Adventures In China

Up at 5AM. After some reading went for a run. More bus time to get to Qufu. Working our way through the always assertive vendors we make it to Confuscious Temple. This is a complex of pagodas and long buildings where his disciples were taught. Ancient Cyprus trees and brick walkways add to the stimulating architecture.


With some free time after lunch Evan and I walk into town and brave the jostle of countless vendors, mopeds and bicycles vying for space on muddy streets. Moving over to Dongman Dajie aliens might as well have landed with the gawking we get. Old people stare bluntly, kids smiled and then laughed as we offered hellos. Ever see al fresco dining on muddy streets?


The group rejoins and tours the Confusion Mansion as we learn more of this famous scholar.


Confuscious sites culminate with his grave site surrounded by the tombs of 10,000 leaders.


Deluxe accommodations nosedive with this night’s adventure being an overnight train to Shanghai. We get on the train at 10 and until 11:30 my berthmates Jack, Bill and PJ exchange stories while Bill & PJ share bakery. On my top bunk I was able to sleep until 5.