...for a while.

I'm on the plane back to Canada (first time in 4 years) in 48 hours and there is far too much left to be done!

I am beyond frustrated by not being able to put pictures in my blog! I have tried imageshack, photobucket. I got it all laid out and the typing done once, but then got an error message (one for each of the 9 photos I had painstakingly captioned and resized) saying

Errors:
Tag img may not have attribute title

Then I was told I could "copy and paste" to bypass this error. Only to discover that Mozilla Firefox does not allow access to this function. So I then used (and first had to update) IE to try and do the job, only to have that fail also.

Frankly it is now to the point where I'm pissed.

So clearly I am a moron since every single other of my friends here (including some whom I am almost 4 times as old) can do this with ease. Either that, or there is some issue with trying to do it from Asia.

In any event, with final fittings for wedding clothes, packing for a month vacation, last minute planning and making sure that all business here has been wrapped up properly, I have neither the time or patience to try any further. Sorry guys.

I hope to be able to check online while away, I probably won't have time to do much in the way of individual blog comments.

Hope you all are well and stay that way.

This blog is long without apology. It cannot at all convey the experience. I am touched and I have been changed by this last 48 hours. I have hesitated to write it unsure that I can in any way do it justice.

I am literally in the door only 30 minutes from the trip. I started to post a blog that said just that and that I would write more soon and then the words just spilled out of me. I have pictures and I really need to figure out how I can easily post them here for you to share. I will do this soon, I promise.

For what its worth, here is my attempt to share with you my visit to Shaolin Si.

Our welcome to the Temple was beyond anything I have ever experienced. I should tell you that our train from Beijing was over 40 minutes late to Zheng Zhou (the capital of Henan Province) and it was another 90 minute drive to Song Shan (Song Mountain) where the Shaolin Temple is located.

The area around the Temple is called Shaolin, and many (too many to count) schools have sprung up to teach Kung Fu there, all shamelessly using the name Shaolin. There is only one school associated with the Temple, there is only one group of students who are being taught by a combination of monks and lay instructors, and it was this group that invited me.

As we pulled up to the gate, a selection of their key students were lined up along both sides of the driveway, standing very still, hands clasped together in the sign of respect/prayer of Buddhists and they waited for me to start to walk inside. As I started along the path, in unison and much louder than you could ever imagine for the size of the group, they yelled "Shaolin Temple welcomes our honored guest, our doors and hearts are open, we are here to serve you in every way!" Then they all bowed and started applauding.

We later come to find out that they had been standing there since our intended arrival time and had not moved for over an hour. Had my visit ended there, it would have been impressive enough.

Then after a brief rest and introduction to the leaders, I was invited outside where the young students (age 5 to 20) put on a private demonstration of their Kung Fu. They did so many amazing things I can't even begin to recall them all.

From a hand-stand done on a young man's two index fingers only (and held for such a long time) to another young man throwing a needle (which I was able to examine first) through a 1/4 inch pane of glass (again that I was able to examine) bursting a balloon held on the other side, leaving what looked like a bullet hole through the glass.

The youngest boy, only 5 has been at the Temple for just 6 months and this was the first time he was allowed to do any kind of public demonstration of his Kung Fu. His voice boomed as he went through his moves, every motion deliberate and precise. He was focused, determined and it was one of the moments that stands out for me in the demonstration.

They hoisted another boy onto 5 spears thrust into his body and he lay spread in the air, above their heads horizontally, for a much longer time than I found comfortable to watch, and then effortlessly dropped back onto the ground without so much as a mark.

I was able to examine the spears and the ends were not razor-sharp, but far from dull. I have had many duller steak knives at decent restaurants as an example.

They asked me if I have ever studied Kung Fu (if you knew my size you would have laughed as I did) and I replied "no, if I ever need to deal with someone, I find sitting on them my best option" and this response drew huge laughter and a strong pat on the back from their head instructor.

I mentioned that my nephew has studied for the last 6 years back in Canada and that my visit today had him back home extremely envious.

Following the demonstration, we left for a private visit to the temple grounds. I asked about pictures and was told that special guests have no restrictions on taking pictures of any part of the Temple. The Temple is open for visitors each day and so I expected crowds, it is arguably the most famous Temple in China. But as we walked around there was no one (but I could hear the sounds of crowds). There were yellow robed monks everywhere and they all took time to make eye contact, hands clasped together upwards and bow to me (I returned this gesture each time and initiated whenever I could to show my respect).

