Mag-Lev Train to Changsha

"We got on the mag-lev train in Changsha. Our trip to Luoyang took about 4 hours.  The train goes so fast, but you don't even feel a thing.  Ying Ying explained that it hovers along the track magnetically.  It was a great way to see the area.  The landscape was beautiful and green, with some cities in the background. I was worried because we only had 2 minutes to get off but luckily we made it.  We met our guide, Mr. Lee, a former high school history teacher, so we learned a lot of information in the 30 minute drive from the airport!  We'll be all ears on our way to the Shaolin Temple and the Longmen Grottoes tomorrow."  -Robbin

"Today we stared with the Shaolin Temple. It was a 2 hour drive, up a mountain, too.  This is the home of Kung Fu.  People come from all over he world to train in Kung Fu.  It is also the home of Buddhism, I think.  We saw many beautiful and large buddhas."  -Robbin  

"We were in time to see the outdoor show.  The people used weapons, as well as lots of movements.  Some of these artists performed at the 2008 Olympics. It was a good show."  -Robbin

"Mr. Lee taught the kids how to relax...I think it worked because everyone dozed off in the van, on the way home!  He has been a fun guide, with lots of good stories and information."  -Robbin

"We have never seen so many pagodas.  Some were single and some were shared. The boys wandered up into the forest with Mr. Lee.  Ying Ying naturally got some mosquito bites, so we nurtured them, down below.  Mr. Lee got some tiger balm for the bites and that seemed to do the trick."  -Robbin