Chinese Ethnic Museum

Baba's thought for today.

"You must welcome tests because
it gives you confidence and it ensures promotion."

I spent an interesting half day in the Chinese Ethnic Museum in Beijing which is located next to the Olympic Village,in Chaoyang District. This complex covers an area of more than 450,000 square meters. The North Garden consists of 16 national villages including those of Qiang, Oroqen and Hezhe ethnic groups.

In the South Garden there are over 20 national villages. All buildings adopt the proportion of 1:1.There is also a large National museum and many sculptures from different parts of China. In this complex one can experience the life and culture of the ethnic villages and appreciate the scenic sights and monuments of China, without going out of Beijing.

The pictures show some colourful costumes,Meticulous needlework, a daring act by two young maidens climbing up a ladder of sharp blades, and Sugong pagoda in Turpan, Xinjiang.

Unfortunately,it is sad that it is only one year after the Olympics, and this place seems somewhat neglected. Many of the fences have collapsed, some buildings are locked, and many museums are closed. It will be a pity if this place is not given more attention for the heritage of China is showcased here.

Legend Malacca by Roman Lake, Sunyi

Baba's thought for today.
"The only ache people have nowadays is
ache in the stomach, due to over eating
and want of exercise".

Well, we all love food, so I guess what we have to do is to exercise more so that we do not suffer this malaise!

Just had lunch at Legend Malacca, by Roman Lake in Sunyi. This place is run by someone from Taiping by the name of Ong. The menu as quite extensive. We had satay, beef rendang, Penang fried Kuey teow, fried yellow noodles, curry puffs, roasted chicken wings and a sizzling plate of tofu. It was delicious and authentic. Highly recommended.

Visited another museum on Friday. It is the Capital Museum located at 16, Fuxingmenwai Dajie, Xicheng District. It a hugh and impressive building. The museum covers all aspects of the city of Beijing, including selected works of ancient porcelian art, Memories of home life in ancient Beijing, history and also religous artifacts.

But the most interesting was the Beijing Superb Cultural Relics Exhibition which showcased Chinese historical cultural relic collections with Beijing features. The exhibition has 285 pieces which have distinct Beijing characteristics. These include beautiful ancient china wares, lifelike sacred Buddhist statues, glittering and translucent jade articles, gold and silver ware, bamboo,wood,ivory and horn carvings,calligraphies and paintings and many others.

Well worth a visit and it is free. But you have to pay for the special exhibition though.

Clear sky over Beijing and Niujie Mosque.

Baba's thought for the day
"Every sense is an outlet for the energy of
man in a direction that binds him to
the objective world"

It was an unusual day...clear sky day in Beijing!I Had to take these pictures!!

I also visited the Niujie Mosque. Unfortunately I arrived at 12.45pm on a Friday, so I was not able to get near or into the main prayer hall. This mosque was built in the fourteenth century of the Liao Dynasty. The complex covers 6,000 square metres and contain a hall of worship, minaret, lecture hall and a pavilion and ablution chamber. Muslim men and even Muslim women were streaming into the mosque. there is a specila worship hall for women.

This place is valued because it houses the Shaihai Tombs pf the final resting place of elders who came from Arabia to lecture on Islam in the early years of the Yuan Dynasty.

Tibetan Food

Baba's thought for today.
"When the magnet does not attract the needle,
the fault lies in the dirt that covers up the needle."



Had Tibetan food in Makye Ame. The place was ornately decorated. The food was good and we were entertained all night long. Friendly atmosphere!!!

Din Tai Fung at Shin Kong Place, Beijing

Hi Just read on Big Boys Oven's latest posting on Din Tai Fung. How interesting!!! was there with my daughter and her two sons. The place was crowded. the Xiao long pau were really yummy!1 Ian got his lips scalded when he tried to eat the wholw pau in a mouthful! The pork chop was good and so was a pickled vegetable dish. We also enjoyed the 'la mien' with dumplings. Yummy foood but quite pricy.

Chinese Valentines Day

Baba's thought for today.
'Do not contemplate on Death;
it is just an incident in life;
contemplate on God, who is the Master of all life."

While window shopping in Shin Kong Place yesterday, I was curious when I saw a furious frenzy by Chinese men to buy flowers. The florists and her assisstants could hardly cope with the orders!! It was about three in the afternoon. Later Lena informed me that she too was surprised that on her way to work in the morning, people were peddaling flowers at traffic junctions. The explanation was that it was Valentines day for the Chinese!! It is truly amazing how fast China has opened up and how the people are also following some social practices of the other cultures. We are now a borderless world!

