jiangxi province.

This past weekend Gary and I traveled with some teachers from our school to Jiangxi Province. Although the travel was somewhat daunting (18 hours on a train and 15 hours on a bus), I really enjoyed the province's beautiful landscape, historical significance, and delicious foods.

Jiangxi translates to"west of river" because it lies west of the Ganjiang River. On the first day, we travelled 5 hours to Li Keng--a place where beautiful fields filled with blossoming yellow flowers hides an ancient Chinese city that dates back to the Tang and Song dynasties.

The Chinese version of the gondola

Inside one of the residences

Buying spices

These children recited poetry from the Tang Dynasty

After two hours at Li Keng, we headed to Jingdezhen: China's "capitol of porcelain". After another three hour bus ride, we enjoyed dinner with the teachers. I love eating with the Chinese--it is an experience like no other. Once the platters begin to arrive, baijiu is drained from numerous bottles and toasts begin, you can expect dinner to evolve into a cultural experience...one filled with the liveliest conversation, singing, and excitement.

The next day, we arose and enjoyed a traditional Chinese breakfast. This was followed by a porcelain shopping spree. Gary and I bought beautiful tea sets, vases, chopsticks, and cups. This short venture was followed by lunch which was followed by a train trip home.

Gary's new tea set
We met this man on the train. He is a doctor from Shanghai. He attempted to decipher the traditional characters on Gary's tea cups

A quick weekend....memorable and lovely.