4/24/09

Fallows in Xizhou

My most favorite Atlantic blogger, author and old China hand has been in Xizhou. Yes, the tiny village I lived in for a few years.

James Fallows was in Xizhou!

This is his view of the fields just beyond Xilin Yuan, the cultural retreat hotel where I once worked. I was proudest when I created the first bi-lingual vernacular architecture exhibit about Xizhou's Bai architecture in tandem with the wonderful Yang Yang. Ah, the memories.

But the POINT IS that a famous author was lured to Xilin Yuan and I would do lots of strange things in order to hear his impressions of everything Yunnan. This picture is used in comparison to his re-entry picture of thick particulate matter in the Beijing atmosphere. Yes, Yunnan is cleaner than your treasured capital city. What else are your impressions Mister Fallows? I am so curious to hear your impressions. I think I may be daring enough to email him. Stay tuned...
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Why Lotus? Why Pine?

The lotus signifies the progress of the soul from the primeval mud of materialism, through the waters of experience, and into the bright sunshine of enlightenment.

The pine signifies longevity and endurance because of its green foliage year round. In both good and bad weather, the pine thrives year after year thus it also represents pure life and constancy in the face of adversity.

Yunnan Province is a mountain landscape created when the Indian Sub-continent crashed into the tropical lowlands of Burma. It is a place with hundreds of unique species and dozens of amazing topographies. When I walk the mountains of Yunnan, I breathe fresh pine air and marvel at the indigenous wildflowers. Yunnan is also the conduit through which Buddhism came to China, along the caravan trails from India. The lotus is a Buddhist symbol of purity and perfection. When I photograph these flowers, I am always captivated by their geometry and peace-inspiring colors.

my motto

Look well to this day For it is life The very best of life.
In its brief course lie all The realities and truths of existence,
The joy of growth, the splendor of action, The glory of power.
For yesterday is but a memory. And tomorrow is only a vision.
But today well lived Makes every yesterday a memory of happiness And every tomorrow a vision of hope.
Look well, therefore to this day.

--from the Sanskrit