Autonomous regions of China.

Baba's thought for today.

"Have faith in yourself.
When you have no faith in the wave,
How can you get faith in the ocean?"

When you have Self confidence we will be able to overcome whatever obstacles that we face in our daily lives. Just trust yourself.

I visited the Exhibition hall of Ethnic Cultural Palace located at number 49 Fuxingmennei Street, Beijing. This exhibition has the theme "Fast Progress of Inner Mongolia, Xinjiang, Guangxi, Ningxia and Tibet" For the sixtieth anniversary of New China.

Next I went to the China Red Sandalwood museum located at Gaobeidian, Chaoyang District. Started by Dr Chan Lai Wah, this place show cases the essence of red sandalwood culture. sandalwod is called red sandalwood because of its colour and its texture is hard which makes it suitable for furniture making. Many of the exhibits are furniture made in Ming and Qing Dynasties.

Feather duster maker

Baba's thought for Tuesday 26th.

" All work is God's:
He inspires. He helps. He executes.
He enjoys. He is pleased. he reaps.
He sowed"

During the seminar on "The wholehearted marriage' we were reminded that all our reflections, and actions must be guide by prayer, for "All work is God"

Posting some pictures of some unusual tourist sights of Beijing

Sunday in Hegezhuang Village

Baba's thought for Sunday August 24th.

"Do all acts as offerings to God;
do not classify some as 'my work' and some
as 'His work'"

The server was down so I am making up for lost time.
It was my first Sunday in Beijing this year, and was lucky to attend Sunday service of the Capital Community at Sunhe. It was a friendly yet significant gathering for me. I was priviledged to meet Iris, the wife of the Pastor and also Kushay, a teacher of Humanities at the International School of Beijing. She is a Malaysian but now a US citizen.

I was impressed by the sermon given by the Pastor who covered the first book of John "In the beginning was the Word, and The Word was God". I went to a Convent School and I am proud that I scored an 'A' in Bible Knowledge in the Cambridge School Leaving Certificate Examination. We memorized the Acts of the Apostles but I had no understanding of the Word. It was all rote memory!!This perspective given by the Pastor is motivation for me to read the Bible with greater understanding. I look forward to another sermon this coming Sunday.

We then visited Hegezhuang Village consisting of the Yin Yang Community Centre and The Orchard, a new and upmarket restaurant which is situated in an Orchard and they boasts of planting and serving organic vegetables and herbs in their own orchard. The pictures show the size of the pumpkin!!

Shopping at TianYi

Baba's thought for today.

"Life is a mirage;
it comes from no visible rain;
it falls into no recognizable sea"

For tourists bent on shopping especially bigtime, TianTi shopping centre is just the place. Each floor is devoted to different types of goods, for example lingerie, shoes, bags, clothes, toys, jewellery, stationery and many others. Most of the shoppers are those buying for retail and they are recognizable by their hugh bags, trolleys piled high with merchandice.

I spent three hours there and enjoyed just browsing and my attempts at bargaining, with my limited command of Chinese, was commendable. There were lots of attractive bargains but I had to control myself and put a ceiling on my desires.

This brings us to todays' quote. Everything is impermanent, Life is just a mirage. What is important is the Present. beaware, be mindful of all our thoughts, words and deeds.

Seminar by Dr Greg Smalley and Erin

Baba's thought for the day.

"The reasoning faculty must be employed to distunguish between the limited and the unlimited, the Temporary and the Eternal."

We had an interesting session yesterday during"The wholehearted marriage Seminar" conducted by Dr Greg Smalley and his wife Erin. We learnt that the state of the heart was the heart of the matter. The state of the heart has to be kept open and we have to protect and care for our hearts. On the topic of The Reactive Cycle, it was highlighted that being able to identify our emotional buttons will help promote healthy relationships. Lastly we were provide with the simple steps to break out of the reactive cycle. First is to create space. Then identify the buttons and one's reaction. Finally one has to respond with a caring and open heart with 'win/win " in mind.

On the previous day, Friday Mr Lee, the driver sent me to Dazhong Arts and accessories antique shop along Xisi Street. The travel guidebook indicated this famous place for feather dusters. making of feather dusters was a tradition in keeping with the custom when girls, on the eve of her wedding were given a feather duster. Today the maker sells some very priced feather dusters priced at over 1,000 yuan!!

Then I visited the Geological Museum of Beijing across the street along Fuchengmennei Street. Then I temple-hopped to Guanji Temple, Temple of ancient Monarchs and the Baita temple or commonly called the White Pagoda Temple.

