Shaolin for us was one of our favourite places!
We first visited an orphanage where the boys practised acrobatics and martial arts 12 hours a day, 6 days a week! Many people think that this is called "Kung Fu", but the definition of Kung Fu is actually to practise something - anything, to perfection. Ollie's Kung Fu could be his hairdressing as mine could be beauty therapy.
For the orphans this was to continuously practise the acrobatics and martial arts - all of them knowing that they would never reach perfection.
The boys ranged in age and technicality, so when they put on a show for us it was brilliant. The little ones that were from the age of 8 we're so cute but like lethal little demons with their backflips and martial arts. The other boys ranging from 11 to 16 were beyond amazing using every different weapon imaginable.
After the show we had a chance to try out some of the moves and weapons out selves, with "master" teaching everyone the basics and the kids joining in.
The next day we headed to the main attraction of Shaolin - the Shaolin Monastery! Where the Buddhist monks dwell and thousands of boys are students - again practising their "Kung Fu".
The Shaolin Monastery is a very prestigious school to be sent to in China and many parents will do anything and pay a lot of money to say that their kids go there.
At the top of an enormous mountain in the grounds is the big golden Buddha, this is the same mountain where the Dalai Lama meditated for 9 years, thousands of years ago to gain peoples trust in the "new Buddhism".
And oh yes, we hiked up every step to the top of the mountain! And damn it was hard. 3/4 of the way up there is a nun who has been meditating for 4 years in a cave and you can go in and be blessed by her.
When you reach the summit, you can pray for loved ones or make a wish by writing onto a beautiful red ribbon and tying it to an ancient tree - we decided that this was for us, so we wished for all of our friends, family and loved ones to be blessed with health, happiness and love!
The view at the top of this mountain was amazing - fairly clear and ever so peaceful! To be surrounded by mountains, sky and clean air was magical!
We really enjoyed learning a bit about Buddhism and being surrounded by happy and very friendly monks.
Off we went on the night train back to Beijing! Another busy, bustling, smoggy city!!
So cool you're both having an amazing time - seriously jealous of the Panda visit and Shaolin - incredible places. Ed and me are clearly missing Ollie's hair skills, but loving the updates - looking forward to your next adventure, both take care of yourselves. Lizzie and Ed :) (Ollie's Abstract customers btw!!) xx
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