Wilson's Wanderings

Hi Everyone,

Suzette and I are in the south of China in the city of Guangzhou. I thought the medium size city of Qingdao is big. Guangzhou is about 3 times bigger with a population exceeding 23 million souls. It is the capitol of Guangdong Province. It is an interesting city.

The people here are known for the food they prepare. Every city in China is famous for something; that is what I am told. The story of Guangzhou is that Beijing investigates whether something can be eaten. Guangzhou investigates how it can be prepared.

It was a nice flight here. I observed mountains. I was amazed at how mountainous this country is. When the plate the India sets on crashed into the plate the China sets on, it caused the mountains to rise, It is like an accordion; mountains and valleys as far as the eye can see from 30,000 feet.

Our flight was  not a non-stop flight. I am glad. We had one-stop. It was a small airport, but it was also an air force base. I don’t know how active, but I saw a half dozen what appeared to be MIG 25s and another 30 or so older fights that were covered with a tarp. I wished I could have seen one of the aircraft take off. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be.

We are staying in a nice, comfortable hotel. It is convenient to the metro, so we were able to see more of the sites and get home quite easily.

Our first site was Canton Tower. This tower is almost 500 meters high (1500 feet). I am known for my acrophobia, but I felt quite comfortable on the tower. We can see much of the city from this height. We got some great pictures. At the top, we took sat in the plexiglass spheres that extended out from the tower. It afforded the opportunity to see much more, including looking down. I really liked the experience. Although there are stairs that we could have taken from the observation deck down some 40 stories, we took the elevator.

Food is important so we went to a lovely Vietnamese Restaurant for dinner. By time we were finished, the crowds trying to get in were incredible. This is one place you want to want to eat early, otherwise, you simply may not get a table.

Finally, we went on the Pearl River for a evening cruise. Suzette and our friends walk around the edge of the boat. I seemed to be always talking to parents with young elementary school age children. I met three different families on the ride. I had so much fun with them.

This girl was with her kindergarten teacher who also happened to be best friends with her mom

My little buddy. This little boy was really fun, even though he may not look like it in the photo.

This boat was great. It had a dragon symbol all over it and it was really wide.

I often tease the Chinese. They will ask me where I am from. I reply, “Qingdao.” They look at me with some questioning on their faces and always repeat the question. I respond, Qingdao, Shandong Province.” “No, no, no.” they reply. “Oh, I am from Mei Guo.” Then they feel better; at least until I ask, “Where are you from?” They look at me strangely for a moment and then say, “China.” It is so fun to play this out with them.

Saturday found us at the tomb of Nanyue King of the Western Han Dynasty, Zhao Mo. This was very interesting to me and I think Suzette was also quite fascinated.  The tomb was discovered as a result of an excavation to build a new building. What was exciting is that this tomb had been undisturbed since it was sealed about 2000 years ago.

That is not always the case. This King was a bright guy. He wanted the location of his tomb to be a secret. The orders were to kill his wife, all of his servants, concubines and anyone involved in the building of the tomb. These orders were carried out by a select group was done soldiers who would be the last to know and the ones who would seal the tomb. Many of these were placed in the tomb with the King. Then the group of soldiers who carried out the King’s orders returned only to be killed by another group. Thus, know living soul knew the location.

To further protect the tomb, an ingenious locking mechanism was employed so no one could enter the doors once they were closed.

This discovery turned out to be a treasure trove, both in history and in the artifacts of the time. The amount of jade was incredible. One display was only a small representation of the find. I think his seal was most interesting. It consisted of a dragon, representing the male, and the phoenix, representing the female, facing each other. It is symbolic of love.


This is above the tomb showing the position of the rooms

The door knobs on the tomb's entry doors


Suzette is a big person in these rooms. The Chinese of 2000 years ago were very short.





Locking Mechanism


Jade Disks


Emperor Seal


Emperor Seal of the Son






One of the Guides


Suzette is the Champion







When concluded the day with a quick stop to see the Five Fairies Park and then going to a very nice restaurant to get a hamburger and to see the Chimelong International Circus. This was spectacular. I cannot remember when I went to a circus last. It was certainly when I was very young. I had forgotten how enjoyable the circus is. This was an exceptional program with all the animals (PETA would not be happy) and the trapeze, the clowns, and the pageantry. One is our party took some videos even though we were asked not to. I think he may send those at some point. If not, all I can say is “Wow!!!”

A bit of American food near the hamburger restaurant. The Cheerios are about $8 per box.

The Uniforms for the workers were interesting

 Suzette trying on a funny hat at the gift shop at the circus

Suzette, Marsha Lovell, Marcella Humphries, and Ann Perry

I liked this symbol on the building for the circus. It reminded me of the Tree of Life.

We went to church on Sunday. The branch here meets at a Ramada Inn. Not so convenient since they have to bring everything each Sunday, but it was a nice meeting and the people were great. The Branch President is in his 22^nd year with Nike and works with the factories here. He also played basketball for BYU some time ago. He is one tall guy.

I am enjoying the break from classes. It will be nice to see Hong Kong. I will tell you more later.