Allen's Beijing,Allen's China

A Biz Trip in Early Spring

noreply@blogger.com (Allen) — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 16:54:00 +0000

Long time no see...

Spring is coming, but I've been too busy to enjoy the fantastic views of early spring. I have to work, work, and work....This year, I have to go to more places...the regional markets that I'm in charge of. My region is mainly in the Northeast, and I have been there several times since end of last year...several big projects are ahead for me to take care of, and make sure they will not slip away from our biz plans.

Beijing is already in the booming spring now. The trees are too eager to show their green leaves to the warm air. It seems the light and tender green suddenly turns into a darker color, as they are in the summer. How time flies, and a quarter of a year has passed.

Spring in Beijing often seems so impatient to leave us and summer just rushes in. Last week, I went to the Yuan Dadu Park with my family to see those beautiful Malus spectabilis. I was amazed at the flourishing flowers along the river. There were so many of them, which seemed too anxious to bloom in the spring days...They always bring me a lot of joy.

Then, here comes my trip. It is a small city in Liaoning, a place that is 20 years behind the time. It is small, sereneness mingled with noises. Some parts of the roads are so bumpy I have to hold the my seat fast in fear of being thrown out of the car window.

It is cold, too. It is like the end March of Beijing: the trees has just been tinted a thin light green, flowers can rarely be seen here, while Beijing is already flourished with blooming flowers. I suddenly realized that I'm already assimilated by that gigantic city in which I'm living, I'm not used to the lifestyle here now.

It's nice that I finally have some time to write something in my blog now, in this small hotel room I'm staying. I would have no time blogging if I were at my home in Beijing---either due to lack of time, or lack of mood. Only when you are alone do you have such instinct to write something about your life, your feeling.

Too much babbling...better shut up...

What a Snow! What a Delight!

noreply@blogger.com (Allen) — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 05:13:00 +0000

More surprising delight is coming!

When I pulled the curtain and opened the window in the morning, I was overjoyed to see so much snow outside. The snow began to fall from yesterday and probably never stopped with just a short suspension yesterday afternoon. It began to fall again in the evening. When I reached home from work, I was almost embraced with those tiny snowflakes all over.

I took several pictures with my cellphone from my window to keep such memorable scenes forever. It seemed everywhere was blanketed with thick snow. How wonderful!

I left home earlier than before in fear of possible traffic jam, but that was just an "excuse)( I go to work by subway every day). I just hope to feel the snow outside, as if I were to see an old friend. It was so nice to walk on the fluffy and pure snow, the sound beneath my feet reminded me of a lot of memories in the childhood.

Seen from the office window, the snow is still following. It is one of the heavy snows I've experienced since I came to this city. And the snow carries more significance in this early spring because it may alleviate the drought hovering China, especially North China since last late October. A timely snow promises a bumper harvest. Hope it will be an auspicious sign for the Chinese peasants.

God bless them....

It Finally Snows.....

noreply@blogger.com (Allen) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 05:09:00 +0000

It is really amazing! God is so generous he finally brought us some snow at the beginning of the year....And, it's snowing rather heavily this time!

In the weak twilight early this morning, I saw the ground downstairs covered with a thin layer of snow. The snow visited us quietly during the night. When the outside was clear enough, I saw snow everywhere: the meadow, the pavement, and the cars.

The snow is so precious to me. I remember I took my son to the so-called "Snow Carnival" in the Olympic Green. I really felt sorry to see my son so overjoyed playing with the artificial "snow".

Now the snow is coming! It is such a joy seeing those tiny fluffy flakes dancing around you, by itself or in clusters. It really brings merriness to us at the beginning of a new day.. At least it brings us some freshness though it may not alleviate the drought blanketing the area.

Bravo......

The Burning Flames......

noreply@blogger.com (Allen) — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 05:04:00 +0000

(From Google.com)
The tragedy swpet down when we Chinese were celebrating the Lantern Festival, and the time when we were embracing the biggest moon in 52 years. It was reported that one firefighter died and about 30 others were injured.

The fire burst out around 9:00pm last night, when people were crazily lighting the fireworks.
I can see the building every time I go to work. It is very close to my office. The following picture was taken with my cellphone this morning:

We can clearly see the burnt surface of the building. It was said the sparkles were to blame for the disaster. However, isn't it another man-made calamity? Somebody needs to give it more thoughts when they formulate some new regulations. Is it good to allow people to light fireworks or firecrackers in such a heavily populated area?

It's good that the government considers more about people, but should it be at the price of life and property? There should be some golden mean that balances everything well.

