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On Confucius's Temple, Craziness, and Coming Back Home

Over the weekend, my life did a complete 180*. On late Wednesday, I was still deep in the heart of China, and now on this Monday morning, I'm freezing my little arms off in the early chilliness of the Bay Area, California.

It was a chaotic weekend, complete with trains and planes and hotels, and a humongous Chinese holiday, elderly dancing groups, food (lots! of! food!), the best movie showings on a plane that I've ever seen, flight delays, San Francisco, my family being together, more! food!, moving in to my dorm, unpacking, reunions, and starting school. Yes, on the last week of September. I can't tell if it's a good or bad thing that we start so late, but man am I excited and relieved to be back at Stanford.

This morning has been a real busy one, getting situated with classes. It's kind of funny how immediately I've settled into my school routine - I think I'm still running on last year's schedule a bit, because my roommate and I arrived at class one whole hour early. So forgive me if I'm scatter-brained this week; it's because it's been cuh-ray-zee.

Hard to believe as it is, a little less than two weeks ago, I convinced my parents to take me to Confucius's Temple, one of the main attractions in the city of Nanjing, and always a pleasure to visit. 



It's a mecca for prayer, souvenirs, street food, and modern day shopping. 


And a lil sprinkle of gimmick, too.
But who wouldn't want to dress up as an Emperor or his concubine for some photos? 

The maze-like alleyways full of little trinkets are always fun to visit.
 Also, the circles on my mom's shirt are hardcore trippin' me out.
Just sayin'.



My favorite thing about Confucius's Temple is that it's a nice balance of the traditional (see: ancient-style architecture, a hefty history that dates back to the Ming dynasty, and a good place to observe the practicing of the Buddhist faith) as well as the modern (you are greeted by Haagen Dazs, Burger King, and Pizza Hut upon arrival). The best of both worlds, as my good friend Miley would say. If she wasn't so busy spiraling down, down, downward {dog - I see dat Pilates bod, girlfriend}! 

Snails.
Mmm. Appetizing. 



And this treat isn't from Nanjing - it's actually from Beijing,
but I needed to have one before I could leave China.
It's candied shanza - and is basically, in my opinion,
caramel apples - that's more tart and more tiny.

I have a few more China posts to share with you,
and then I'll hit the ground running with real-time, college, sunshiney California updates!

12 comments

  1. That is really cool about the mix of modern and history. You're making me get the travel bug, Caroline!

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  2. These pictures are great! And now all I want to do is travel!
    xx lexi @ glitter, inc.

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  3. Oooohh I've heard that shanza is delicious.

    Welcome back!!

    xo Lisa | Making Life's Lemons

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  4. What an exciting trip you had! These photos are gorgeous, and all the food looks so yummy!

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  5. Hi. Thanks for sharing your pictures. My dad's family lives in Nanjing. Before kids and life became hectic, I visited every two years. I miss the city. It's a beautiful place and rich in history. This brings back memories.
    Beauty Fashion Skin Care Blog -Girlie Blog Seattle | Casual Chic Style

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  6. It's a crazy feeling to be on one side of the world, and within the next day or two, be on the opposite side! I bet you are very busy keeping up with all that life has brought you upon your homecoming!

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  7. I just found your blog via Making Life's Lemons -- I LOVE your photos!! I've never been to China, but wow. And the one with the bowl of snails? Hilarious! I've given you a follow, because I look forward to more tales of California, since I consider myself a west coast girl at heart. ;D Love your blog!

    Kate x
    http://artsyabroad.blogspot.com

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  8. wahh you're getting me so excited i'm going to be heading to asia and a few months!! your pics make me super giddy lol!!!!

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  9. Ah this is quite the whirlwind! But how wonderful to travel to China. My friends just got back from Peru, they went there for their honeymoon. Traveling is great and really helps you grow as a person. And great pix too btw.

    Ali of Dressing Ken

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  10. these pictures are just beautiful. i'm glad you had fun in china! coming back from anywhere can be soooo crazy. i flew from malawi to south africa this summer, which only took about 2 hours, but it was like stepping into a different world. my boyfriend and i just kept looking around like... what is happening??? i hope you're enjoying being back at school!

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  11. Oh my sounds like a busy time, but at least you had fun! The pictures are amazing and that place looks incredible. I would love to visit China someday!

    -Vogue&Heels
    www.vogueandheels.com

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  12. Oh wow, what an incredible trip you had! So jealous! Glad to hear you're settling back in at Stanford well :)

    partyatgatsbys.me x

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your comments truly make my day! :)
thank you!

xx Caroline