Chinese farm? Lama Temple and Bike Ride.

Today we went to a "Chinese Farm", we all pictured a farm out in the countryside with crops and animals grazing. The farm turned out to be a community of farmers that had there land taken away by the government for development. Middle class Chinese families go to the compound to get out of the city. These former farmers have art shops, restaurants, recreation areas and who knows what else set up for the middle class families in China. It was rather bizarre. However we went to a nice art shop, learned how make dumplings and then ate them and Sam and I were able to play basketball and ping pong. 

After the so called farm we went to the Lama temple here in Beijing. The temple is 300 years old. The emperors would stop there and worship. We had the opportunity to meet the monk in charge. We were taken to a special room where the monks meet with the Panchen Lama or the head of Buddhism in China. By the way this is the person that the Chinese government puts in the role. The monk recited a chant for us which was very cool. The chant wishes you good health, good fortune and wishes that you do good deeds and treat people right. 

I asked the monk what a typical day was like. Let's just say it is a lot of worship, studying and ceremonies. 20 some monks study there. The monks mostly stay there but sometimes do go outside the temple. Buddhists pray for all the living things animals, insects and of course other human beings. The temple performs a lot of charity work as well. It was a really wonderful experience learning more about Buddhism and the rituals. We were given very special access that most don't have thanks to our guide Tiger who is learning from one of the monks. 

The last activity was visiting Xi'ans city walls.  The walls are original from the Ming dynasty and are very well preserved. They are quite formidable as well. We were given the option of biking around the city walls. The task was quite difficult for it is 9 miles all the way around.  What made it more difficult was that we only had an hour and a half. Several of us attempted it and I am proud that I finished and didn't stop. It took us a little less than an hour. I haven't ridden a bike that far since I was a kid : ). It was awesome biking around the ancient walls while get awesome views of the city.