Saturday Outing, Part 3-Capital of the Taiping Rebellion

Since we are going on another outing today, I figured I should finish last weeks (November 8, 2008) outing. The last place we went was the Capital of the Taiping Rebellion. It was a farmers uprising that controlled a large chunk of Southern China. They had an art exhibit that I started walking through, and then the guy who was taking us around said, "Follow Me." So I did as I was told, but thinking I have no clue where Jake is or anyone else for that matter. He took me back to this area and then left. I was so glad when I saw my friend Kirsten (who had also lost her husband along the way). Then Jake appeared and we went back into the gardens they had at this place which were amazing.
The entrance to this Capital, I'm pretty sure this lady wanted to be in my picture. A weeping willow tree.

Just another Chinese building.

So in one of the ponds they had these ducks, that Jake and I had never seen anything like them. Their colors were so vibrant, we got a little carried away with the duck pictures, but don't worry I only posted one.

Me at Mulan's house, ok not really but my niece will think that is cool.

So while we taking pictures around this area, this little boy fell in the pond. I don't know if he stepped on a lily pad thinking it could hold him or what, but he fell right in. I was surprised he wasn't crying because it was pretty chilly that day.

Jake and I, more breath taking scenery.

So Jake and I were hiking around, and I found this little cave. To the right of where Jake is standing there was this pitch black walkway to another room. I was too scared to go in, so Jake went in with some of his friends. He said there was just a room back in there.

I know, another rock garden but they are so beautiful.

I love the walkways here because they are always designed with something in them.

This is Donny doing a crazy pose.
Jake, doing the Vitruvian man pose.

I wanted to join in on the fun, so maybe I was doing a cheerleader pose...who knows.

Saturday Outing, Part 2-Zhonghua Gate

The next stop along the way, on November 8, 2008, was Zhonghua Gate (Chinese Gate) is the south gate of Nanjing City, Jiangsu Province. Zhonghua Gate has the double distinction of being the biggest castle-style city gate in China and a structural element of the most complicated castle in the world. It is the castle's magnificent scale, delicate structure, and the great skill with which it was built that bequeath it an important place in China's military and architectural traditions. Construction of the castle took twenty-one years, from 1366 to 1387.

The entrance to the gate, don't worry the soldiers are just statues.

Posing like the soldier, I think we look pretty intimidating.

Top of the castle/gate.
Bonsai Garden
Wall and stairs up the wall.

Jake overlooking the courtyard

View going up the stairs...now this is what I call China. Jake and Brit

Jake and I on the stairs going up to the top. The ramps on the side of us were so that the horses could get up to the top.

Chad and the soldier

Jake, thinking enough with the pictures already.

This was one of the tunnels where some of the soldiers would sleep. There were about 8 of these on top of the wall, and each would be lined with 3-4 level bunk beds. So...what looked like just a normal part of the wall actually housed an entire army.

Chad and Kirstin overlooking the city.

Jake and Brit on top of the world...ok the wall.

This is Jake's friend Luke doing his mad martial arts moves.

More martial art moves...he is actually pretty good.

View from below.

This was another outing that I thoroughly enjoyed. I love the scenery and the old buildings. It really amazes me how old things are here and the condition they are still in.

Saturday Outing, Part 1-Nanjing Folklore Museum

On November 8, 2008, we had another outing with Jake's flagship program. We actually ended up going to 3 places that day which means I took a lot of pictures. The first place we went was The Nanjing Folklore Museum/Ganxi's Former Residence. It is generally called "ninety nine rooms and half room". In China if you ask for a big number they say 9 instead of 10 or 99 instead of 100. Anyways this place is more of what I thought China to be like. It had this really beautiful garden and so many rooms. It was a lot of fun and Jake and I felt like it was going through a maze trying to get out. Map of complex

Clara and Britney eating Hi-Chews(they are like a starburst, but a lot better). Jake just gave her a whole one...which was a lot of chewing for her.
Old layout of the place

Long hallway leading to different rooms, from front to back is Susannah, Caleb, Chad, and Jake.

Jake by one of the courtyards, and he is even smiling:)Britney sitting at one of the tables.

Jake climbing up the steep stairs to one of the 99 rooms.

Britney out in one of the many garden areas.

This is what I expected China to be like, beautiful rock gardens.

Britney standing in one of the long narrow hallways.

Garden out back.

I loved this area, it was so peaceful and beautiful.

Jake and I down in the pond.

Close up one of just the two of us.

Donny, Jake, and Caleb practice their Tai Chi moves.

Caleb and Clara sitting and waiting for everyone...Clara was finally warming up to Caleb. He didn't know the trick was to feed her candy.