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This is the Disneyworld EPCOT
version of The temple of Heaven |
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This is the real Temple of Heaven
in Beijing China
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Back in 1980 - I worked as a security guard at DisneyWorld. We were living in Orlando while Lulu was earning her Masters at UCF. I worked nights. My job was to guard in and around the construction of EPCOT. I was amazed at the round construction of the Temple of Heaven in the China section of the World Showcase. When I am building stuff for myself - I usually pick plain designs. But that does not prevent me from enjoying the other complex designs of the world. Every time we are at Disneyworld - I cannot pass up China without taking a picture of the Temple of Heaven.
Yesterday - after being in China four months - Mimi asked me to take her there. Lulu had to work on her lesson plans for today - so we hopped on the bus and subway for a trip across town. It was bright sunny - with clear air - windy - and cold. As long as we stayed in the sun - it was not bad. Pretty soon we were avoiding shadows. I was able to get into the park for free because I was 65+. Mimi had to pay $2 or $3.
The park is big - and we certainly did not see everything - but we got to see The Temple of Heaven. For being 700 years old it was in excellent shape. It appears a night trip might be in order because of the many lights we could see.
After that - we caught two buses home. One went to the train station - then we changed buses - the next bus went right to our apartment. 15 cents each.
I know absolutely nothing about the religions of Asia. China no longer encourages practicing religions. You may have been reading about concentration camps for Muslims here. I do know that when I went to Bethany Church in Tamaqua - they were constantly collecting money for missionaries in China. The main character in the movie - Chariots of Fire - spent his life as a missionary in China.
Richard Nixon is held in high regard in China. They are happy he recognized Red China and started all the trade. Only anti-communist Nixon could have pulled it off. Compared to the stuff of today - Nixon was a saint.
With the building of the amazing temples - churches - cathedrals - a lot of people suffered hardships. The same way with the Pyramids of Egypt and Mexico. Closer to home - slave labor was used in the South to build public structures. Visit Mount Vernon and Monticello. It all confuses and amazes me.
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