Three Gorges River Cruise Day 1

On April 3rd we flew to Chongqing and boarded the Victoria cruise ship for a 3 day excursion on the Yangtse River. We boarded about 8:00 pm. There were about 200 guests on the ship with 30 of them BYU China Teachers. The next morning we woke up at Feng Du. Feng Du is the "Ghost City" and is a collection of Buddhist and Taoist temples set atop Ming Mountain(a hill by Utah standards). It got the name from two officials were bored with life in court and became the "King of Hell". Similar to Hades in Greek mythology. Much of the area was destroyed during the Cultural Revolution but has been restored in the last few years. Below are a few pictures of the area. I have more on Picasa for those interested. To get to all the temples and statues we had to go up 400 steps. I think they meant 4000. My knees were not happy by the time we were ready to go down. The weather was dreary with a light rain most the day. Pictures on the river were not very good because of the fog.

 The iron half-ball weighs about 200kg. The goal is to get it on the top of the mound and balanced. 3 of the BYU teachers tried and could hardly move it.

 This fellow could do it! He was a farmer, but the reservoir covered his farm. Most his income is from demonstrating this feat.

 Rosie is standing on a smooth rock about the size of a large softball. It is one of 3 tests to see if you are good or evil.

You could purchase a 'book' for your ancestors and have it burned here for them to have good time in the hereafter.

 

That evening there was a show on the ship about the costumes of the different dynasties. Here are a few pictures of the show: