Shanghai
Sorry that this is out of order, we are having Internet issues, which is why there has been no postings. Go figure we thought China was going to be more problems with the internet ans we have been having more issues in Japan.
Today Ms. Becker and I got up and went to the beautiful Yu Garden. Gardens are extremely important in Chinese society. Before Chinese influence across Europe, most gardens were like those of Versailles in France- geometric. Chinese gardens are meandering and appear more free flowing which then influenced our gardens too.
The following information is based on notes I took during our Professor Nancy's lecture before and during our visit of the Yu Garden:
There are four important components to these gardens:
1. Rocks
2. Water
3. Buildings representing the "hand of man". Gardens created for a contracted view, they are supposed to look spontaneous but they are not
4. Plants. Unlike in the west, they are the least important and are chosen for their symbolism. Some examples:
Bamboo: doesn't break but bends in the wind like a Confucius gentleman, not filled with too many rules
Banana plant: symbol of scholarship. Leaves are broad, if there is no paper, they can be used to write on.
Cyprus: forever green all year round, can't be beaten down.
Most importantly, there is no grass. Grass represents barbarians. If remember what ms. Becker and taught you in our classes this year then you can see why they would have this view. Where did the threatening "barbarians" come from? The Asian steppe i.e. grassy areas.
There are also two main types of gardens, imperial and scholar. The pictures we showed on Forbidden City from Beijing were of an imperial garden. The Yu garden we saw today was a scholar garden. Emperor uses garden to show his power. He does this in one way by making it massive. He makes the garden so huge that the people see how small they are. This reminds me of how I felt in Tianamen Square. The emperor uses the garden to try to replicate the realm. A peaceful garden represents a peaceful society. A scholar garden on the other hand is a place to show their wealth or their "bling." They are not allowed to have a garden to rival that of the emperor.
The garden was a place that provided some relief from the strict social obligations required by Confucianism. In the gardens you could compose poetry, paint, practice calligraphy, play chess. So the garden provided a place for spiritual renewal not a work place.
Yu Garden shows again the importance of Filial Piety. It was built by a man to honor his father and to make him happy.
The garden waters were filled with lots of goldfish. The presence of this particular fish holds meaning as well. The goldfish represent having plenty of gold.
Often find dragons in gardens but only the emperor can have a 5 clawed dragon. But dragons are really only for emperor but people have used them if not 5 clawed. The danger was that maybe at first emperor says it is okay. Dragons usually found on the roof. These are water dragons on wood roof, so they are protected it from fire. Usually has a gem or pearl in mouth for good fortune. The curve of a roof can represent a dragon, it doesn't have to have a head.
There are also some important rocks in the garden chosen for four key characteristics:
1. Leakiness or holes
2. Tall and thin
3. Wrinkledness
4. Stability
Yu garden is 4 hectares and is a scholar garden to be used as a place to relax and reflect and forget your troubles.
Place was peaceful and serene as you can see from the pictures above and below.
We then did some shopping.
And then off to the Shanghai museum. Ms. Becker and I walked around starting with the currency of China and the Silk Road! This was very cool! We saw money of the Guptas, Sakas, Maurya's, and of course my all time favorite, Genghis Khan.
Ms. Bisconti and I really enjoyed the museum and in addition to checking out the coins of the Silk Road, we were also treated to ancient examples of oracle bones and bamboo scrolls, bronze vessels with the taotie image...the list goes on.
Since this was our last night in China, the tour was scheduled to see a performance by the Shanghai acrobats called Era- Intersection of Time. I have NEVER seen anything like that show in my entire life. I'm not even sure if I can put into words the beauty, grace and human strength that I witnessed this evening.
A team of about 50 dazzled us for an hour with daring leaps, beautiful dances, and live music that got your heart beating even faster. I literally sat on the edge of my seat, and I swear there were moments when I held my breath in fear for the lives of the performers. For example, during the first half of the show they dropped down this gigantic contraption made of what I can only describe as human sized hamster wheels. At one point three individuals were inside the wheels running, forcing this massive machine into motion while three other individuals ran along the top of these moving wheels blindfolded. Oh yea, and there was no net below them in case of a misstep. Honestly I lost count of how many times we cried out "What?Omg! This is insane!".
Then there were other moments that instead of being daring were just so lovely. Towards the end of the show a couple dressed all in white performed a flying ballet with silks while a woman sang this beautiful love song. I cried a little while watching them soar through the air. It was quite magical.
I could go on and on about all that we saw in that show but it would never do the performers justice. All I can say is if you get the chance to see it, do it.
This was our last night in China. When we returned from the acrobatic show, Ms. Becker and I took a walk on the famous Nanjin road. It was a beautiful night so I took a panoramic shot of the city all lit up. Love the high rises of Shanghai! They look very sci-fi, and I kept expecting the Jetsons to fly by at any moment. Check out the pictures below.
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