Xichan Temple

Here are some more photos of the Xichan Temple.

Xichan Temple

Nestled within downtown Fuzhou there is an exceptional Buddhist Temple.
It was originally built in 867 AD during the Tang Dynasty.
It has a large (15 storey)Pagoda called The Gratitude Pagoda.
There are many beautiful gardens and buildings at Xichan Temple.
Definitely a spot worth visiting!

Fuzhou City

Here are a few images of downtown Fuzhou.

It is a very modern city with many modern buildings, streets and shops.

Map of China

One of the really incredible features on the campus is a large garden feature. The garden is in the shape of an outline map of China. Each Chinese province has a dedicated section on this map. A number of representative and important plants from each province are on display growing here.

It is very pleasant and informative to wander the paths and find out more about the different provinces and significant plants of China.

Shops

The campus has a variety of small shops and a number of cafes and cafeterias.

Here are a couple of pictures of the shops and cafes that are available on the campus.

Campus Buildings

The Campus has many modern and attractive buildings.

Here are a few of the buildings:

Lotus Flowers

Around the perimeter of the lake are lotus flowers.

The Campus of Fujian University of Forestry and Agriculture

The campus of the University is very beautiful. At the centre of the campus is a small lake. Here are some images of the lake.

My Apartment Building

Here is what my apartment building looks like from outside. It is located at the West End of the Campus,

My Apartment

My apartment is located on the campus of Fujian University of Forestry and Agriculture. Altogether it has six rooms. It has a small kitchen, a small bathroom, a large bedroom where my computer work station is set up, a second large bedroom for guests, an eating room and a T.V room which also contains my fridge.

Here are a few photos of my apartment:

My Family

Here is a photo of me and my family just prior to my departure.

Departure - Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Joanne, Jennifer and I headed to Vancouver International Airport. I had no trouble checking in at the Air China booth. We enjoyed a Tim Horton's breakfast and I spoke to Al and Mike (unfortunately I was unable to contact Cam) prior to saying farewell and heading through security. My flight was just a little late departing. The flight to Beijing was very smooth but a little on the long side. I spent my time chatting with a Chinese University Student (returning home for a holiday), listening to my MP3 player and watching the On Board Movie.
We arrived on time at Beijing Airport. Unfortunatley, heavy rain and a low ceiling prevented much of a view of Beijing or the surrounding area! The airline terminal is very modern!!
My flight to Fuzhou was also on time and went very smoothly. I was met at the Fuzhou Airport by Jane (from the Foreign Affairs Department). We arrived at my apartment at 12:30 a.m. I was very tired so thanked Jane for picking me up and retired just before 1:00 a.m.