After we cleared one of the many courtyards we stopped to rest and the monks brought me cold bottled water. I took a moment to review some of the pictures on my camera and noticed one had not turned out as good as I'd hoped (I'm a bit useless with a camera). I mentioned I might just take a moment to pop back and re-take it if they didn't mind, but the semi "deer-in-headlights" look and pause of my hosts told me something was amiss. I quickly said, "oh actually it looks just fine, I feel like resting longer."

My partner/translator privately caught my gaze and as I walked over to a tree to get a closer look, he took the time to ask about what had just happened. A few seconds later he casually strolled over and what he told me next was beyond humbling. The Temple in fact was open to the general public and there were literally hundreds of people in the grounds. The reason I could hear, but not see anyone was that as we made our way from area to area, monks went ahead of us clearing everyone out. Only after we had finished in each courtyard and moved on, did they allow the crowds to move around again. However, first they would have to close and lock many doors of the buildings and areas off-limits and put the gates back across the Temple doorways, since only monks and practicing (card-carrying) Buddhists can walk into many parts of the Temple. But again, not a restriction placed on our group of 4.

As someone who has traveled extensively in China and been given many wonderful welcomes and experiences, this one tops the list.

I am a hypnotist and entertainer here and the Shaolin Temple has 4 groups that take their demonstration/show to other countries. They have performed for almost every world leader (and have the photos to show for it). In fact the group that did the demonstration for me had just recently done so for Vladimir Putin and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The Temple is very interested to take their show anywhere they are welcomed and they also face the challenge of educating people to the difference of a show called "Shaolin Kung Fu" and anything with the name "Shaolin Temple Kung Fu."

It is the Temple that is the birthplace of Kung Fu, it is the Temple which holds to the Buddhist principles and teachings. It is only the Temple that can use the name Temple (Si) in any way, shape or form.

Unfortunately some ex-monks have actually left the Temple after receiving their instruction in Kung Fu and it is some of these very ex-monks who have set up "Shaolin Kung Fu Academies" in the region and are capitalizing on the name of the Temple without any affiliation and/or authorization.

The head instructor for the Shaolin Temple Kung Fu Academy is also an ex-monk. The reason he is an ex-monk is that to leave the order was his "calling." Someone had to move in the secular world and deal with the issues of law and temporal matters on behalf of the Temple, and he chose to give up his vocation to take on that challenge. For this sacrifice he is very highly regarded by the Abbot and his fellow monks. He is still a devout Buddhist, but he has to move in ways that would not be allowed as a monk. It is a sad reality that to navigate the world of business has exacted such a high price for such a wonderful man and the Shaolin Temple.

There is so much more, but I am sure you get the idea.

We were taken to a strictly off-limits area of the temple where the new novitiates are housed and instructed in Kung Fu. They take 8 hours of Kung Fu class every day, 5 hours of Temple prayer and meditation and then eat/sleep/wash in the remaining 11 hours. Many of them "wash out" of the program after only a few months. Those that do complete the training successfully are initiated as full monks.

In this area I was free to move around them as they practiced outside. Watch as they were given instructions and talk to any of them about anything.

Despite no restrictions on picture taking, I only took a few here, it just didn't feel right. All over the area were signs clearly saying that no outside people were allowed and picture taking was strictly forbidden. There were non-Temple, uniformed, private security guards along each of the gates that divided this area from the main Temple grounds. They are very thorough in keeping people out. One of my partners had paused to use a bathroom and we had moved into this area without her. Had she not had her cell phone (and I mine) to alert me to her plight, she would never have gotten past them. Despite her assertions that she was with our group, they were unmovable in their resolve that no one get past them.

The end of my visit was drawing near and now a collection of the monks, senior secular Kung Fu students and the novitiates gathered to see me off. As I stood there and received the blessing from them, the Director of the Academy spoke. My Chinese was not good enough for me to understand what he said, but it drew a huge gasp and then huge applause from the assembled group.

As the translation came (and the words hit my brain) I was stunned as if I had been hit in the solar plexus. This is not even an exaggeration. I momentarily found it hard to breathe and I got instant tears in my eyes.