This was followed by a shopping spree in the Silk Market buying T-shirts and of course my favourite jade and crystal accessories. All this ended in a relaxing session at Bodhi Sense at Somerset Service Apartment in Chaoyang.

Posting from Beijing

Thought for today.
"Peace. It can only come fom the Fountain within"

I am really disappointed. I have just spent a good hour writing this post and the whole thing was deleted. Forgot to save as draft.Now I have to do it all over again.

Today is my third day in Beijing. Arrived on Tuesday morning on flight MH037 Malaysian onAirline System. It was an uneventful though pleasant flight. I was surprised that my grandsons' request for a play kit was not granted. The reason being that they did not carry this on the flight. I wonder why this is so for I had pre booked the seats for these two young travellers.

The weather yesterday was rainy and cloudy. I took some interesting pictures in Tiananmen Square. They were pictures of rivers of umbrellas...endless streams of people with unbrellas, going into the Forbidden City, long queues waiting to enter the Memorial Hall of Chairman Mao Tse Tung, and many other people going to other tourist sites.

As for me , I was disappointed for my intended visit to the National Museum was in vain. We were not aware that renovations are ongoing until the year 2010. But I was lucky to visit the Beijing Urban Planning Exhibition Hall. It well worth a visit for the centre is well curated with the state of the art technology. Also, one can see the proactive projects that have been carried out in this fast developing and dynamic city. It is encouraging that great emphasis have been given to environmental protection, water recycling, power conservation, and modern housing and other amenities.

After this visit, I had a relaxing time at our favourite spa and massage centre-the Bodhi essence in Somerset Garden Service Apartment in Chaoyang District. The service as well as the ambience is good food for the body and mind.

Today, the weather is hot and sunny. I took a walk to the local street market. It is interesting to observe the lifestyle of the local folks. The food they eat is basic, nothing fancy. The common food items sold here consisted of pork, chicken, resh vegetables, soya products, and preserved vegetables.

Ian and Aidan loves 'chian peng' a local pancake. I will describe how this is made later.

Beijing 2009

Baba's thought for today.
"Nothing is to be as itself, for itself."

An exciting day for my two grandsons who will be flying back to Beijing after six weeks here during their summer break.

Ian, six plus and Aidan three plus had an invaluable experience here. In the mornings they attended a Chinese pre school. They had to adapt to the teacher-centered approach of teaching, compared to the Montessori school which they attend in Beijing. But the exposure was good for them. Ian's first complaint on his first day was that there was no play. They had to study all the time. Aidan, on the other hand was the centre of attention. He was offended when he was called 'Ang Moh Kia". But when he knew the meaning , he delighted at being called such.

The cultural experience, the interaction with relatives and friends, and especially the local food will enrich them.

As the saying above goes...these experiences are not just experiences, they will make an imprint in their attitudes, values and interests.

During this period as their temporary guardians, we had a heavy responsibility. It was not easy to handle them..a tricky balance of the western style parenting that they are used compared to and eastern values and norms of parenting that we practise here. But we managed, although it was sometimes stressful. We enjoyed being their grandparents and are proud of these two bright and active kids.

Taiping

Baba's thought for today.

"Spiritual progress is right living, good conduct, and moral behaviour"

On Thursday afternoon the heavy thunderstorm in Taiping caused a glitch in my internet connection. But nevertheless I am here.

Taiping, the town of everlasting peace is also famous as the wettest town in Malaysia. The town is a beautiful and peaceful town with many historic firsts.

The first railway line in the then Malaya was constructed from Taiping to Port Weld (now known as Kuala Sepatang) to transport tin from the mines in the Larut district. Many Malaysians will still remember the Ghee Hin and the Hai San warring groups, the Larut War and the history behind how this town got the name of Town of Everlasting Peace"

In a related matter, there was a gathering of more than thre hundred people at the Legend Inn Hotel. It was the celebration of 120 years of one of the oldest school in the country- TMGS. It was delightful to meet up with former students and other old girls. Especially heartening was the presence of very senior old girls evns right back to Class in the 1940's. Such gatherings are good occassion for fellowship, enewing ties, catching up with develoments and also establishing networking.

I wish to congratulate the organising committe for putting up such a good show.

More on my historic town later.

Attachment

Baba's thought for the day.
"The Lord is but a witness; He is above all hate and anger, of attachment derived from 'mine' and 'thine' ."

Home cooking

Baba's quote for today.

"Speak soft and sweet; sympathise with suffering and loss and ignorance: try your best to apply the salve of soothing words and timely succour"

My late mother-in-law's nonya rendang is unbeatable. During the years that I lived with her, I was fortunate to pick up a few secret recipes which have now become family favourites. I will share the recipe for the rendang chicken.

