Elizabeth goes to the Jade Buddha Temple Sept 3, 2010

This is what I think some of you have been waiting for, something "exotic" and "Asian". Well, you'll love this place. 

Our driver...I know, I know, we have a driver. Due to liability issues and the language barrier, I'm not allowed to drive, even though you know I'd REAAAALLY love to. It seems to be a true traffic free-for-all in Shanghai, even more so than Toronto. I have fantasies about driving in Shanghai in my convertible H1, no rules of the road, driving over whatever I please, ignoring red lights...(add your own drooling sound effect). 

Now that all of you are privy to my dirty little secret, let me tell you about the temple visit. Our driver pointed out the temple to me while I was on my way to this incredible warehouse for the Hotel Equipment Corporation. Seasoned expats said this place was the primo spot to buy any and all kitchenware and they weren't kidding. Four huge floors spread out over approximately two city blocks. You can get everything from toothpicks to industrial-size deep fryers. I know for some of you, this is your drool-inducing Shanghai fantasy. The H1 doesn't do it, but commercial-grade crystal, bakeware and restaurant-quality serving pieces do. Everyone has their weakness. 

Best customer service EVER in this warehouse. 

I had an English-speaking young man, Tom, accompany me as I selected my few items. He stuck with me during my entire shopping trip and never seemed put-out or impatient. I guess it was pretty obvious that I needed help after inflicting my very basic Mandarin on the other sales clerks. Before Tom came to my rescue, I actually managed to decipher one of the Chinese character signs to figure out where the knives were. So proud of myself! Tom was uber-helpful. He pushed my cart. He answered my numerous questions. He bent the rules to get me a discount card normally meant for commercial clients. Talk about going above and beyond.

Did you know you need picture identification to buy knives in China? No gun control issues here, more like knife control. Touchingly quaint. 

Tom even escorted me down to the ground level after I had paid. He wanted to stay with me until my driver came, but I insisted he go back up. You know what he said when I told him how much I appreciated his help? "It is my duty." So-called store clerks at The Bay, take note. 

I want to return to the warehouse to buy some other items and give Tom my dictionary that he admired. I should have given it to him then and there, but I didn't step out on faith. There are many lessons for me here in Shanghai. 

O.K., now I really will tell you about the Jade Buddha Temple.

Here we go.

I hope my photography skills do this beautiful place justice. 

There are four rectangular buildings in this walled compound. They all face a rectangular court yard. There are two larger buildings like this, facing each other on the long side of the courtyard, and two smaller buildings facing each other on the short sides of the courtyard. I hope this is making sense.

The smoke is coming from the burning incense. People buy incense sticks, light them, say their prayers and then leave the sticks in the enormous burners. There is one in the foreground. It has a little roof.

This is a detail from the roof of one of the smaller buildings. Both buildings have figures like these. I, unfortunately, have no idea of their significance. I was eavesdropping on a German-speaking Chinese tour guide (I know! Not what you expect! The German, I mean, not the eavesdropping),  but I joined him too late in his tour to find out about these guys.

This is in one of the two big buildings. There is a gold Buddha inside this lovely decorative case.

Close-up of gold Buddha 

Statues behind the decorative case. There were two on the other side of the case as well, so two sets of two statues. 

Sheesh, this entry is testing my descriptive skills. First the technical skills, then the photographic ones and now this! I will soldier on bravely.

Looking across the courtyard from the inside of one of the big buildings.

Another Buddha, this one in one of the smaller buildings. Take note of all the little gold Buddhas in their own individual cases in the background. Each wall was lined from top to bottom with these little gold Buddhas.

Row upon row upon row of little gold Buddhas

Little gold Buddha close-up

Side courtyard, just to confuse things.  I don't even know where to begin describing this. 

Just enjoy what I hope are competent pictures of a really pretty and unique place.

 View onto side courtyard from second storey of the other main building

I couldn't take  a photo of the actual Jade Buddha that is on the second floor of this building, but one of you lucky blog readers will be receiving a postcard with its likeness...in about a month's time. "Snail mail" takes on its true meaning when you are sending letters from China.

Here's a Google image of the Jade Buddha. I actually did it! Woo hoo!! 

Maybe there is hope for me.

Of course, the statue is huge and beautiful.

Yep, another Buddha. This one aptly named the Reclining Buddha.

Final Buddha. I call this one Ribbon Buddha.

Statues flanking Ribbon Buddha. Remember, all these figures are truly monumental.

More statues in the same room as the Ribbon Buddha

I only wish I had had a bona fide tour guide with me. Then I would have actually learnt something. The guides there seemed to only be interested in directing you to the gift shop. Oh, well. At least I can go back easily because this amazing temple is in Shanghai itself. 

Very cool.