"We want to thank you for taking the time to visit us today, we appreciate the relationship that has been formed and look forward our future together (I am helping the show to come to a select number of North American cities). The doors to our Temple are always open to you, any time, day or night." He took his necklace of Buddhist beads (very large brown beads that all monks wear) and presented them to me. His own personal beads that he has worn since the day he became a monk (and continued to wear after giving up the order). "These are for you to wear as a symbol of our relationship, your status at Shaolin Temple and to keep you ever mindful of the protection and love of Buddha. We also invite your nephew who studies our art so very far from its birthplace to come and live here for a day, a week, a month or a lifetime, and to him I ask you to help me extend this welcome as I give to him my robe."

That is the part that stunned us all!

I tried (believe me when I tell you! I emphatically and repeatedly tried) to not accept this. But right now in my suitcase for my upcoming month-long trip this Saturday back home to Canada, is the actual yellow robe given to him on the day he was ordained a monk. Each monk (in keeping with the theme of austerity) only has one. If it is destroyed or damaged, another will be given. But he has left the order. It is the only one he will ever have. He gave it to me.

I can't do the moment justice. Words fail me and they seem so petty as I write them, that I frankly almost just deleted this entire blog.

This is tv.com and not to slight anyone here, this is so deeply personal and so profoundly moving that I am truly at a loss. The thing is that I had already said I was going to the Temple and already promised I would write about it.

I simply could not have done so and not shared what happened. To me to have done that would have been such a disservice to the moment and detracted from his unfathomable generosity.

Our departure from the Temple is slightly hazy. I sat in the car on the way back to Zheng Zhou clutching the robe, wearing the beads. I am utterly blown away by all that I saw and experienced and I can't imagine a moment in my life that can top this.

For me the most exciting part is knowing that this is the first of what will be many, many visits to the Temple as we work out all the details for their tour.

It is amazing how 48 hours can so profoundly impact your life when so often such time passes and we hardly notice it at all.

****Edit - Thanks to Auntie for picture posting advice! Unfortunately Imageshack is not accepting new accounts at the moment, so I couldn't follow it. I am trying something I hope will work. It won't embed the pictures into the blog (as I would ultimately like) but if I have done this right (and who knows until I hit "post entry") you should be able to follow the links for some pictures. Most of the really good pictures are on my business partner/translator's camera (and they'll be in focus too!! ) so I'll try and get them soon. Here's hoping this works!******

Hang on, that didn't work

Sorry guys, too bagged at the moment to try all that again, will get at it again tomorrow. I promise.

..... THE Shaolin Temple is where I'll be in just a few short hours.

What an amazing opportunity and I fully intend to soak it all in.

We will be met at the station by monks from the Temple and then transported into the mountains where Shaolin Si is located.

I have little more to go on, except that we will be given full access (very, very rare) to the entire Temple, its associated Kung Fu academy (not so rare, if you apply and are accepted you can visit) and then meet with the Temple's various leaders (also very rare, since some are for Kung Fu, some are for religious studies, some are for the Temple's work, etc.)

We will return either late Sunday or early Monday.

I have my camera, fully charged batteries, my sense of adventure and a the feeling one gets when about to realize a dream (I have wanted to travel to this particular Temple since I was very young).

Have a great weekend everyone!

Today I was at the office of the China Arts and Entertainment Group for a meeting with their Managing Director.

They are China's largest entertainment company and responsible for almost all of the very large shows done in China and abroad. Their mandate is the preservation of Chinese Culture through entertainment and the introduction of quality foreign entertainment to China. Among their roster is the 1,000 Arm Buddha Dancers, The Chinese National Acrobats and they are the only authorized representatives of the Shaolin Temple and their Kung Fu show.

When my mother was here we saw the "Legend of Kung Fu" show at the Red Theater. Today I learned that that show is an off-shoot of the Shaolin Temple, but unlike as I had thought (and had been told) none of the performers in that show are actually a part of the Shaolin Temple. There is only one such show in all of the world, it emanates from the Shaolin Temple and does tours, but does not run "daily shows" anywhere.

In addition to the entertainment value, the Shaolin Temple Kung Fu show is charged with educating audiences with the serious aspects of study in Kung Fu and apparently their show is beyond anything you can imagine.

At today's meeting came a most unexpected and exciting offer. On Friday, my business partners and I will travel into the mountains and visit the Shaolin Temple. There we will meet with the leadership of the Temple and be given a private demonstration of the Kung Fu practiced there.

