Travelog post for: Blinchick

Today we visit a Buddhist Temple to celebrate Chinese New Year.

There is a beautiful little Zen garden.



There is a Buddha statue.



Outside the entrance there is an incense burner.



People come here to offer their first incense of the year.  A friend of my host came on midnight to offer the first incense!



We notice some children practising for something.  I wonder what it is?



And hmm, what is this monster head?



This is the hall where people pray.



Here is a wishing tree.  And we wish you all a "Kung Hei Fat Choi", A Happy and Prosperous New Year!!



People write their wishes and tie it to te stems.  There are wishes like: "Ace the exam", "World Peace", "Health for the Family".



On the walls there is exhibition of paintings done by a monk.



I make a prayer and knock on the bell.



There are some beautiful good luck charms for sale.



As well as books, CDs, tea, incenses and other things.



After lunch we watch the performance in the hall.  Ah, this is what the kids are practising!  Our host tells us that this is called a lion dance.



The lions are very pretty, colorful and energetic!



Next is a lady in traditional Taiwanese costume playing an instrument called zither/koto.  The music is very sweet and tender.



Then we watch some children play the Chinese yo-yo.  It is quite interesting.