A Day in Luoyang - A Fresh Decade

      If China can provide fast and efficient rail services across its vast landscape, there's no reason the U.S. shouldn't be able to do the same! Oh, I forgot to mention—the American auto and gas industries employ lobbyists who persuade our Congress and politicians to make the public believe it's impractical or costly.

      On the Rails: Our First Glimpse of Unique Construction

      However, the U.S. certainly has a more streamlined process for real estate development! During our train journey, we passed countless vacant or incomplete housing developments commonly known as "ghost cities" in China.

      After our initial train journey in China, we arrived at the Luoyang Companionship Hotel. I'm not entirely sure why some English terms are used for location names, but it was an excellent hotel. After being let down by my accommodations in Japan during the train tour, I was very satisfied with the lodging provided by Road Scholar.

      I thought I had taken several photos of this hotel, but if I did, I've accidentally deleted them.

      After dinner, we enjoyed an exhilarating musical performance. All the musicians were local, primarily showcasing traditional instruments. While I have several photos, I wish I had recorded audio! I found the performance to be delightful.

      Hulusi

      The Amazing Erhu Player

      Chinese Lute or Pipa

      Flute

      Intricately Carved Stand

      Flute and Glockenspiel (Perhaps)

      The Entire Group

      I can't recall the specific name of the instrument he played. I believe he mentioned he imported it from Europe and had the stand custom-made. Based on the mallets used and its size, I suspect it’s a glockenspiel.

      Modern Gate

      The highlight of Luoyang is the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Longmen Grottoes.

      Small Portion of Longmen Grottoes

      Imagine How These Were Carved

      Buddhas and Pagodas

      The grottoes stretch for about a mile along the riverside, with each grotto or cave featuring a carved Buddha. Each Buddha was commissioned by an individual, with sizes varying according to the patron's wealth—many are large, while others are small or tiny.

      The Li River

      Here the Li Looks Green

      More Grottos Across the River

      Across the River

      Bridge Over the Yi River

      Huge Plum Blossom Jade

      Information on Plum Blossom Jade

      I Forget the Name, But It’s Beautiful

      During the Japanese occupation and the Cultural Revolution, many grottoes were looted, and the Buddhas were sold to collectors and museums worldwide.

      Many Are Now Empty Due to Previous Theft

      This Body of Buddha Too Heavy to Steal

      Couldn’t Take it—Only the Head Was Stolen

      Lu She Na Buddha

      Contents in Some Museum Somewhere

      Visitors can use a series of wooden stairs and walkways to view the walls and take a guided tour. Due to my difficulty walking and climbing, I enjoyed the view from the walkway along the river. I found this experience very enjoyable. If I had been able to climb the stairs, I would have joined the line of hundreds of tourists slowly making their way up and down in the sun.

      Our next "adventure" was a visit to a contemporary farmer's home.

      Less Than Monumental Visit

      This visit was likely intended to showcase how modern Chinese farmers can cultivate their own crops rather than being part of a collective. However, the farmer has a job in town, as do their children. The grandmother built the house for her daughter, and she lives there while her daughter's family visits. The farmer was working in town and only tends to the farm during planting and harvest seasons. Apparently, the guide and the farmer's wife have shown many guests around the home. When someone asked a question, the guide answered while the farmer's wife remained silent. After about 15 minutes, someone arrived at the front gate, and the farmer's wife stepped out to talk with her for the rest of our visit.

      As we returned to the city by bus, we passed by more "ghost cities."

      More Real Estate Investments

      More Real Estate Awaiting Tenants

      However, throughout the city, there are no "ghosts."

      Strolling through Luoyang Market

      Gateway In the Old City Wall

      In the Market

      Small Cultural Revolution Museum

      Chinese Photographing Us, and Vice Versa

      Steps to Store Make Good Display Area

      Traditional Costume Rental

      Interesting Roof with Spontaneous Trees