Blessed in the Buddhist Temple

We had some official business to do this morning. I spent about one hour filling out some paperwork. I was told by our guide to come without Max, so Carolyn and Max spent some time together. First I questioned why she didn't want Max, but later I understood - the paperwork was very detail oriented, and for some reason, complicated! It brought up all sorts of anxieties for me in regards to having to have the right form, checking the right box, etc. At one point, Cordelia turned to Dawn and me and said: "Be serious! Concentrate!" Talk about bringing out my test-taking fears!!

Then we were off to get our visa picture taken. Afterwards, we went to get our medical check-up. Both Car and I were pleasantly surprised at how clean the medical office was. We had to do three stations, and we were done. Max, of course, did brilliantly!! :)

Then it was fun time. We decided to visit a Buddhist Temple, The Temple of the Six Babyan Trees, where we were all lucky enough to get blessed by three Buddhist monks. It took about 5 minutes, was very rhythmical, and involved us getting sprinkled with holy water. It truly was special. Not that I know that much about it, but we were told that the number three is a very special number in Buddhism. We were right below three statues of Buddha, all made of solid copper, weighing 10,000 tons each. One stood for the past, one for the present, one for the future. The pagoda has 9 stories, odd numbers being lucky numbers. This particular pagoda is called the Flower Pagoda, because the various roof lines face upward, much like a flower.

Today also marks the last day of the Chinese New Year, and the beginning of the Lantern Festival, which is comparable to American Valentines Day. The Temple was especially busy today because people wanted to start their New Year off positively. Lots of incense was being burned.

Today was a really busy day. Only three more sleeps and then we're home!! Good night, everyone!!

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