Just when we think we've found the best places in China, we find another. This weekend we ventured out to a chain of islands off the coast of Beilun. We spentmost of our time on Putoshan Island. From what I gather, this island is a popular destination for the Chinese as it is a Buddhist retreat and the only place in which the Buddha is represented as a woman? Because of this, Buddhists can pray and ask for things here, which is not the case at other temples. So there were many people with offerings and incense climbing the stairs to the temples to ask for their prayers to be answered. We were told that devout Buddhists will climb the stairs (about 1000 of them to the top of the main temple) and stop every 3rd step to kneel/bow down to the ground. We saw some monks around, but no one performing this ritual.
We also found refuge in the beaches of Putoshan. Interestingly, there were few people in bathing suits and most everyone (except some young kids, old men, and Ariana) was fully clothed just hanging out. The sound of the crashing waves, warm sun on our skin, sand in our toes and the feel of the water in the air was perfect. Erich and Rachel (the business administrator from our school) rented a four-wheeler on the beach and we all took a spin too :)
In a few weeks, there will be some kind of giant sand sculpture display, so I'm sure we will be back again soon.
I know the "bare chest" part of this post is what you're all really waiting for, so I thought an accompanying photo was in need to explain. Ariana, Matt (PE teacher), Jacky (Chinese staff at school), Erich and I have developed a kind of eating/drinking ritual on the weekends...this is when we have the best meals I can remember so far. Jacky can translate and knows the goods and we always leave fat and happy. Anyway, I digress...why does Erich have his top off? Simple, there was a Chinese man at the table next to us doing the same and Erich didn't want him getting ALL of the attention :) No really, it's not uncommon to see shirtless men any and every where here. But I think Erich struck up a bromance with this man the moment his chest hairs joined us for dinner. I'm sure we were entertainment for the whole restaurant that night.
With all the eating and drinking that's kept us busy, we decided bikes were a must. We just returned from purchasing the 2 beauties you see above. We are in love. Erich and I decided that if nothing else, Fort Collins turned us into beer and bike snobs. Those are the only 2 things we've really been picky about since arriving. We've found some good substitutes to the watered down Chinese beers to keep us satisfied...and we spent at least a week shopping around and then found the store we wanted to buy from and spent a good hour or two looking at, riding, testing and finding the bikes that were the perfect fit for the streets (and hills, and mountains, and half-constructed sidewalks) of China. Riding them home may be the most uplifting feeling I've had all weekend. Freedom from the hot humid air while WALKING everywhere. Now we will have a breeeeeeze :) Erich even worked his charm and got us some freebies to go with our rides (bells and lights). So many more adventures are now at our fingertips...
