Xiamen, China

On Thursday March 27th we found ourselves at sea once again.  And one sea day is just like any other.  Needlepoint, swim etc.

So on Friday March 28th we docked in Xiamen, China.  We have never been in this port before.  So we gathered for our cruise which was "Highlights of Xiamen".

Our first stop was at the Overseas Chinese Museum.  We got there at a little before the museum opened so we waited outside and found these beautiful children playing on the grounds.

Bob took pictures of the children and then showed them their pictures.  They were fascinated to see themselves.  And I think they are the cutest kids.

This little guy was afraid of me but when we showed him his picture, he became really friendly

The Museum was about life of the Chinese after they left China.  

These are examples of the ships they sailed to other parts of the world.

When you go up to the second floor, you see this exhibit.  Not sure what this is.  Some said a whale. At any rate, the second floor is called wildlife.

Just one of the animals on display.  Not real.

So when we left the museum, we found these boys playing.

They are so darn cute.

The next stop was at the beach.  Here is a statue of some goddess.  I did not listen to the story of how she became famous.   But here she is on the beach.

This beach is located on the Ring Road.  They have a marathon every year on the Ring Road.

And all along the road are these statues about the marathon.

Next we stopped for tea at the Tea House.  We all piled into a small room where they served us four types of tea.  Each type is for a specific purpose.

This young lady explained about the different teas but she only spoke in Chinese.  Our guide had to translate for her.

Our final stop was at the South Putuo Temple.  This is a Buddhist Temple.  It was built during the Tang Dynasty more than 1000 years ago.  It is one of the most revered Buddhist temples in China.

Tons of turtles gather on the fountain in the main lake.

After entering the front gate, you walk into the Heavenly King Hall which houses a huge laughing Buddha and four heavenly kings on either side.  You cannot get close to take pictures.

Bob had to lean in to get these pictures.  But the large Buddha is behind a gate.

We only had a shore time to stay here.  Some of the passengers were upset as this place is beautiful with lots of walking trails up the mountain behind the temple.  Oh well.

We returned to the ship and had lunch up in the pool grill because most every other place was full and Compass Rose was closed.  I just had a hot dog and Bob had some salad.

Then our nap and Bob went up to swim but since the water is cold, I did not.  Worked on my needlepoint here in the cabin.

Dressed for dinner and had cocktails in Horizon Lounge.  Sat at the bar.  Dinner in Compass Rose which was good.  Bob and I both had a chicken dish which we both liked.

Back to the suite to read and lights out.