Saturday, April 17, 2010
We got up early today and went to the Temple of Heaven. This temple was constructed in the 1400’s by the Emperor to pray for a good harvest. No nails or mortar was used to build the temple. It was constructed by cedar wood, had twenty-eight columns supporting the structure and every piece fit together perfectly. There was plenty of stairs and fancy carvings in the marble and rails. The painted pictures of many animals were very colorful and detailed. This artwork was done both inside and outside of the temple. The temple was round with three tiers. Below the temple was a square temple building. The significance of the buildings is that in ancient times the Chinese believed that the earth was flat and the heavens were round, hence the two types of buildings.
A huge park surrounds this temple and this Saturday morning was not like any park that I have ever seen. There were hundreds of people doing different things (they do this everyday) that were fitness related (attn. Mrs. Redd and Mr. Weber). People were dancing (ballroom), playing badminton (no nets), paddleball, slow aerobics, hacky sack. There were also many, many people playing musical instruments, singing (individually and in groups), playing cards; it was an incredible sight to be sure.
I am flying out today to Changchun City to reunite with Mrs. Guan. I am excited to see here and spend the week at her school. I met Mrs. Guan’s daughter (a PhD student in educational curriculum) and husband (an engineer) last evening.
Since it is the weekend PUMA students, take some time to play and catch up on your homework or read a little bit.