China: The Roundest Moon In 12 Years

noreply@blogger.com (Allen) — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 13:56:00 +0000

(From Baidu.com)

What is this?

It is a picture of Moon I found on the Internet. It is reported that we can witness the roundest and biggest Moon in 12 years. At 19:00 tonight, the distance between the moon and the earth is about 357500km, which is the shortest distance in the past 12 years. Thanks to this, the moon will be 1/6 bigger than usual tonight.

I tried to take a picture of the moon at 7:00pm. However, due to the poor performance of my digital camera (Canon Ixus 800) which is not good at taking pictures at night, failed to get a good picture. The moon was only a small bright spot in most of my pictures. So, I had to look for one online.

The moon always triggers people's imagination. Chang'E, the beautiful fairy living in the moon palace in ancient Chinese myths, the Jade Rabbit, her loyal companion in that lonely place. Wu Gang, the man who had to keep felling a laurel on the moon as a punishment to him. Artemis, the Godess of Moon in Greek myths......We can name a lot of legends about the moon.

The moon is also a mysterious place we are trying our best to explore. We have set out our first satellite around the moon last year, and our austronauts had successfully walk a little in the space. Maybe we can walk on the moon in no time.

Let's see when we can make it......

Time For NYR

noreply@blogger.com (Allen) — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 08:39:00 +0000

We've finally entered a new year. What will 2009 bring us finally?

We have experienced a lot in 2008, sorrow mingling with joy. The snow storms at the beginning of the year, the devastating Quake in Sichuan, the Olymplics and Paralympics....And of course one thing that should not be forgotten: the rollercoaster-like Chinese stock market, where many Chinese people have suffered a lot.

What is my NYR( New Year Resolution)?

Earn more....
Play more....
More leisure and pastime....
Learn to drive....

Too realistic, eh? It's better to lead a realistic life, though.

The Lost 2008...The Coming 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Allen) — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 11:59:00 +0000

I could hardly believe 2008 has been part of my memory now...I'm in a brandnew year now. We've experienced a lot in the past year: the snow catastrophe, the earthquake, the Olympics ,and the Paralympics....

Many things happened to me in the past year, too. I worked for a new department, totally new business, I'm busier than before, and may earn more than before....heeeheee. However, everything comes to a "maybe".

I flew to my hometown--Lanzhou on Dec. 29th and back on the last day of the year...such a short trip. I had to do so coz I had to renew my passport which had expired earlier last month. I had to do so to get prepared for my possible trip to Hokkaido, Japan, but who knows whether we can make it or not. It will be great if we can. I was really impressed by the beautiful scenery there in a hot movie released recently in China. The Director, Mr Feng Xiaogang, enthralled me again with his characteristic humor.

I have to prepare my plan for the new year, how I will do my business and improve my work in a new year. I hope everything will be better and better for me, for my family, and for everyone I love.

Happy new year! And thanks for coming!

Moving To This New Home...

noreply@blogger.com (Allen) — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 05:15:00 +0000

These days, I'm trying to move most of my posts at Sina Blog to this one. I like the neat and simple interface of this new blog. What's more, it offers some more interesting functions. I've stopped updating the Sina blog now. Hope those old buddies will come here and find something interesting here.

And, I hope it will be a window for more friends to learn about my life, my city and my country.

Welcome....

November 11th: The Bachelor's Day

noreply@blogger.com (Allen) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 07:48:00 +0000

November 11th is the so-called Bachelor's Day in China. It is not a traditional festival, but it is becoming more and more popular among the youngsters. They call this day the bachelor's day maybe because it has the most number "1"(11-11).

The "festvial" perhaps started several years ago and were well-known among young people. In the evening, the youngsters who are still single may gather together in bars, karaokes or restaurants to celebrate the day together. Some single boys or girls may find their Mr. Right on such occasions.

This year, some bars and restaurants in Beijing held some events on the Bachelor's Day. They offered discounts for such gatherings, some even held blind date parties for those singles to find their other half.

Happy Bachelor's Day!

Babel: A Movie Full Of Conflicts

noreply@blogger.com (Allen) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 05:06:00 +0000

In the Old Testament, a city (now thought to be Babylon) in Shinar where construction of a heaven-reaching tower was interrupted when the builders became unable to understand one another's language.--

This is the definition for the word "Babel" given in Kingsoft, a popular Chinese e-dictionary. The movie smartly borrows its meaning to reveal the theme of the movie. True to its name, the movie itself is a labyrinth of anfractuous clues and unexpected conflicts. The only thing you feel watching it is: Breathtaking and heartquaking.

