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Hangzhou Lingyin Temple

It was the most miraculous meeting of old neighbors, it was most disappointing not being able to take pictures inside the temples

You just never know whom you are going to run into on vacation. On this trip I expected to meet my relatives in China and my elementary school classmates. However, after we got off the tour bus at West Lake, someone called out to me: "Are you Stephen Woo?" I turned around and realized that this couple looked somewhat familiar. The lady turned out to be our long-time family friend because she grew up with my older brothers and sister. Her family lived downstairs of this small house in Taipei, and our family lived upstairs. Actually they were neighbors long before I was even born. So "Mao Mao" sister re-introduced herself and her husband to us. Personally I think it's miraculous to be able to meet her in China: to be in Shanghai at the same time and to be on the same tour!

One of the highlights at Hangzhou was visiting Lingyin, which means Soul's Retreat in Chinese, temple. Though originally it was built in 326, it has been restored for more than 16 times. The most recent one is after the Cultural Revolution. That's the reason for the brightly painted walls and ceilings. Out of respect of the worshippers and the deities, tourists are not allowed to take pictures inside the temples. I was understanding but nevertheless disappointed at not being able to take the picture of a magnificent statue of Sakyamuni Buddha in the Grand Hall. It's 81 feet tall and curved out of camphor wood. Fortunately I was able to buy a few postcards. I did enjoy taking pictures of the Medicine Hall, the Scripture Hall, and the incense burners.