1. Visited the Lama Temple one day when I wanted to go somewhere that closes early, (as it was early that day) and the lama temple was the only place I know that closes early and I’m sure I know how to get to. (because the train station is called Lama Temple) It requires an admission ticket to get in, and makes public announcements in two languages, aka its another tourist trap. -.-

Anyway it being a tourist trap has its pros: Photographs of the gods are not allowed (even though some angmohs still do take photographs), but photography on the grounds are allowed. Because so many angmohs and photographers are taking photos, it doesn’t feel so weird or disrespectful to take photos of all the typical scenes, ie the lighting of joss sticks, the bowing down to the gods.

After a while I figure that since I’m here, why not? So spent more money buying a packet of joss sticks. There were 3 bundles inside. Used one bundle for the alter at the entrance, and drew 3 sticks each time for all the other many alters after that. In the process staining my black camera, black jacket and hands with the yellowish-golden flakes that dropped off from the joss sticks.

Its pretty amusing to watch the foreigners at it. Most of them do not know how to use the joss sticks, and it was interesting how they came up with their own ways to use them. Some literally throw all the joss sticks in from a distance, some plunge the bundle in flame-first. 0.0 They had lots of fun throwing coins at this structure that apparently to many people is a “wishing well” thing, but has a sign that says do not throw coins. >.<>