A Japanese man who had a deaf daughter traveled in Africa and gave the rifle as a gift to his local tour guide, an old man in a small African village. The old man traded the rifle with the father of two little brothers who helped the family tend the sheep. And an American couple, Richard and Susan( starred by Brad Pitt and Cate Branchett), came to Africa on a tour in the wish to salvage their almost broken marriage. At their home, their Mexican babysitter taking care of their son and daughter hoped to go back to Mexico to attend her nephew's wedding ceremony. Numbers of clues were developing independently at the beginning yet gradually mingled and intertwisted together.

One day, the brothers carried the rifle while pasturing. To test the powerful rifle, the brothers shot the objects faraway. My mind was suddenly strained up when one of the boy pointed the gun at a bus coming from faraway. With the piercing sound, the running bus stopped. The frightened boys realized what a serious crime they had committed.

On the bus were some foreign travelers from many different countries, including the American couple. Coincidentally, however, the bullet from the rifle hit and wounded Susan seriously. The bus turned into a bedlum. Worried about Susan's life, Richard pleaded the crowd and asked for the nearest hospital. However, in such a faraway and poor village, no hospitals were available for treatment of Susan's wound. Following the tourguide's suggestion, Richard sent Susan to a country doctor. Deserted in such a desolate village isolated from the outside world due to poor communications, Richard and Susan were lost in despair. Richard finally had to turn to the American Embassy for emergent rescue.

Their home in the US was another mess. The babysitter didn't want to miss the wedding ceremony and finally decided to take the two children to Mexico. On the way back home, the police thought the babysitter and her brother were trying to kidnap the children. Impatient with the endless investigations, the nephew started the car and broke through the checkpoint. Chased by the police, the nephew ordered the babysitter to get off the car with the two children. Blind and hungry, the three got lost in the desert at the border. When she left the children alone and asked for help, she was found and arrested by the patrolling police. The police somehow located the children and sent them home at last.

In Africa, the scared father was running away with his two sons when they were blocked by the local police. The younger son shot and wounded one policeman and the three were beseiged by the police on a small hill. During the fight, the older brother got a gunshot and terribly wounded. The younger boy finally crashed the rifle and surrendered to the police hoping that they would save his brother.

The embassy finally arranged a helicoptor to take Susan to a hospital for treatment. And a few days after a successful operation, the couple returned to their country. Having gone through the hardships together, the young couple finally kindled their love flames and saved their marriage.

In Tokyo,the deaf daughter was neglected by his father and craved for love from others. However, she failed every time she was intending to show her love and was considered an eccentric by others. At the end of the movie, the girl became reconciled with her father.

From the beginning to the end, the clues turned up one after another, conflicts filed in unexpected succession that made you almost suffocated. The conflicts, either out of cultural differences or entrenched conceptions, either between husband and wife or father and daughter, burst out just in one second that almost overwhelmed you in a deep ocean of conflicts. Tensions pop up from somewhere while you watch it that keeps your attention on the development of the story.

As a movie that has won the Golden Globe Award and many Ocar nominations, it surely deserves it. Just as the title of the movie implies, we live in a world full of conflicts, but we can finally overcome these difficulties with our heart and efforts.

What's more, while intrigued by the labyrinth-like story, just enjoy some spectacular scenery in different places of the world: Africa, USA, Mexico and Japan. However, do be careful: Stay away from your children!...:)

Some more pictures:

Brad Pitt( as Richard)
Cate Branchett ( as Susan)

Together: A Different Thinking

noreply@blogger.com (Allen) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 05:02:00 +0000

The following is a review about a Chinese movie, Together, directed by Chen Kaige, a famous Chinese director.

I've no idea why I dislike most of Chen Kaige's movies, or even hate them, including his latest "blockbuster"---Wu Ji, a movie which met with tons of criticism since its debut, and I have even not seen it yet. I'm really tired of the hollow contents and the familiar plots copied from some other movies.

But I'd admit it that Farewell To My Concubine and Together are two exceptions. I've seen it several times and been touched by it every time. On the train to Harbin several days ago, I watched the movie Together again, and was moved as I was before. The plot is simple and I'd rather not repeat it here. My eyes got wet again when the movie reached its end. It was a montage of the present and the past: The man who became the foster-father later was running anxiously in the hall of the railway station,with the little baby and a violin in his arm;Then the scene was switched to the boy rushing to the railway station to catch up with his foster-father, with that finally-found violin in hand. Only at that moment did the boy realize how he loved his father. He finally gave up the opportunity to win in the international contest and chose to be with his father. Standing at the waiting hall of the station, the boy played the violin--whole-heartedly, for his dear father, for his profound love. The scenes were then flashed between the performances of the boy and the girl who finally grabbed the chance to take part in the contest. Finally, the hearts and the souls of the father and son were together and would never depart.

