Day 7 to 12: Xi’an

As my 7th day in China turned to dusk, I left the shadows of the Great Mosque and the chaotic sounds from the lively Muslim Market that sprawled through its narrow side streets. The density was intense with the layers of activity. Tourists, hawking vendors, three-wheeled motor surreys, and the roaring motorcycles were becoming tiresome.

I soon retreated to the peaceful gardens of the thousand-year-old Big Wild Goose Pagoda located near my hotel. To my delight, while I was wandering the grounds, I came upon a small green alcove where a monk from the Da Ci’en Temple was tending to his pet grasshoppers, which he kept in small jars. These captive insects were each busy munching on a single soybean as the monk tenderly fed them special food from a tiny toothpick. It was a timeless quintessential moment.

Monk with Grasshopper, Xi’an

 Terracotta Warriors Found, Xi’an

Tourists from around the world fly in for one day to see the famous Terracotta Warriors, the discovery by three farmers in 1974 that has changed Xi’an forever. But for me, it’s the romance of Buddhist monk Xuanzang , the intrepid traveler.  His epic journey to India opened relations with China, when in 629, He left Xi’an to bring back a comprehensive understanding of Buddhism. His journey marks the beginning of the Silk Road and I am following in his path today, retracing his footsteps in Xinjiang Province. The Big Wild Goose Pagoda was built to house the thousands of sutras and manuscripts Xuanzang carried with him on his return to Xi’an 17 year later.

Big Wild Goose Pagoda Park, Xi’an

Tomorrow is Day 13 and I am off to Jiaguyuan the Western section of the Great Wall and the gateway for the Silk Road travelers from the west entering China.

Day 6: Summer Palace, Beijing

This morning I photographed the historic Lu Song Yuan for the Silk Road Hotel Group. The head of marketing fell in love with my destination photographs and commissioned me to photograph, in my own style, three of their properties. This is a great honor; the Silk Road Hotels are respected for their cultural authenticity and located in some of the best places in China. I am delighted too, since one of my joys in traveling is finding hotels that have a unique local flavor. Now, I’ve been invited to stay in traditional hotels in Beijing, Dunhuang and Shouzou. This is one of the mystical indications that I am on the right path.

Once I finished shooting at the hotel, I headed to the enchanting Summer Palace located on the northwestern edge of Beijing. It’s my last day in the capital city and it should be a toss up between the Summer Palace and the Forbidden Palace. To me it was a no brainer. I’d seen the rooftops from afar but I wanted to be in nature with Pagodas, surrounded by lakes, flowing streams and picturesque bridges. All the iconic romantic symbols of Chinese landscape design in one place, a photographers dream and I was not disappointed.

Red Pagoda, Summer Palace, Beijing

Corridor, Summer Palace, Beijing

Tomorrow is Day 7 and I am off to Xi’an the capital of ancient China and the city from where the Silk Road originated.

Days 5: The Great Wall and Houhai Nights, Beijing

Wall Walk View, Mutianyu Great Wall, China

The Great Wall is one of those “must do’s” when visiting Beijing. I’ve seen the wall from photographs, from movies, from outer space. For me, I was not so much interested in the wall, as seeing the neighboring village outside of the city. I chose to visit the Mutianyu section, some 70km north and one of the best preserved. Also, fewer tourists visit since the drive is almost two hours from Beijing. I found Mr. Lui at the front desk of the hotel when I went to inquire about a car and driver. He seemed friendly enough and even spoke a little English. Devananda was coming along too, and would be able to translate. Mr. Lui picked up Devananda first and they both arrived at the hotel exactly at 2:00pm as planned, since I was hoping for sunset shots at the Great Wall.

It was a fun ride, we chatted and laughed our way out of the city. The dense chaos of Beijing soon dissolved into green fields and tree lined sidewalks. Each tree was painted with a band of white paint and a red stripe about one third the way up its trunk, creating this beautiful pattern as we moved along.

