Gun Shots and Teng Wang Ge

This morning at about 5 am I was awoke by gun shots....so I thought... but it was only firecrackers. I have heard them various times since arriving in Nanchang. The reason behind the firecrackers was a funeral. Out of the hotel window I could see that there was a large procession of people in white, playing music and carrying flowers. It was much different then anything I have ever witnessed and well worth the 5 o'clock wake up call. After that it was off to breakfast' where Claudia continues to enjoy congee and steamed eggs, then and off for a short tour..

The major point of interest in Nanchang is the ancient Teng Wang Pavilion, one of three towers located south of the Yangtze River. In Chinese, the pavilion is called Teng Wang Ge - Ge' referring to a two story building; however, this tower has nine stories - three that can be seen from the naked eye, four hidden inside and two below the ground. The tower is located on the eastern side of the Gan River and the style of architecture used is from the Song Dynasty.

The reason why this tower is so famous amongst Chinese is that it is including in one of Wang Bo's poems. The poet accompanied his father to the tower, one night, and he recorded the event through poetry. His poem described the night in an emotional way that made the poem stick into the minds of many Chinese. One year later after writing this poem, he died. The popularity of the poet continues today with Chairman Mao having often quoted him and with the lines of his poem written on the pillars of the tower's front gate.

Above is a photo of our group at the Pavilion. After that we headed back to the hotel for some R&R. We will be having massages this afternoon in town (8$ a person can you believe it) and then a Pizza Hut Party in the hotel. Most families are in need of some Western food. We have been enjoying the Chinese flavors here and prefer eating Chinese while in China, but c'est la vie.

I am hoping to get photos of all the other babies and parents this evening so I can introduce you to them all. All of the girls are Ling babies, from the Ling orphanage so in all actuality they knew each other before they knew us and will share this special sisterhood for a lifetime.

I have posted a slideshow below depicting the funeral and tour. I also finally posted another which includes my photos from Tianmien Square, the Forbidden City and the Great Wall.