Today we took a two hour drive, boarded a boat and went to see the world’s largest buddha carved in a mountain. We were really excited about the giant buddha, but I have to say it was rather a let down. Unlike most of the other things I have written about, in this case I think the photos are more impressive than the actual Buddha. Despite the let down, our guide Jay, made sure we had a great day.
We are on a boat with the Giant Buddha in the background. It is the largest stone Buddha in the world. Carved into a mountain, it is said to date to the Tang Dynasty (713 AD)
Did I mention that we had to wear life jackets and there were no seats on the boat upper deck. (Melissa loves her new panda hat.)
Today was our first time in the less touristy parts of China (except for the Buddha which was highly touristy) and we saw some interesting sites.
Hand held scale to weigh out the vegetables.
Really fresh chicken dinner
A quick stop at a tea farm to purchase my new favorite buckwheat tea. Jay pointed out the flooded rice fields and the terraced tea fields.
Finally we visited the ancient village of Haunglongxi. The real low point of the day were the toilets. I am getting used to squat toilets, bringing my own paper, and the piles of smelly used paper left in the corners as it can’t be flushed, but these stinky stalls didn’t even have doors. (And if that’s not enough, later that day we saw a woman in the lady’s room hold her boy so he could both pee and poop in the sink.)
Check out Haunglongxi:
The gate to the ancient city of Haunglongxi with Jay (guide) and our girls.
The first step in making tofu is grinding the soy beans,
The ancient city was really beautiful, with this stream running through the center. Girls had a bit of fun, and I didn't notice the guy taking the photo.
All photos on this page © Rhonda Albom 2012
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Travel with us as we laugh our way around the globe. I am Rhonda Albom, wife, mom, photographer and blogger, sharing the lighter side of our traveling family's life with two teens. 
I love the notion of weighing the veggies by feel – his customers must really trust him!
Lynne recently posted..Hot Tunes
It was a pretty cool market.
I’d call that chicken dinner rare… especially in these parts.
Joyce recently posted..#GBE2: My Krib
Can you get them that way in Memphis?
Melissa has great taste,… Hannah has the same hat bought back by her Dad last year when he visited Shanghai…… and the Panda hat got a great outing one night recently with Hannah and her flatmates!!!
The description of the toilets reminded me of a couple of ones we visited in Argentina – own toilet paper no flushing …… got good at hanging on!!
Loving the photos. Looking forward to next blog.
Robyn O
I love that Hannah has one of these panda hats. Maybe they can wear them together some day.
Robyn, I am so glad you are reading and enjoying the blog.
Thats extremely fresh chicken LOL
stevebethere recently posted..The New Doctor
LOL – too much work though.
The toilet facilities in Asia definitely leave something to be desired. We take a lot for granted don’t we!
Pleased you are having the most excellent of adventures.
Tony Payne recently posted..Do You Suffer With Cold Feet In Bed?
We sure do! The other day we saw a three star bathroom (really, it had a sign). It was pretty gross. Today I saw a two star bathroom. I was afraid.
Both pee and poop in the sink. I’m never going to China. Never. I couldn’t do it. That’s just nasty. I think I’ll just tour America. Lots to see and we have toilets with doors.
Have a terrific day and time.
Nasty is the perfect word for it. I wouldn’t let the bathrooms stop you from going to China. It is a really neat place. And I learned a trick today – just use the public bathrooms at big hotels. They are usually pretty nice – some of them are even sit down. (all our hotel rooms have been sit down).
Wow! Such a gorgeous sculpture! It must have been such an amazing experience to stand before it. I feel so jealous, I’ve always wanted to get there…
Honestly, it was a bit of a let down. It is a lot of traveling and I really think it looks more impressive in photos. But that’s just my opinion.
Love your new hat Melissa!!!
LOL – she is pretty funny.