After watching the movie, a strange idea occured in my mind. Maybe the boy had some better ways to reciprocate his foster father's love, whose only plain wish was that the boy could be a successful violinist when growing up, simply to fulfil a so-called request from the boy's natural parents, whom he'd never met. I believe the gifted boy would win the contest if he took part in it. What might follow would be the reputation and wealth for him. Then the life for the father and the son might be quite different. They might be much better off than they were now.

You may regard what I am thinking as vulgarity or of lower taste, but it's realistic. People crave for success, because it brings them sense of achievement as well as fame and wealth. Though I believe the least thing in the foster father's mind was the wish that his efforts would be repaid someday, I myself do hope so, because I strongly believe in the saying, " One good turn deserves another." I hope the foster father will lead a happy life with his beloved son though they don't have any genetic connection. Sure I know Mr. Chen would not plot the movie this way, it's just my personal wish.
And I hope a good deed will never be missed out by the God.

>>>>>>>>>>

I should put two thumbs up for the performance of Mr. Liu Peiqi in this movie, who won the award for the best actor at Saint Sebastian Film Festival. Mr. Chen also won an award of the best director with this movie. They both deserved the honor.

However, Chen Hong's performance was quite disappointing. I am really frustrated to see her affected and artificial performance. It's just like some flaws on a jade.

Beihai Park-A Famous Attraction in Beijing

noreply@blogger.com (Allen) — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 11:35:00 +0000

I made a short video after I visited the Beihai Park, Beijing. The following is a brief introduction about the park from the internet:

Beihai (North Sea) Park is one of the most popular parks in the city of Beijing. It covers a total area of over 68 hectares, more than half of it is taken up by the lake. Early in the 10th century, the Liao Dynasty built a secondary imperial residence here, called Yaoyu or Jade Islet. When the Jin took over, they renamed the capital Zhongdu, meaning Central Capital, and built an imperial palace. Qionghua (Jade Flowery) Islet was built of earth dug out from the lake, and the rocks used for piling on the hill were brought from Kaifeng, Henan Province. During the Yuan Dynasty, the place was rebuilt three times, and Guanghandian or the Palace in the Moon where Kublai Khan used to live and many other palace buildings were built on top of the hill. It was in this palace that Kublai Khan received Marco Polo. Unfortunately it was destroyed. The Islet became the centre of Dadu (Great Capital) and is still situated in the heart of modern Beijing.
Beihai Park, Beijing
The Ming Dynasty saw more construction and renovation: the Five Dragon Pavilions and the Nine-Dragon Screen on the north bank of the lake and many pavilions and galleries were erected during that period. From the White Dagoba, visitors can have an excellent view of the Five Dragon Pavilions standing on the opposite bank of the lake, with colourful ferry boats travelling back and forth between the shores. During the reign of Emperor Qianlong, construction lasted for 30 years. The project included many other pavilions, halls and terraces which made the park even more harmonious in design.
The layout of the park is based on an ancient Chinese legend. According to the legend, there were supposed to be three islands to the east of Bohai Bay where the gods lived. One of them was called Penglai Island where a kind of herbal medicine grew, that was supposed to prolong life. The first emperor of the Qin Dynasty wanted to live fovrever. He sent people to the islands to look for the longevity medicine, but failed. Emperor Wudi of the Han Dynasty also wanted to live an eternal life. He ordered that a big pool be dug at the back of his palace, complete with three artificial hills to represent Penglai and the other islands. So these legendary hills were built in the eastern capital of Luoyang during the Sui Dynasty and also in the Tang Dynasty capital of Chang'an. Such a traditional style of gardening was followed during the succeeding dynasties and Beihai Park was built after this traditional style.

(http://www.beijingholidays.net/ )

Then enjoy the video now:

Some pictures and videos taken in Beidaihe

noreply@blogger.com (Allen) — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 13:09:00 +0000

The following short video is made by myself. I took those pictures and videos when I was in Beidaihe this July. I especially love those ones I took in the Qinhuangdao Wildlife Park. Just enjoy them.

