QUANZHOU CITY, FUJIAN, CHINA. A view form Mt. Success (as we call it). The heavy breathing and nonstop sweating after taking more than a hundred steps, was left in oblivion as soon as we reach the top and be presented with a spectacular view of the city we call home for 8 days.
And in all those days, I was witness to a life both very similar and different to where my home was.They have more bikers on the road (and the sidewalk) than pedestrian. Their BMWs, Benzs, Jaguars etc. are our Toyotas and Hondas. And they have, I would commend, a way better urban planning. But it has the same simple feel like our Manila - a Binondo across the globe. They have the same love for street foods and bargains. And though communication was a gap, we still felt the same warmth and hospitality common to most Filipinos. The few locals we knew had so willingly and unselfishly given them...and we're thankful.
And though we only have limited time, we were still lucky to see a little of culture. The Kaiyuan and Shaolin temples are one of those who'd present them. The two pagodas in Kaiyuan temple is tallest in China. As it stands tall in the complex of natural greenery and man-made structures, it also reflects the art, religion and history of the city. And to for the Shaolin temple experience, it was almost like watching a Jet Li or Jackie Chan action flick -- only better.So it's real. They aren't just any tricks. It was all physical and mental preparation and concentration. I was left in awe seeing one Shoalin monk break the iron sheet of maybe half an inch think, by nothing but his bald head. Everyone was speechless for a few seconds and there was loud applause after.
Quanzhou City in Fujian province of the People's Republic of China may not be as popular as the bigger cities of Shanghai, Beijing, Xiamen and Guangzhou (yes, watch the spelling) but it builds the same memories of an authentic China trip.
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