I was lucky to find that there is a cable car to take you to the top. Unfortunately, the car stops at 5:30, which did not give us much time on the wall. This meant that there would be no sunset shots.

Surprise, surprise how jaded am I! Seeing the wall in person was more than I ever imagined.  It’s impressive as it undulates over ridges, dropping down into valleys, snaking its way across China.  We climbed to the first Watch Tower where the jasmine flowers were blooming all around us filling the air with a sweetness that was heaven scent.

Once down from the mountain I did a bit of yoga and Tai Chi with Devananda.  Then had a delicious dinner on the outskirts of Beijing.  We arrived to the hotel late and set off to the HouHai area for a drink to catch the night scene.  The hutongs to the lively Back Lakes district were alive with activity as people prepared for the evening.

Mao Entry, Suoyi Hutong, Beijing

Night Scene, Houhai, Beijing

Tomorrow is Day 6 and I am off to the Summer Palace for my last day in Beijing.

Day 4: The Lu Song Yuan and Hutong Culture

NanLuoGuXiang –“Nan-Loo-Go-Shoe-On” is how I say the words all together really fast. I love the sound of Beijing’s oldest hutong area. Today, a fashionable shopping street lined with bars, restaurants and shops. I see the Yuan Dynasty’s hutong, (Mongolian for water well) layout of 16 narrow lanes leading off from this central lane a bit confusing. I am looking for the 3rd hutong, No.22 Banchang Lane, which is where I am to find the Lu Song Yuan Courtyard Hotel.

 Finally leaving the western style Hi-Rise of the Wangfujing Grand and New York behind me, I will be living street level in my new room in the once private residence of Grand General Zeng Ge Ling Qin. He was a defense minister in the Qing Dynasty and his home is in the traditional quadrangle courtyard style. This is typical of the elegant residences of the officials, and aristocrats who live within close proximity to the Forbidden Palace. Today sadly the hutongs are being torn down to be replaced by the dazzlingly new structures that have excited the world.

 Window View Court  Lu Song Yuan Hotel, Beijing

Chinese Lamp in Window, Lu Song Yuan Hotel, Beijing

View From My Room, Lu Song Yuan Hotel, Beijing

 I never tire of the ubiquitous red lanterns all over the Beijing, now they are hanging right outside the doorway to my private courtyard.

Tomorrow is Day 5 and I feel in my element, excited to begin exploring the area, then later in the afternoon its to the Great Wall. I’ll leave the Summer Palace for my last day in Beijing.

Day 3: Temple of Heaven, Beijing

“Tian Tan Park, East Gate. Just remember that name and I’ll meet you by the ticket booth at 9:30.” These were the instructions that Devananda gave to me as we Skype the night before. This morning, I told it to the bellman and he explained the instructions in Chinese to the taxi driver.  And that’s how I get around, sort of like the game “Telephone”, and it usually works.

I get to the park early to settle in to enjoy the throngs of tourist, who arrive in two, threes, and tens. The big groups arrive in formation, usually led by ambitious women with sunglasses and large umbrellas.  It’s getting hotter, and I am becoming breathless waiting. It’s easy for me to loose patience in the stifling heat. When from amongst the crowd I see a familiar smiling face wrapped in a big red bandana. It’s Devanada, radiating such joy and delight that I forget about being anxious. He leads me into the park, where I immediately buy a straw hat and join in with the other missed-matched tourists. Devananda waves me over to a crowd of couple’s ballroom dancing.

Joy of Dance, Tian Tan Park, Beijing

 A few groups over and 50 -75 people are line dancing while others watch. Drifting up the stairs to the colonnade, we follow the sounds of windpipes, then move on pass the classical opera singers and the cello players. Where’s the Frisbee throwers, the dogs, the runners? I thought this was supposed to be a Park! I am moved by the Chinese people’s great sense of happiness from these simple pleasures. As I ascend the marble steps to the Temple of Heaven, I am reminded of Jerusalem. The Temple mount’s vast expanse feels the same, the layout similar.