My Dreamland Tibet: Some Pictures

noreply@blogger.com (Allen) — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 05:16:00 +0000

Some pictures I took during the trip.

A cute Tibetan girl at Sera Temple

Two boys playing games in the square near Temple Jokhong

Two brothers I met outside Temple Jokhang
Beautiful Lake Yamdrok Tso

Fantastic Roadside views

What a late autumn!

My Dreamland Tibet(6): Norbulingka

noreply@blogger.com (Allen) — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 05:15:00 +0000

November 6th, 2006

Norbulingka Naitonal Park
(罗布林卡国家公园）

Its was quite a different experience visiting Norbulingka compared with the Putala Palace. In Tibetan, Norbu means "baby", and "lingka" means " Park". Nowadays, many Tibetans still call their little kids "norbu". Norbulingka was Dalai Lama's summer palace，where Dalai Lama used to stay in summer. The road connecting the Putala Palace and Norbulingka was called " the Holy Road". Every year, the common folks woshipped and had a chance to meet their living buddha there. Covering an area of 360,000m2, Norbulingka has now become a national park in Tibet.

We visited the 14th Dalai Lama's palace. It was built during 1954-1956. After its completion, he stayed there for 3 years and fled abroad since 1959. The palace was a two-storey building. There was a meeting room on the second floor where he used to receive local officials. The chamber next to it was a study adjoined with a meditation room. Curiously enough, we even found two radios made in Russia and Germany. Now almost 50 years have passed since he went into exile. How time flies!

Walking along the road in the palace, we were amazed at the beauty of the park. The chilly wind was blowing, yellow withered leaves fell off from the trees, and the road was soon covered with a thick layer of golden leaves. However, the bamboos along the road to the gate were still so exuberant, green with inexhaustible vitality...

My Dreamland Tibet(5): The Putala Palace

noreply@blogger.com (Allen) — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 05:07:00 +0000

November 5th, 2006

The next day after our arrival, we went to the Putala Palace. I had seen it many times in magazines and TV documentaries and had been admiring its grand magnificence for a long time. I really wished I might have a chance to be here one day. Now here I was.

I was a bit sick that morning due to the mountain sickness. Dizzy and a slight headache. Such easy matters as climbing the ladders at the hotel might become really something. Sometimes I even thought my veins might be burst out as if somebody was pricking my head with a sharp knife. So did other fellas. My friends suggested me to do everything slowly, then there should not be any problem. So I did, and I felt better.

We went to the palace in the afternoon. It was a sunny afternoon and the sun was shining brightly. We had to put some suncream to prevent from sunburns. It was only about 10 minutes' drive from the hotel to the Putala, and I could actually see it from the balcony of the hotel the night before.
There standing in front of us was the Putala Palace, with overwhelming

grandeour. It was built at the foot of a mountain( In fact, most of the palaces and monasteries in Tibet were built among mountains). Its construction started from 17th century as the winter palace for Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibetans. It was a 13-storey palace and was said to have 1000 rooms or chapels altogether.

The chapel was divided into two parts: The Red Palace and The White Palace. The Red Palace was the place where Dalai Lama held religious ceremonies. Here were also enshrined most of the Lamas, whose tombs had been built with gold. Interestingly enough, the amount of gold used for each tomb vaired with the contributions of its owner to Tibet and the religion. Another key factor was the financial conditions at that time. Of all the tombs, the 5th Dalai Lama's tomb was the largest, using altogether 3721kgs of gold. The tomb was brilliant with an awesome height of over 12 meters and every worshipper was filled with deep veneration before it.

There were several chapels where Dalai Lama used to pray, everything was laid out as if he had used it just now. Another chamber used to be the place Dalai Lama received the foreign envoys. It was a rectangular shape room, Dalai's chair was on the right end and the envoy's on the left. On the chairs were some mattresses embroidered with traditional Tibetan and religious patterns.

We climbed up the stairs very slowly. On the 11th floor, we found ourselves in a large square. There was a two-storey building in the middle. The square used to be a stage where the traditional Tibetan opera was performed, and there was a room in this two-storey building where Dalai Lama enjoyed the performance from one of the windows.

The White Palace was the place where Dalai Lama handled his daily political affairs. Most of the rooms were closed and we couldn't see what was inside.

As Tsizhon our tourguide told us, the Palace was always a holyland for all the Tibetans. Every year, thousands of pilgrims from all the country and the world paid their worship for their god. Till now, many Tibens still regard Dalai Lama as their real spiritual leader. It was a pity that politics and religion seemed to become twin brothers that influenced eacher profoundly. As she said, the political stability in Tibet always precedes over its economic development.

