…the nurse put you in my arms (Yes, I was the first to hold you) and I told you when you are my age I’ll be thirty. That was fifteen years ago…and guess what…we’re there.
Happy 15th Birthday Caleb!!!
and
Happy Birthday Abby!!!!
Twins separated in the pre-existence still share a birthday on earth.
…Should you try this at home. Just leave it to the Peking Acrobats from Beijing to twist and turn themselves in unnatural maneuvers.
They are coming to BYU February 3 & 4.
In 2008, Beijing welcomed the world for the 2008 Summer Olympics. In preparation for this event the Chinese built all new facilities. The Chinese really know how to host a party and they went all out in order to impress the world.
The Airport
The Bird’s Nest
The Water Cube
The Mascots
This Buddhist pagoda was built in 652 A.D., during the Tang Dynasty in Xi’an. One of the oldest pagodas still standing. I tried to find out why it was called the Wild Goose Pagoda but I couldn’t find a good explanation. I’m sure the goose is a sign of good fortune or strength or something of the like in China. Everything the Chinese build or make has some kind of symbolic meaning. That is something that makes the Chinese culture so cool.
…for your convenience.
After 28 years of construction, the Mausoleum of Han Yang Ling was finished in 126 B. C. He apparently also liked the idea of terracotta soldiers protecting his kingdom in the hereafter. But he made his clay warriors, maiden and animals travel-size. Maybe they would be easier to take along. These mini figures have been unearthed around the emperor’s tomb, showing vividly the life of the royal families and ordinary people in the Western Han Dynasty (206 B.C. - 23 A.D.). These figures are on exhibit where they have lain, undisturbed, for the last 2000+ years. The Hanyangling Museum, in Xi’an, was built over the tomb creating an underground exhibit, that allows us see the tomb and to watch the archeologists do what they do.
At a time when Europe was wondering through the Dark Ages, China was experiencing a golden age of cosmopolitan culture and enlightenment during the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Xi’an was the capital of China during this period of enlightenment and was the most populous city in the world at the time. Marked by strong and benevolent rule, successful diplomatic relationships, economic expansion, and a cultural efflorescence of cosmopolitan style, Tang China emerged as one of the greatest empires in the medieval world.
After being mesmerized for two hours at dinner and show in Xi’an of the music and art of the Tang Dynasty, I fell in love with the beauty and culture of this era. China is beautiful and amazing.