Tian Tan, Beijing

Temple of Heaven Fire Grates, Beijing

We pause, glimpse inside and take photos in the Temple’s arches. We move to the grounds below, where amongst the sparse Aspen trees, we find the place to do Tai Chi. Here is Devananda second home. He’s been practicing in the park for years, with his special master. Soon, others watch as Devanada shows the locals how a specific exercise is preformed. He explains in Chinese the reasoning behind the action. Suddenly, the crowd breaks into applause impressed by Devananda’s power and fluid graceful movements.

Devanada Tai Chi, Tian Tan Park, Beijing

Unfortunately, I have to leave the peace and tranquility to attend the panel discussion with the Beijing Cultural and Historical Preservation society. It’s about to begin shortly.

Then I plan to join up with Ira and May for some classic Peking duck. Its only Day 3 and I am already falling in love with this country and the people.

Peking Duck Surgery,  Xiheyaju  Restaurant, Beijing

Tomorrow is Day 4 and I move to my new hotel Lu Song Yuan and then off to the Summer Palace.

Day 2: Panjiayuan Market, Beijing

Up early to have breakfast with Ira. He collects me in his car at the front lobby and we literally go 2 minutes when the driver does a U-Turn into the Crown Plaza.  Before I can say, "Tzao Shang Hao" (good morning), Ira and I are drinking coffee. Its french toast for him and scrambled eggs for me. Could be in New York.

After all these years, I finally get to see Iras Beijing. Hes been living in China for over 23 years and to hear him speak Chinese is so much fun. He delights in chatting with everyone, as I was soon to find out at Beijings famous weekend Panjiayuan Market.

On our way to the market, we did a quick stop to the historic NanLuoGuxiang hutong to check out my new hotel; the traditional courtyard, Lu Song Yuan. More about that in tomorrows blog. Its a good thing the driver missed the entrance to the hutong otherwise I would not have gotten this shot of the two guys taking a nap in the bus.

Luggage Sleeper, Beijing

Panjiayuan Market View, Beijing

Market Porter, Beijing

Man with Suitcase, Beijing

Whos Next, Beijing

Tomorrow is Day 3 and I am off to the Tiantan (Temple of Heaven) to meet up with my friend Devananda.

Day 1: Arrival, Beijing

  

 By the time I arrived at the Wangfujing Grand, my hotel in Beijing, it’s 5:00pm and my body’s tingling from enduring the 14-hour international flight.  Dusk is settling over the city, quieting the traffic noises to a gentle hum, relaxing me even more than the timeless lull that envelopes me. Exhaustion combined with excitement means that I was too wired and tired to do anything other than take a few photos from my room.

My obsessive pre-planning had paid off and from my window I have a clear view of the Forbidden Palace rooftops less than 1 km away. Perched from my 12^th floor vantage point I get my bearings and establish my route for the evening - travel along the hutongs until I reached Tiananmen Square.

  Forbidden Palace Roof Tops, Beijing 

Park Pagoda, Beijing

Jet lag rules tell us; upon arrival not to sleep during the day, but that does not work for me. A short 2-3 hour nap is perfect to cut the rough edge from the buzz of the plane still shooting through my body. But by the time I am ready for the city its nighttime and this end of the famous Wangfujing shopping district is almost empty except for a few locals doing business on the street.

Wangfujing Street Life, Beijing

 I feel safe alone – I always do, especially when the people who live in the country tell me not to worry. So off I go looking for dinner even though its 9:30 I am hungry. I see a noodle shop open that’s clean, friendly and I point to the photos of the veggie noodles. Happy and full I pay the bill and head off in the direction of the first hutong to the left, its left, then left, then left again along the small side streets too narrow for most cars. 

Hutong Street Dining, Beijing

 Its getting darker and the streets are becoming more deserted as I continue to walk and soon I am beside the majestic outside walls of the Forbidden Palace. Its not until I turn the corner onto Chang’An Avenue do I hear the throngs of Chinese who make a pilgrimage to this historic site. I am overwhelmed at their joy and happiness. It’s a pleasure to be amongst the thousands of families and I join in and take their pictures too.

