Qufu - Birthplace of Confucius

We took the bullet train to Qufu to see the birthplace of Confucius. The train went about 180 mph, and was very quiet and comfortable. The lady who sold us the tickets for the day trip sold us tickets for a return 2 days later. It was the last train home, and no one but the crew was on board. They let us swap the tickets so we could get home the same day.

It ended up being a longer day than was necessary, but it was interesting.

Ten Thousand Buddha Mountain

We had nice weather for our trip to Buddha mountain.  I went with my roommate and a couple of other people from the apartments. We didn't go into the cave with all the Buddhas. It was an additional fee, and no one was interested. We saw a couple of other Buddhas, and of course, the big golden Buddha.

I had my first haircut in China, and while the barber did a good cut on my head, when I thought he was going to trim my beard, he started buzzing it off. Luckily, he started with my side burns. They won't take too long to grow in. Coming to the end of time off. Back to classes next Thursday.

I got a Chinese fan with a painting of a dragon on the back.

First sighting of the golden Buddha as you reach the top of the mountain