Category Archives: Soul of the Journey

China (IX): The Paradise on Earth

Posted on June 2, 2009 by

Born in Suzhou, live in Hangzhou, eat in Guangzhou, and die in Liuzhou. -Chinese Proverb Its quite famous here among Chinese people that Suzhou and Hangzhou are the heavens on earth. I heard that first from one of our hosts, … Continue reading →

Posted in All My Posts, Soul of the Journey | Tagged , | Leave a comment

China (VIII): Dragon Boat Festival

Posted on May 28, 2009 by

Today was public holiday in China due to Dragon Boat Festival, traditionally known as Duanwu Festival which is celebrated on fifth day of the fifth month of Chinese lunisolar calendar (Xia calendar). There are many traditional stories associated with the … Continue reading →

Posted in All My Posts, Soul of the Journey | Tagged | 1 Comment

China (VII): Yangtze River

Posted on May 26, 2009 by

Had a long memorable walk over Nanjing Yangtze River bridge this evening with our friend, colleague and guide ‘C’. C is a unique character in his own way. Unlike most of the Chinese, he is a born critic and history … Continue reading →

Posted in All My Posts, Soul of the Journey | Tagged , | Leave a comment

China (VI): Ta Hou Za

Posted on May 25, 2009 by

My flowing beard is a real source of amusement here in China for the kids and elders alike. The other day I saw some kids in the KFC who were staring at me in wonder like they usually do on … Continue reading →

Posted in All My Posts, Soul of the Journey | Tagged , | Leave a comment

China (V): Past, Present and Future of Nanjing

Posted on May 23, 2009 by

Its famous here in Nanjing that heritage (for instance the Ming tomb at Zhongshan scenic area) is the past of China; whereas, the night life is the future. In that case, I have missed the opportunity to experience the future. … Continue reading →

Posted in All My Posts, Soul of the Journey | Tagged , | Leave a comment

China (IV): Dr Sun Yat Sen

Posted on May 19, 2009 by

The visit of Dr Sun Yat Sen’s mausoleum at the foot of Zijin mountain (purple mountain) was my first introduction to this great Chinese leader. He is perhaps the only leader who is profoundly honored in both mainland China and … Continue reading →

Posted in All My Posts, Soul of the Journey | Tagged , | Leave a comment

China (III): Forbidden Fruit

Posted on May 17, 2009 by

K was right. Two of them finally fell for the love of forbidden fruit. Reminds me of the famous part of Al-Baqarah (2:173): …but he who is driven by necessity, neither craving nor transgressing, it is no sin for him. … Continue reading →

Posted in All My Posts, Soul of the Journey | Tagged , | Leave a comment

China (II): Encountering the Myth

Posted on May 16, 2009 by

Not that I was totally oblivious regarding my general liking for rich Chinese tradition before this morning, it was actually the self-revelation of my love affair with Chinese mythology that took me by surprise. Reading about deities and mythological immortals … Continue reading →

Posted in All My Posts, Soul of the Journey | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

China (I): Arrival

Posted on May 15, 2009 by

Just landed in Nanjing via connected flight through Beijing. Being one of the ancient capitals of China, Nanjing (currently the capital of Jiangsu province) is a historically rich city . The big banner on Beijing airport reads ‘The Software City … Continue reading →

Posted in All My Posts, Soul of the Journey | Tagged | 1 Comment

Chalte Ho to Cheen Ko Chaliye

Posted on May 14, 2009 by

Reminds me of good old Ibn Insha. Going to China tonight.

Posted in All My Posts, Soul of the Journey | Leave a comment