We will stay Friday night at the Temple and then return to Beijing on Saturday. This is a trip of a lifetime and something very few foreigners ever get to do. For those that followed the recent "Survivor China" 3 of the participants in the show got a similar experience, but they did not get the chance to meet the Abbot or take part in Temple activities. We have this offer extended to us, and we are very eager to take part.

At 2:25pm our meeting was interrupted and we were asked to exit the building and step into the courtyard. Their offices are at Dong Si Shi Tiao and Second Ring Road. For anyone who has been to Beijing, this is where the Poly Theater is and very close to Worker's Stadium. It is as close to the heart of Beijing as one can get.

The road in front of the office is 8 lines wide (4 in each direction) and 2 wide bicycle lanes. It is always (and I mean always) full of traffic.

At 2:28pm the Chinese government called for a 3 day mourning period to commence for the victims of the terrible earthquake. At precisely 2:28pm (one week to the minute from the quake striking) every single taxi, bus, car, bike, person came to a complete stop. It was not just in Beijing, apparently it was all over China. The entire country froze. All flags were simultaneously lowered to half-staff and for 3 minutes no one moved. Air raid sirens and car horns blared in a "wail of grief" heads were bowed and tears flowed. The energy was intense, raw, moving, humbling and powerful.

I have never been a part of anything like that in my life before.

For 3 days all entertainment on television is postponed. All shows will be about relief/rescue efforts and about what needs to be done (and by who) in order for the country to heal from the earthquake.

In Tiananmen Square thousands of Beijingers gathered to observe the 3 minute silence and when it was over a deafing and very spontaneous roar began in the crowd of "Long live China" and "Everyone fight the earthquake"

When the silence ended, we were invited back into our board room to continue our meeting. After we had settled back in our seats, we all sensed just how profoundly the mood had shifted. Our host suggested that perhaps enough had been accomplished for one day and hastened to add that we would have 2 days of travel and time at the Shaolin Temple to deepen our relationship.

I was more than eager to agree.

So today was indeed a bittersweet, exciting, humbling and touching day. One that I will remember for the rest of my life.

As I am home and writing this, the excitement has crept back I am very honoured that this weekend we will be at the birthplace of Kung Fu and meeting the very monks entrusted with its continuance.

The next weekend will see me on a plane and heading home for my wedding.

5 years later and China still continues to be a land of amazing adventures and rare opportunities.

As you may have heard, a major earthquake rocked China today.

Myself and all my friends are safe. My fiance's office building swayed for almost 2 minutes during and after the quake and was evacuated. He and I missed all it because we were (along with my friends and business partners) all at 30,000 ft on our way back from Hong Kong at the time.

We are on alert here in Beijing tonight for possible after-shocks that are said to be possible to range from 2 to 6 in magnitude. Reports of the death and damage continue to come in and it seems very likely that the total will be high. What seems to be impressing everyone is how fast the information is going out through all available sources with seemingly little restriction. My own mobile phone gave the first warning of after-shocks in Beijing via the Chinese Geological Ministry and Public Safety Bureau

On some news sites, some idiotic people have chosen to politicize this event. Some have even gone so far as to suggest this as evidence that China does not deserve the Olympic Games.

If a 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit Vancouver (and that is my hometown and it COULD so easily happen) the devastation would be unimaginable. All across China now (it is 2:15am for me in Beijing) the response has been immediate.

Volunteers, troops, rescue workers, all mobilized and more on the way. Health care workers are in the air on the way to areas hardest hit. Yes people for sure think Katrina when you consider this. It is now almost exactly 12 hours after the first quake (and there have now been several) hit and China has done more to respond than the US did for New Orleans in 12 days!

This country is far from Utopia, but it is hardly the villain some seem so ready to make it either.

Now is the time for compassion, action, assistance and prayers. I would just like to slap violently some of this first-rate A-holes who have made truly ignorant comments. I warmly invite them to either save or shove their rhetoric and political commentary and consider what kind of comments you would want made if it were their loved ones affected, missing or dead!

On a lighter note, thanks to everyone for the kind birthday wishes. It was on Friday and I had a great time on a working trip/holiday to Shenzhen/Hong Kong. I'm sorry to not leave blog comments like I normally do for you guys, I've been gone for 4 days and I doubt I'll have the time to get fully caught up soon.

Stay safe.