine thread embroidery tapestry, and straw fans. It was a nice setting with a lovely garden and beautiful roof lines.
We also visited the Six Banyan Temple, which is a Buddhist temple. We went as tourists though. We were a group of four families and when we went in we told our guide that we were just visiting and we not interested in participating in any of the rituals. There were probably a hundred people there worshipping their idols. Our guide said that many of the families that come like to have the Chinese children blessed by the monks that reside there. It was pretty cool to see that two other couples followed in their faith such as us with turning down the blessing by the Buddhist monks. One of the couples went through the ritual and the others of us stood outside praying for them. It was quite a unique place....very serene and beautiful. I was under the impression that there was one Buddhist idol....but after this tour we discovered that there are several Buddhist idols, one for happiness, one for rain, one for wealth, one for blessed pregnancy, then there were three large ones that stood probably 30 feet tall that were for past present and future....so that was a bit of an education. There were others too but I can't remember what all they are.
Then we got to eat lunch again at MCDONALD'S...you would have thought Sydney was on cloud 9.
Today, we went with one other couple to the pearl market and shopping mall again......just to get out of the room. We found a Chinese to English Telletubby video set that Asher was just crazy over that we had to buy because we learned before we came that his favorite thing on TV to watch is the wonderful telletubbies. He was so excited and was showing everyone.....there was another little 4 year old girl with us that was upset because they only had one set and there wasn't another for her so they must be very popular in China.
After we returned our whole group went to the White Swan Hotel to get our infamous "Red Couch" photos. The children were all dressed up in the little formal traditional Chinese outfits and looked so cute....I am a little partial, but Asher was just a handsome site. I was able to get several photos (attached above) plus one at his finest with his finger up his nose....too funny.
It is Monday night here about 6:30.....we usually go to bed at about 9:00 so almost another sleep down and when we wake up we will only have 3 more sleeps left......OH, we can not wait to see you all and give you all big hugs and kisses. We love you all so much!! Thanks for being there for us.
4 comments:
Good morning Baums!
Sounds like you are having some good times; memories to last a lifetime.
The countdown begins....you'll be home soon.
We miss you and will be glad when you make it home..........."there's no place like home".
You are in our prayers!
We love you! xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Mike and Deb
Your blog postings are always something to look forward to! I just love all the pictures...you all look so happy together. The one of Asher with his finger up his nose is priceless. I think we all have pictures of ourselves as kids like that! Can't wait til you're back!
Kasey
Almost time to come home!Thank you for taking time to keep us in touch. The pics. are great! Everyone looks like things are going a lot better now. We all miss you and can't wait to see all of you again. Love and prayers. See you all soon!
Hey guys! The red couch picture brings back so many memories. How adorable your children look in their Chinese attire! Thanks for all the pictures- it is a blessing to see all of you together and get used to the Baums-4,now. Cool! We visited a Budhist temple while we were there- it was during Chinese new year celebration- hundreds of people were praying and offering incense to their idols. It was sad and made me think of what it must have been like in Bible times to worship the One True God while living in a polytheistic culture.I'm glad you'll be home really soon. Can't wait to see you guys! We will be back in town late Mon.(Jan 5th)night.
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