Quanzhou visit & the Kaiyuan monastery complex

We are on the move again, so we have some time to post up some pictures from our visit to the Kaiyuan monastery in Quanzhou. As we delve a bit deeper into China, we are starting to see a bit more of what the "real China" looks like.  There is a definite "stark" aspect to some of the architecture and public art.

The officials are officious (and a bit scary). And of course, there are lots and lots of people.  This tiny city (by chinese standards) has somewhere around 6-8 million people.  Traffic jams rivaling Seattle, lots of scooters and highrise after highrise.

Having said that, the places we visited seemed relatively clean and organized.  I think they are trying to keep up with this "convention.

Bike share is everywhere.   Many of the ubiquitous scooters are electric which surely helps with the pollution, but creates a special type of stealth traffic hazard.

Not too much more to add, other than some pictures on the grounds of a spectacularly beautiful monastery that was the primary reason for our visit.

We are all feeling good and having fun.  The weather has been a bit dreary, and we continue to "rock and roll" as we dash farther north in the Taiwan strait, but so far we have not been slowed down by mother nature.

Until next time!

Greg & Ruth