 Moa Couple at Forbidden Palace, Beijing

   

 Tomorrow is Day 2 and I am off to the colorful Panjiayuan Market with my childhood friend Ira Cohen who has lived in China for 23 years. 

Beijing Cultural Heritage Protection Center(BHP)

  

While in Beijing I will be attending the Capital Conversations panel

discussion on May 23rd.
I hope others interested in the preservation of historical landmarks will plan to attend.  See you there!   Marla

The Alamo and Old San Antonio

The sun was setting too quickly as I finished my notes following my lecture for the Women's College and the University Texas at San Antonio.  The last hint of light evaporated like ink soaking the sky darker shades of blue.  I was anxious to start photographing the city, yet with less than a few minutes of light, it was a race to get to the old Mission San Jose, the bell tower and dome now silhouetted against the night sky. 

Peace Caravan Presentations and Workshops

Visiting Lecture Series 

Wednesday, March 24, 2010 

7:30pm - 8:30pm 

Hilbert College‘s 

William E. Swan Auditorium 

5200 South Park Ave., Hamburg 14075 

Contact 716.926.8856

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Women’s History Month Lecture Series  

Thursday, March 4, 2010 12:30 p.m.

University Room, Business Building 2.06.04 

Women's Studies Institute 

The University of Texas at San Antonio 

One UTSA Circle 

Contact: 210.458.6277

Peace Caravan Photography Exhibitions

 

 Bread Seller  Kabul, Afghanistan

Marla  Mossman 

Photographs 

Peace Caravan: Journey Along the Silk Road in Afghanistan
March 22nd to April 30th 2010
The Ware Family Gallery at Blaney House 
West Virginia University
306 Purinton House
Morgantown, WV 26506
304.293.0784 (office)
304.293.4552 (fax)

Architecture in Areas of Conflict along the Silk Road

The Wall   Bethlehem, Israel

I was excited to give my presentation to Ryerson University Honor's Architecture Students later in the afternoon. My flight arrived early enough for me to be able to visit the places I had not seen for many years. Toronto had changed since I lived there in the early 80's, especially the Harbor Front area. Row after row of shiny high-rise condo's obscured Lake Ontario to a tiny blue sliver. As I wandered the bustling streets my thoughts turned to the images in my presentation and to those people who are living under oppressive conditions today and the contrast is startling. I am grateful for the opportunity to show through my photographs the real people living outside the mainstream of history, trying to provide for even the basic means of survival. The Lecture Series is part of the ongoing Peace Caravan Project's mission to "promote acceptance, tolerance and understanding in areas of turmoil and conflict along The Silk Road"

Fashion District Gallery 8 Juried Art Show

Gallery 8 is a “pop-up” gallery showing a selection of artwork from artists who live or work in the Fashion District area of NYC. I was honored to have two photographs selected. On exhibit are the haunting Burkha Store Herat, Afghanistan 2005 and the colorful Candy Vendor Damascus, Syria 2005. During the opening reception several people came up to me to discuss the images and tell me of their travels to the region. It was especially meaningful to meet a wonderful woman who as a young girl traveled to Damascus in the 40's and remembered a moment walking through the ancient Souq al-Hamidiyeh a similar cart full of colorful candies.

Candy Vendor         Damascus, Syria

Photographs on view at the Fashion Center Space for Public Art

It was such a pleasure to be invited to display at The Fashion Center's Space for Pubic Art. The 23 photographs on show are of shopkeepers, vendors, and merchants from the ancient trade route nations of Afghanistan, Jordan, Israel, Syria, Turkey. Each photograph appeared suspended in layers of portraits and landscapes.

Honors Series Presentation

CW Post University
Over 100 students participated in a lively question and answer following the visual presentation of my journey to Central Afghanistan. My goal was to inspire the students to follow their passion and to always stay curious about life. I am grateful to Dr. Joan Digby for her gracious hospitality and kindness.