About two hours later, we came out of the palace. The sun was shining above, but we could see tiny snowflakes falling from the sky. What a wonder! And I felt I was getting better with the mountain sickness. :)

My Dreamland Tibet(4): The Hotel

noreply@blogger.com (Allen) — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 05:03:00 +0000

Our hotel was in the center of the city, but it was actually a family inn. It was a small courtyard with 3-storey rooms on the four sides. Facing the gate was a fountain with a shrine on its top. The rippling water added a lively touch to this small family inn. Small as it was, it was built in very typical Tibetan style and every room was laid out and decorated with Tibetan patterns, and they charged a higher rate than others.

What made it really distinguished was a spacious balcony on the top of the building, which was connected by wooden ladders. Tables and chairs were randomly scattered here and there. When the weather was good, you could sit beside a table, having a cup of coffee or tea, or a glass of beer under the bright moon. The night breeze was a little chilly, gently fondling your face. The moonlight, pale and bright, sprayed on the tables, the chairs and the ground. Though it was in the centre of the city, it was so quiet here, as if secluded from the outside world.

There was no TV set in the room, I was surprised that I could still survive without TV programs and internet now. I was used to walking outside in the streets, sitting on that balcony, and staying in bed writing something about what I'd done during the day.
There was no central heating system in Lhasa, and we used an electric heater to keep the room warm. Sometimes the heater was so noisy that it woke me up at midnight. Then I began to write sth in my notebook till I was sleepy again. The bed, the quilt, and the towels.....everything in the room smelt of yak butter, and it took me quite some time to get used to it.

But my favorite was the balcony at the top. I liked sitting there, feeling the gentle night breeze, enjoying the company of the snow-capped mountains, and bathed in the chilly bright moonlight.

In the inn there was a lovely husky. She had white and grey hair and a sharp nose. She was so friendly that she always greeted me standing on her two hind legs every time she saw me. I liked to feel her soft hair, and to scratch her neck gently. She just lay herself flat on the ground with complete contentedness.

Small as it was, the inn was the most special hotel I've stayed before ( a local friend told me we could have stayed in a five-star hotel at the price we paid here, but we could not find what we'd found here in a five-star hotel). What was more, the people were so kind and trying their best to provide the best service to us ( though there were intermittent power cuts during the night). I do believe it may be one of my privileged choices when I come here next time..

My Dreamland Tibet(3): Arriving In Lhasa

noreply@blogger.com (Allen) — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 05:02:00 +0000

After about 6 hours' flight, with one-hour stop in Chengdu, we
were finally above the city of Lhasa. Through the thick clouds, we could see the bare mountains, withered bushes and zigzagging rivers among the valleys. The ground temperature was about 17 celsius. Not bad.

After the plane touched the ground, we collected our luggage and went out of the exit. Our tourguide, Tsizhon(次珍）,a nice lady with a tyical Tibetan's look, were already there meeting us.

The ride from the airport to the downtown was about 2 hours. It used to take about 5 hours before a tunnel was drilled. On the way, Tsizhon introduced Tibet and Lhasa in fluent English, which made me fully relaxed because I needn't take pain interpretting everything for the guests with such an excellent tourguide with us.

With about 4 million population, Tibet is a wonderland for many Chinese people and foreigners. Now, nearly 500 thousand people live in Lhasa, about 70% of whom are Tibetans.

Our van was running fast on the blacktop along the Lhasa River, a river which is regarded as a holy river by local Tibetans. The river is abundant in many kinds of fish, but the local people don't catch them for food because they worship the fish as holy creatures, and used to put the bodies of children who died before 8 into the river as sacrefice.

The snow-capped mountians were just behind us, and the tree of withered leaves were retreating as quickly as they could. High above the sky, the grey clouds were gathering, and a heavy rain was threatening. Almost in no time, the rain poured down and the road ahead was wet. The weather in Lhasa was so volatile.

Here we were in the downtown of Lhasa. It was nothing different from an inland medium-sized city: small, crowded, narrow lanes, and the ever-going noises in the streets. However, you may find some differences if you look further and more carefully. Most of the people in the streets were tibetans, and every corner of the city was pervaded with the smell of yak butter and incenses. Only then did I realized I had come to a mysterious holyland.

My Dreamland Tibet(2): The Last Night In Lhasa

noreply@blogger.com (Allen) — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 05:01:00 +0000

Sipping a cup of black tea, I sat alone in " Snowland", a restaurant we frequented these days, while waiting my crazy shoppers to join the dinner. Last dinner here.

