There isn’t any real time difference changes around China-
it all works on the same time. So it’s dark before six, and still dark at 8 in
the morning. It’s just really dark and the day rarely clears up.
Still, it’s a great place even if the lighting sucks!
We all slept for a good while until about 8, until we
started getting up and showering and figuring out plans for the day. Abby was
able to finally get in contact with some church members who told us where to
find a branch to attend church, so we figured we’d do that for the afternoon.
Before that, we needed food so we headed out around 10 to
look for food and find something to do. We weren’t too interested in anything
in our area, so we ended up taking the metro to the Century Park to look for
food there. I got a baked pita bread thing with some green onions on top. The
middle was hard and not as good, but otherwise it was decent and super filling
because it was round and I think bigger than my face.
We went around to the park there, bought tickets for later,
and then headed back to find church. We took the metro to another stop and
walked down the street for a little while until we were able to find it. And we
did! It was on the second floor of some random building.
A guy told us where to go for Sacrament Meeting, over a
little bridge thing into the next park of the building- with super fancy doors!
Seriously, its like the entrance to a fancy ball or something. It’s basically a
ballroom inside they use for the meetings, seriously. With fancy colorful
carpet in flowers and designs, and a stage and nice cushioned chairs and
everything…
We crept inside to the seats and sat there to enjoy church
in person for the first time in about 4 months or so. To be honest, I did doze
a little but that’s because I didn’t sleep too well last night. But the meeting
was really nice overall with talks about ‘the most important things’ with chill
people. Abby found her stake president there, kinda random, and then I talked
with a lovely woman for a few minutes before she wandered off to teach primary
or something.
Two men welcomed us in and asked where we came from, what
we’re up to, and so on. Very curious people! But very gracious, and they had
tips for us about shopping and food and more. It was pretty nice talking to
them, and we eventually left.
Back on the metro and we were back to Century Park to wander
around! Where we spent the next two-three hours. It was so beautiful! I love
the Chinese parks- it’s not so much about geometric art, putting a lot in a
tiny amount of space, or distracting people with technology or anything. It’s
about freedom and unlimited time and peace. It’s so lovely.
It was kinda fun seeing people with tents, chilling out. All
the tiny square storage tents so they don’t stay the night or anything, but
they seem to chill in there for most of the day, I suppose? I’m not really too
positive on what else the tents would be for otherwise…
Anyways, we did a lot of walking around, which was a bit of
a bother because my feet have been hurting still with any pressure on them-
well it was just my right foot for the last couple of days but my left foot
started aching as well! Not cool! But the park was so peaceful, I just had to
keep going. There were some cool bridges, scenery, trees, a bonsai tree garden,
and towards the end even a little amusement park!
Abby and Greg did a little wheeling-cart around the little
park and I took a few pictures of them. Then the main park was getting ready to
close so we ended up heading out, and took the metro back to the hostel.
Relaxation at last! By then it was a bit after five.
Abby and Greg weren’t quite done yet for the day, but
unfortunately, I was. So shortly afterwards they grabbed directions and headed
out to take a river boat or cruise or something around the harbor- something I
would definitely enjoy but my feet are pretty much finished for the night.
So I tried eating all the snacks I have left to munch on so
I have some extra space in my backpack, and then watch a movie or something for
the evening! Peaceful, restful, and swell.
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