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My Adventure to China

Monks

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Hi!
Yesterday was an experience that I will surely never forget...

It was 4:15. I was dreaming about a beach somewhere or something ridiculously relaxing then all of a sudden there was a knocking. On the beach? I suddenly woke up and realized it was our wake up call. My roommate and I rolled out of bed (less than thrilled) and we got ready. Walking down the street in the pitch black was strange, but then again I felt as if I was still asleep.

Once we got to the gates of the temple we began the silence. We then split into two lines: boys and girls. As we walked in the smell of the candles and smoke filled our lungs. We stood in silence as the monks chanted and sang. We then walked around the temple and sang. This took 45 or 50 mintues before we went to breakfast. At breakfast the kind young monks served us healthy portions of new foods. Once breakfirst(what our travel manager calls breakfast) we swept the courtyard with the most simplistic brooms.

As we swept the courtyard the sun slowly began to creep up coloring the sky the most beautiful shades of red and orange.

Regardless of the fact that we woke up before the sun and my dream was ruined, spending our morning with the monks was the craziest experience.

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2 comments:

RJ Stangherlin said...

From sleepwalking of sorts into silence in the darkness of too-early morning. Reds and orange with sunrise, a ruined dream and a crazy experience. Sounds surreal and beautiful.

RJ Stangherlin
PA DEN LC

Karen Wells said...

Thanks for much for the vivid description of the sunrise. I am currently on the coast of Alabama and just witnessed the most amazing sunset with the same exact colors. The world is a small place, isn't it? Karen Wells DSA Souh Africa

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Essential Programs Details

Duration 15 days
When August 4th - 18th, 2009
Focus History/Culture
Martial Arts
Modern/Ancient Architecture