
As we bumped along off road, squished in the back of the sand colored van with some guys from our hotel and two strangers I reflected once again on how I had gotten there. I thought there was a rule something about not getting into vans with strangers you meet while your kids are on a camel ride. No? Well we were here now with not a clue where we were going or what we would encounter. The suspension strained to keep us from bottoming out on the dusty path up into the mountains. We switch backed through crevices just barely wide enough for our vehicle to squeeze through, as the driver laid on the horn, signaling that we were coming. The van drove past pagodas where the yellow and blue paint flaked from years of exposure to the elements and temples where the perfumed smoke of thick sticks of incense was visible in the crisp mountain air. Suddenly, like a shimmering angel in a sea of choppy stone waves we spied a gold statue nestled in between some craggy peaks. Once we got closer we realized how far away we had been when we caught our first glimpse and that the metallic Buddha we had assumed was maybe life size from a distance was a towering 7 stories tall! After seeing the outside and admiring its grandeur our friends revealed an otherwise concealed door into the statue! Inside it was hollow and quite darks. Beautiful paintings of the Buddha and all kinds of people and creatures adorned the walls. In the center of the cavity was a statue of the Buddha himself. What an experience! We had a good time trying to figure out what the murals depicted.
After a few more minutes of twisty mountain roads and a short walk up some steps we arrived at a small monetary, so hidden so high it could easily be overlooked. Mom and dad said this is what trekking in Nepal will be like as we climbed steep and narrow stone steps up to a shrine where you could see all the peaks jutting up from the range, scoring the sky like razor blades. It was really beautiful and we were all greatful to have an unique and unforgettable adventure while in Dunhuang. After a quick stop at a well sacred to the goddess of mercy we treated our new friends to dinner and tried some local specialties.
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Justin with new friends
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Camels, Buddhas, and rickety vans, oh my! I am struck again and again what an extraordinary adventure you all are having and how this will shape your lives forever...every one of you. Keep learning, taking risks, having fun and sharing. Heidi
ReplyDeleteAwesome photos - someone's got an artsy eye...
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