This couple are the parents of the host family that my son stayed with. He is the head of the science department at the school. She is a former teacher that now works with the government.
They spoke very poor English and usually had a translator for when we were with them. The two were always very affectionate as you can see here because they are sharing an umbrella on a very misty day at the Summer Palace.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Parents in Love
Music By The Bridge
This flute player had set up in a pavillion at the shoreline end of the seventeen arches bridge. He had drawn quite a crowd but I don't know whether he was playing for tips or not. In the background you can see colorful umbrellas of people crossing the bridge to the island.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Seventeen Arches Bridge
Nine is common number in Chinese architecture. This bridge connecting the east side of the Summer Palace in Beijing with the island in the middle of Kunming Lake has seventeen arches total. That way there are nine arches from the center of the bridge to either end.
Bridge Lions
Along the seventeen arches bridge are a serious of lions. There are 544 of them in all and each has a slightly different position or expression.
Gargoyle
The gargoyles at the ends of the seventeen arch bridge are considered some of the finest stone carvings of their type. In the mist is a pagaoda on the far side of Kunming Lake.
Friday, August 17, 2007
Water Recreation
The Summer Palace in Beijing was a retreat for royalty during the hot months. Analogies to Versailles in size, beauty, and historical significance are all appropriate.
Today is serves as a tourist attraction and recreation area. These paddle boats set amongst the willows and landscaping are normally for rent, but the soggy weather that day kept them at dock.
Water Lilies and Pagodas
The Summer Palace is a place of serene beauty. This pavillion is set on a mini-island in the lake amongst a bed of enormous water lilies.
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