Suddenly came from the stereo the familiar melody of Phil Collins' Another Day In The Paradise, while they usually played some noisy Indian music. What a coincidence: They seemed to know me too well! However, it was not another day, but the last. Then followed that heart-breaking Against All Odds, a song that always made me not in the mood for anything. A somewhat sadness rose in me thinking of leaving, a place I called " heaven", as if I was saying farewell to an acquainted friend. " Finally, I'm leaving!"

The food was georgeous but I didn't eat much due to my poor appetite these days. A simple meal made me pleased enough: A bowl of chicken and mushroom soup, and a garlic Naan( a kind of crisp thin pancake in Tibet).

Returning to my room and having calmed down my breath, I had an impulse of going up and sitting at that beautiful quiet balcony for a while. I put on my overcoat and went upstairs. It was dark and peaceful there, the moon that had brightly shone last night had gone somewhere tonight or she was too lazy to show up her brilliant face. To my surprise and joy, countless shining stars were twinkling in the dark sky. Some were staring at me with sweet smile, while others were so shy that they were just peeking at me behind a thin mist of white clouds. These little "creatures" made me feel like being in the heaven.

The mountains were still standing there around me, as if out of fear that they would disturb me in this silent night. They were just standing there, like some knights in a dark black mantle. I felt at peace in their copany, regarding them as some brave warriors protecting this holy city.

Sneakily, the moon crept up the rooftop and appeared among the scale-like clouds, her brightness dimming those shining stars. I really marvelled at her beauty, gracefulness and calmness. Slowly and leisurely, she was strolling among the thin veils of clouds. She seemed never disturbed by those earthly worries!

I was utterly subdued to and enjoy the sheer quietness and peacefulness of the night. I even wished I could be so for the rest of my life. However, such peacefulness would seem doomed to be a transient moment in my life.

And such casual and carefree lifestyle of the local people seemed never to be mine. After this night, the dins of the city would be just ahead waiting for me.

My Dreamland Tibet(1): Foreword

noreply@blogger.com (Allen) — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 04:55:00 +0000

I went to Tibet around this time two years ago. In the following posts, I'd like to share what I saw, what I felt there. It i s my dreamland, Tibet!

Six days.
Never regret to be there.
Never too long to be there.

But maybe it will be too late if you go there someday later, beccause the original and primitive Tibet is edging away from us now.
That's what I've been thinking after coming back there. I wish I'd be there again some day in the future. But when? No idea. I just fear that my dreamland had gone when I were there again.
Though I've just dropped by a tiny fraction of this mysterious land, I will try my best to collect some invaluable pictures and memorable moments from my stuffed mind and share them with you. Perhaps the title of the series should be " My Dreamland Lhasa", to be more exact.
The trip may become part of happy memories in my life, though I still have something to be fretted with: Pursuit of traditional characteristics at the price of adequate hygiene, the noisy electric heater that always woke me up at midnights, and the smell of yak butter everywhere( I guess everything of mine has smelt of yak butter now).
But this is Tibet. I love this place, and I even love what I dislike about it, because that's what makes it so unique. Please follow me in the following days, enjoy the georgeous scenery and feel the long-history of Tibetan culture with me.

So, let me start from.................................................

At Age 40, Know the True Meaning of Life

noreply@blogger.com (Allen) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 03:36:00 +0000

During a dinner with a Canadian friend the other day, we talked of age. He was very curious when I told him that we Chinese gave certain names for ages 30, 40, 50,60, 70 and 80, etc.

At the age of 30, you support yourself and rely on your parents no more(而立之年）;

At the age of 40, you know the true meaning of life(不惑之年）。I'm closer and closer to this age, while I doubt that I've got the true meaning of life;

At the age of 50, you know your destiny(知命之年）;

At the age of 60, you are having more and more grey and white hair(花甲之年）；

At the age of 70, you are one of the rare ones that live a long life(古稀之年）；

At the age of 80 or 90, you are old and revered by the younger ones(耄耋之年);

At the age of 100....my god...do you really hope to live that long? It reminds me of one of my foreign customers. While chewing the fat after work, he asked me seriously, " Allen, do you know what I want most after retirement?" "Then, what?" " I hope to live till 100 years." I almost got fainted...Jesus, I will one hundred percent not live till that old!

The Summer Palace

noreply@blogger.com (Allen) — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 08:23:00 +0000

The Summer Palace is perhaps one of the must-go-to places for a visitor coming to this city for the first time.

