THE WILD GOOSE PAGODA IN XIAN

This strangely named pagoda was erected to honor a Chinese monk. This monk had traveled to India to study and collect the sacred writing about Buddha and translate them from Sanskrit to Chinese. On his trip there (by foot) he became lost in a desert and was getting desperate. Then suddenly he heard a wild goose overhead and followed it out of the desert. After 30 years of study in India he returned to China with more than a 1000 scrolls of sacred writing. The emperor was so impressed by the story of his wondrous escape that he had the wild goose pagoda erected in the monk's honor to hold the sacred writings and to house the monks there to study and translate them. This was in the 7^th century. The structure is made of bricks and is more than 700 feet tall. It has withstood at least 10 major earthquakes and while it has been refurbished it has never had to be rebuilt.

You will see a mixture of gods in these pictures since the Chinese blend Taoist and Confucian beliefs. This temple is actively used by monks who live nearby. One of them is tidying up in one of the pictures.

And of course Clyde is fearlessly shown in the mouth of a dragon and resting on the back of foo dog.

He also was quite disappointed by this youngsters lack of interest in him, but definitely perked up when given a little ambassador.

NAGASAKI

Wow what a great aquarium Nagasaki has. All kinds of penguins (kings, gentoos, magellanic, and others) well as an assortment of fish. It turns out that there was a ceremony going on when we got there. Two baby king penguins were being named and the two little girls who won the contest for naming them are being recognized an. d are getting to pet the big baby penguins. And Mary got to feed some adult penguins (only $1.00). Clyde also took a close look.. Of course Clyde also got a nice baby picture Going outside they had some penguins living in the sea water and were being fed. The keeper was having them fetch the fish out of the water and for a while they were chasing her down the beach

 

 

BUDDIST TEMPLE

We had been here before but still impressive Looking down at a
fountain that if you pray give you youth, wisdom or prosperity.  It is also
said that if you jump down from this height that about 80% of people
get their wishes granted.  The other 20% --- not so good

One of the many temple buildings

Burning insense

Some the many milestone markers offering Buddists safe journey.  Now moved
to this temple  for save keeping

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In the old days river barges moved most of the goods

A little buddist shrine protecting the little housing area where the Geisha lived

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Clyde resting

 

CLYDE GOES GEISHA

 Here is Clyde after a 2 hour ride to Kyoto.  He is about
to enter a restaurant where some Geisha will perform

 

First a look at the food.  Starting with some sashimi.  Yummy good although
many of our fellow travelers didn't care for it.

The Geisha perform as Clyde watches.  The one in blue is a professional
Geisha and the one in green in an apprentice

An interpretative dance

Both dancers dancing to an old favorite "Four Seasons"

Of course Clyde stole the show

And presented ambassador bears