The Daily Journal

Sunday -- June 4, 2000

Today was our free day to do anything we wanted. Some of us chose to venture along with the Professor while others decided to stay in and sleep.

For the people that decided to go sightseeing with the Professor, we visited the best preserved section of the Nanjing City Wall. As was mentioned in Friday's email by Rodd, the city wall was constructed from bricks that were mixtures of mud and sticky rice. The city wall was constructed in the early 14th century from 1366 - 1386. The wall was repaired about 600 years ago. Upon our close inspection of the bricks we could see the information inscribed on them about the brick makers. The inscription included the brick maker's name, company, and date production.

As we entered into the wall, we had a chance to read about some of the history and facts about the wall. The Nanjing Wall was constructed during the reign of the first emperor, Zhu Yuan Zhang of the Ming dynasty. The wall was about 33.6 kilometers long, but now is only about 26 km long and ranges from 12 to 24 meters in height. Until recently, the Nanjiing held the world record for being the longest and biggest city wall in the world.

After that we drove around to the biggest gate of the wall. Unfortunately it was raining so we didn't have a chance to climb the wall and get a look upon the city.

Our last and final tour brought us to the Nanjing Historical Museum of the Taping Heavenly Kingdom right behind our hotel. We learned that the museum was owned by a peasant named Hong who was famous for gathering the southern China province to rebel against the emperor of the Ching dynasty. The rebels were influenced by the teachings of Christianity that taught that everyone should share everything equally. The rebellion lasted for about 19 years. His ruling days did not last long because he executed many officials thereby causing retaliation by the people and the Ching dynasty leading to his downfall.

After finishing all of our tours we had lunch at a nearby Chinese fast food restaurant, but I won't get into that.

The rest of the afternoon was left open to us because Professor Yang had to attend a meeting. I just went shopping for the rest of the afternoon up til 4:00 pm when we had to meet for bowling.

All of us participated in the bowling tournament for an old water kettle made from fossil that is more than a billion years old. Kathryn was the lucky one for she out-bowled everyone with a 123. I got a 64, what can I say… it was the shoe.

Everyone enjoyed dinner very much especially Loredana and Jon who actually ate. Later some of us left to go to the Internet café while others stayed behind. I had the chance do some emailing and stuff of that sort. Finally here I am…

-- Mino Bouthavong