Please enjoy a short video I made early this year after a visit to the park. I think the best time to visit the place during a day is at dusk, when the setting sun tints everywhere with a lustrous golden color. The mountain, the lakes, the trees are all in a misty gold.

Most visitors have left the park and everywhere becomes very quiet. Once in a while you can hear the birds twittering, the towers faraway in a mystic haze.

Take a look, and welcome to the Summer Palace!

What Has Beijing Olympics Left Us?

noreply@blogger.com (Allen) — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 04:44:00 +0000

From a stunning beginning to an amazing finish, Beijing Olympics has brought us too many surprises and gaieties. Throughout the 16 days, we'd been immersed in excitement and ecstasy with the outstanding performance of our players, or those who came from other countries.

Now, the great event has come to an end, Beijing Olympics has become an insurmountable benchmark for the sponsors of the Games in the years to come. It has left us a lot of sweet memories. Every day, we are pleased and moved by those who have best annotated the Olympic spirit. We even couldn't help shedding tears at their perseverence and unyieldingness.

However, what has Beijing Olympics left us, the Chinese people?

Volunteers. The Games has provided us a very good window to show our friendliness and hospitality. Most foreigners were welcomed with great fervency when they set their feet on this mysterious land. Whenever they needed help, those kind volunteers came to them with a smile. Thanks to their hard work, our foreign friends from afar felt at home. They deserve those flowers presented at the closing ceremony.
Tolerance. Blames and reproaches flooded China since we had been granted the right to sponsor the 29th Olympic Games. They denounced anything about China: air pollution, human rights; some even threatened to boycott the Beijing Olympics. We accepted those blames and abuses silently, and we answered them with our hard work and unprecedented accomplishments. Tolerance is a virtue.
Understanding. A successful Olympics has improved China's worldwide image, more and more people around the world have achieved deeper understanding of this faraway country with a long history. China is not a poverty-stricken country with millions of poor people. Beijing is not a city polluted by tail gas and harmful chemicals. They saw a beautiful city with clear blue sky. Understanding is a legacy we've inherited from the Games.
Confidence. The Olympics has revealed a country full of confidence to the world. People all over the world has witnessed an ancient country with vigor and vitality.

What else has the Games brought us? At the subway stations or bus stops, people are queuing up to get on the trains or buses; In the restaurants, smoking has been prohibitted; At the sports venues, people not only give applauses to our own players, but also to those from other countries. People are ready to help those who need help. Less and less rubbish is found in the parks, or in the streets. The Games is changing every aspect of our daily life. Now, I'm wondering how much rubbish were left at the Bird's Nest that night after the breath-taking opening ceremony?

Beijing Olympics, a great event that has influenced us far more than sport itself....

We Are Behind You, Liu Xiang!

noreply@blogger.com (Allen) — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 04:49:00 +0000

It is out of question that Liu's withdrawal has stunned and frustrated most of his fans, the whole nation, and even the whole world. All at once, the poor athlete was flooded by waves of blames and reprimands.

However, voices of understanding also came up and is gradually intensified. Why should Liu fall a sacrifice, to the stupid stubbornness of some bureaucratic and short-sighted officials who only value the bright official careers of their own? Why shouldn't we view it in a more humane way? How many excellent sportsmen or sportswomen were ruined, just due to the ridiculous insistance of those leaders?

I fully understand Mr. Sun Haiping, Liu's fatherly coach all these years, shedding tears at the news conference. And I'm pleased that Liu has made a right decision, which might be made at the price of appugnation and abuses.

Liu Xiang, just throw all those blames and abuses away, and set out on a brandnew journey with ligher packs. Liu Xiang, all of us are behind you!

Bravo, Beijing Olympics!

noreply@blogger.com (Allen) — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:56:00 +0000

All these days I have been enjoying a feast of various matches, exhilarated by China's great achievements during the days so far. 31 gold medals...and still more to come!

I have been indulged in an ecstasy of delight out of the everfighting spirits those athletes have demonstrated to us. I am touched by their never-give-up conviction, from which I should learn a lot.

While embracing our own heroes, do not forget to applause to those who have failed. They may have lost the games, but they have won gold medals by realizing the spirits of the Olympic Games.

The Games has brought peace to the world. Russia and Georgia have agreed not to go to war during the games, and we are happy to see the Iraqi athletes finally show up at the opening ceremony. The Games has brought precious peace to these countries, though it may be a flash of light to them.

Bravo, Beijing Olympics!