The difference in the method is that the chicken is seasoned with kunyit powder and salt and then deep fried. The rempah (consisting of onions, dried chilli, garlic, lengkuas, buah keras, garlic and prawn paste) is sauteeted before adding the pieces of fried chicken. Add some water and stir and then add santan and allow the mixture to simmer. Add salt to taste. Dish out and garnish with fried juliened ginger. The rendang chicken is in the picture above.

I have now mastered the art of preparing roast pork. The ideal cut is the belly meat but ask the butcher to give you a block of about eight inches by ten inches or a piece to suit your oven size. Season the meat part with salt,pepper, five spice powder and rice wine. If you like you can slot in pieces of chopped garlic for added flavour. As for the skin, rub with salt and pepper and some vinegar. Leave the piece, skin side up in the refrigerator overnight. Bake in medium heat for 40 minutes or until cooked. Then put heat on high to enable the skin to blister. The roast pork is then ready. You can see the result in the picture above.

The other picture was taken from the condo balcony in Metro Wangsa Maju. The dome has an unusual design and the pink colour of the rest of the building offers good contrast to the fresh green surroundings with the hillock in the background. Observe the LRT Putra line on the right. A good combination of nature, development and religion!! Inspiring after a hard day's work!!

Love

Sharing for today

"Love seeks no reward:

Love is its own reward"

This picture was taken in Tiananmen square when a group of Chinese youths requested a group picture with Tim and his boys. It was another clear sky day in Beijing and it was 31st August...Hari Merdeka. The air was filled with the spirit of freedom, love and the sharing of "One Dream" the slogan of the 2008 Olympics.

The second picture was taken at Capital Airport. We were there to receive Aileen who was flying in from Bangkok, when this paralympics team happily agreed to pose for a picture with us. Sports transcend all barriers. The love and fellowship shared by sports people with their supportors mend all political differences. Sports also speak the language of love.

Universal love or "agape" is self-rewarding. We can practice charity in our words, thoughts and actions.

Love also includes love for the environment. I started a compost section in the back yard seven years ago. All vegetable waste goes there and I do not need to buy fertilizers. Also garbage enzyme solution is used as cleaning agent in my household. We can all in our own way contribute towards saving the environment.

Let us together share the dream of Love.

Judging others

Quote for the day.

"No one can judge another for, when another is judged you are yourself condemned"

The first picture was taken during the wheelchair basket game. The women players were tough and aggressive!!

This picture of the Forbidden City was taken during my third visit since 2001. It was a blue sky day in Beijing...something quite surprising under normal circumstances. But it was the season after the Olympics but during the Paralympics. Due credit must be given to the authorites for their efforts to improve the air quality of Beijing during that time.

I had the opportunity to witness some of the events of the paralympics. The performance of the wheelchair basketball players, the floor softball players, the blind judo wrestlers, and the wheelchair atheletes demonstrated their determination in overcoming their physical challenges to attain such high standards to qualify for competitive sport. It was an eye-opener for me.

During this visit to the Forbidden City, I chatted with the mother of an Australian wheelchair basketball player. Her son lost the use of his legs in an accident when he was in his teens. He went through much heartache and depression. But moral support and motivation restored faith in himself. His achievement up to the highest level of competitive sport is testimony that all obstacles can be overcome.

Very often we are quick to pass judgement on others' actions without first checking out the circumstances. We often take people at face value. It will be useful for us to follow the attribution theory by trying to attribute others' behaviour to external factors. By so doing we give the other person the benefit of the doubt.


My message today is to be kind when judging others lest we ourselves be condemned.

Sathya Sai's Golden Jubilee Book of Thoughts

Sai Baba's ...thought for each day of the year.

The second picture was taken during the Wesak Day celebrations in Whitefield. The host organizer was Sri Lanka. As the Malysian delegation we had the privilege to sit in the front section during Darshan. I am thankful for this experience.

After this I flew to Mumbai and visited Shirdi with my host family Dr Menon and his wife Sugu. It was a night trip by bus to Shirdi. The day spent in Shirdi's ashram was spiritually fulfilling. I am thankful to the Menons for their kindness in making this trip possible for me.

"One without power does not mean lack of physical or mental strength"

Strength, be it mental, emotional , spiritual, social or physical is determined by one's own thoughts and perception.

Strength in all its manifestation is a state of mind. We are all as strong as we feel we are.

My sharing for today is to live life to the fullest. Have faith in yourself. Be brave to change and do not let a small disappointment or mistake make you unhappy.