In battle armour with perfect bow                     One solitary battle left me low  Centuries under ground with brothers slept              No movement save tears from river wept Weapons stolen whilst we burnt                     Trapped by 2000 years of dirt  Free at last thanks to farmers well.                Eight Thousand voices released from hell 

  

  

Having conquered the land below Qin Shi Huong must prepare for the next life.  To remain Emperor an immortal army must be created  to protect the tomb.  

 This army will be like no other army in the next life – with weapons, horses, chariots and more.   Even up to 1/3 the national budget, this will take precedence.  

To get the army ready preparations must start now while I am still vigorous – as the construction will take decades.  

No expense must be spared. Each soldier and general will be unique and strong – armoured and armed.   
  
They will be forever placed in battle formation guarding all directions but especially to the direction of our enemies.   

  

  

Now that China is one, to protect the land as   Qin Shi Huang, I will build a Great Wall that will stretch across all the nation – a land moat to keep out the hoards.    

 Many may be sacrificed, but not in vain. They will save their Emperor, their people and their families  The souls of those who perish will live on in the walls to protect the land. 

I will visit the land of Confucius. His teachings of benevolence and harmony will unite the land so we can prosper.  

A single coin to make the land prosperous.   Common writing will allow the people to know my name   

And  hear the true words of the emperor 

 
 

 
When they put up my epitaph no words will be written on my monument because no words will be strong enough to describe my power.   

For generations wars have been fought with no ending. First one and then another tribal leader, prince or “king” grew strong and conquered his neighbours.  Soon after to be conquered by another.  

But I am different. I will remain strong so that no one can overcome me.  Once complete I will unite all of China.  

One ruler. Qin Shi Huang – the first of first   One land will require unity beyond borders. Common tools for measurement and currency.  A unifying philosophy; Confucius 

But more important one common written language that will be used by all to ensure progress but also control.  So my history will be written down and people will remember me . 

  

 

You have longed for this day!  Dreamed of this day!  Why then are you so fearful!!!

You have been invited/commanded to appear before a dignitary and then perhaps, Heaven Forbid, the Emperor. 

In The Forbidden City. 

Always seen from afar and always with awe. 

What awaits could change your life to one far better ….but one wrong step or perceived lack of respect could end it!

Forbidden was not a shallow title.  The city is the home for the God like ruler and those who served.  Approaching, you will be escorted to the side gates that is designated for people.

The main entrance is reserved for the Emperor ( and his wife only on her single day of marriage). 

  
Then your introduction to the first of many bureaucrats that you will have to impress and Kow Tow before finally reaching the final approval point in your new journey.  

   Trust in the prayer offerings and the Feng Shui that has brought you this far.  Put out any negative thoughts and enter your new world with confidence. 

  

As you approach the wall  a shadow moves just to the side.  Was that a whisper calling your name from behind.  A touch or just the breeze caressing your arm. 

Ancient walls. Gargoyles and statues.   Hidden within is a connection to its origins.  That connection longs to touch their place of birth or tell their story. 

Help them. Find that place. Touch that place. The object will talk to you and reveal its secrets.  Embrace that feeling when we touch a castle wall or open a door 

   or an ancient relic  

 Some objects contain a special energy source that, when tapped,will allow much more.

Doors, for one, may open a path to their past, allowing you to enter a long ago world at a specific point in their life. 

But of all the objects that connect the gifted seeker back in time are clocks.   Such is their energy that they can bring you back to different points in time where you can see a story unfold or perhaps dare to interfere and change some aspect. 

Beware of what you have adjusted, for it may not be what you thought

 

Our official guided tour of Hong Kong.  Met up with fellow travellers from Calgary, Toronto, and others from the U.S.

Guide was a local who was helpful but not the most knowledgeable about history.

First up was a trip to the island of Lantau – even bigger than HK. Some amazing engineering with bridges and tunnels as well as the climb up with the Gondola up to the base of the statue touted as the Biggest Buddha – outside renditions comparison . On Par with Peak to Peak at Whistler but no snow as it was 30+C)

   We rode

 Some climbed.

Although not ancient (1993) the views of the Buddha were still awe inspiring.

  
   After a climb to the base of the statue ( 200 or so steps) we had to choose the trail to be taken.

Wisdom or Fun 

 We chose wisely! 

 Having filled our spirits we were prepared for lunch in the small village.  Then a trek back to the city and a visit to the peak in Hing Kong.  

Shades of a San Francisco trolley ride up a 27 degree slope past some of the most expensive homes. 

Then to the views..   

At the end of the day a quick look of Temple Market as the shop keepers and hawkers prepared for the night market.   Seems like you could buy anything in this market.