Nanjing, China

On April 20th, eight of us boarded the fast train for an 800 mile trip to Nanjing. The very modern train and train station was amazing and we arrived in four hours. We booked first class ticket as we didn't know for sure how things would go. What a wonderful way to travel...they did come around and told us to keep the noise down. We thought that was very funny as there were not many people in the first class area. Returning home we were in 2nd class and it was very full. We were careful to hold the noise down while we were playing cards and chatting. Have had a little problem with this folder on Nanjing as I was preparing the pictures to send, I deleted the entire file. This is a borrowed file but you can get the idea. A good book to read about Nanjing and the terrible things of war.

Our travel guide explaining the area of Nanjing.  The city of Nanjing was the capitol of China several times. during.  We wanted to visit this area in particular to view the site of the terrible of massacre during the Japanese/Chinese War in 1937.

Eight of  us from Beijing had a great time on the fast train...

The trees were in full bloom - Chris, Shannon, Carolyn and Rae

It was quite interesting to get Carolyn up on this stone camel that was placed here to guard this Ming tomb

Thanks for lifting me up!

Rae and I had quite a time getting on this "short" lion

These fierce guys are guarding the Ming Tomb also.  Rob, Lane, Jeff and Jack

A great group of friends to travel with.

Now don't we look fancy in our head pieces...Empress friends!

Fresh flowers and hushed tones... Sun Yat Zen

Nanjing - former capitol of China

Old  town area - notice the "Ming" Dynasty roofs that are turned up

We were waiting for the boat to tour down the canals

The Buddist prayer tree.  You purchase a ribbon and throw it on the tree.

The year of the dragon - 2012

Crystal clear blue water (?) - this is the touring boat

The city gates that were stormed by the Japanese during the war.

Chairman Mao

We are standing on the first bridge that the Chinese built without foreign assistance.

Representing the workers of the bridge.

Very polluted city - pictures of the leaning Pagoda.  Every year it sinks a little more and it is predicted that it will topple in 100 years.  It was built a 1000 years ago.

City of Nanjing that was completely destroyed by the Japanese in 1937.

Very tall ships cannot go under the bridge and they just may have to build a new one or tear a large portion down.  The train also goes across this double decker  bridge.

This figure took 6 weeks to reach during the war.

The world must never forget.

Bricks from the city wall.  Each brick layer had to put his mark on the bricks.  If that portion of the wall fell, the brick layer would loose his head!This brick layer must have survived as the wall is over 1000 years old.

These beautiful homes have been restored...Ming Dynasty - notice the up turned roof

Need a quick haircut...right on the street

No overhead for this barber shop!

Card game going on - just enjoying life.

A walk on the city wall - large area where the army could march around the wall.

Notice how many gates would be closed before the enemy could get to the city...you can count four in the picture...large heavy doors would close and a large bar put across.

A beautiful train station in Nanjing - the largest in China.  So new, modern and very clean.  After the train stops for passengers, you have 90 seconds to get off or on and away it goes.We so enjoyed our weekend in Nanjing, China.  The museum was amazing but no photos were allowed.