West Meets East©

By Caroline Patrick BorNei

Certified Red Ribbon Professional of the International Feng Shui Guild

Caroline is traveling in China once again and will bring you up to date on her new travels soon. Please enjoy these rerun series of her past journeys to Asia.

Itinerary China, Week Four

The itinerary for the trip to China had been revised a few times, as opportunities presented themselves from hour to hour as the local monasteries learned of Master Lin’s visit to his homeland. The plan of the day sometimes shifted as invitations presented themselves. We were treated graciously at temples, gardens and Abbots.

One of the places on the tour was Tiananmen Square, a very intimidating open space full of tourists, guides, pickpockets and panhandlers, speaking loudly in a frenzy of opportunity and salesmanship, pushing their wares into your face wildly, as we hurried quickly, following our guide’s yellow flag held skyward, running at times, so as not to loose our way in the masses of people. We had been forewarned to stay close to one another and not stop to buy tokens, as there would be ample time to shop for souvenirs later.

Next came the Forbidden City, home of the Chinese Emperor for more than 500 years. Professor Lin Yun, our teacher and leader of the three-week adventure, graciously and patiently waited until our current guide completed his intellectual information about each place we visited, then came the environmental and spiritual knowledge of Feng Shui, or the balance of “Wind and Water,” which we so desired.

In the beginning all of the guides assigned to our group tour showed signs of anxiety when Master Lin began his teaching, as they quickly learned, the tour comes to a halt when the teacher talks! As the days progressed the anxiety turned to interest as they all realized they were experiencing a life change, listening to Feng Shui principles, life-changing principles they were privileged to witness.

So every day was a soul journey and strangers pushed forward, crowding as close as they could to the curious American strangers and their Chinese American friends, listening to a Master of Knowledge. Respect was immediate as they felt his abundance of Chi. We were late every day as the on-site lessons were impromptu and astounding.

Added to the sites was Beihai Park, Temple of Heaven, one of my favorite places on earth, as I felt at one with the huge location. All of the Elements were present in many forms over the vast landscaping and Ming Dynasty architecture.

Famous restaurants and five-star hotels were part of the luxury of this holiday, and a hot shower and good food was enjoyed by everyone after long days of climbing, walking. I soon lost my modesty to open bathroom stalls and tile ditches used for centuries by Asian populations and was grateful to find these less than satisfactory facilities. The stench was obvious and was a determining factor for finding the WC, as it was labeled above the door to the toilet.

I can’t honestly write an article without mentioning the lack of tissue for the facilities, as paper seems to be a luxury in this country, so there were many humorous learning experiences connected to the art of finding and keeping toilet paper. Sharing such gifts was indeed a bonding experience!!!!! Bottled water was also a necessity and sterilizing squares used in hospitals was supplied by Steven Post for wiping down all of your eating utensils. He was thanked many times by grateful newcomers to world travel.

As the days flew by, the schedule included the Great Wall, Summer Place, another favorite for me, where the Empress Dowager Ci Xi would go to escape the heat of the city. A pedi-cab tour of the Hutongs or old city neighborhood was delightful, as I rode along with a new friend who loved photography as much as myself, and we snapped pictures quickly as the bicycle taxi took us into the old scenic neighborhood. (Continued)

Greetings to all,

I am opening new a new office in Portland and closing down the office in Mt. Vernon, WA and will be in residence by September 1st.

Much of my work has expanded to Arizona, Colorado, Oregon, California and other locations, which makes Portland a pivotal location for travel, teaching, speaking and the arts. MILEPOST 5 is a community for Creating and is 15 minutes from the airport.

I will be traveling to Canada, China and Arizona in-between the relocation, so the phone number above is the best way to stay in touch for now (also email) ... temporary phone is (360) 420-5096. For teaching schedules, please go to www.moongateschool.com.

Thank you for your continued support, stay focused and let the OX of 2009 plow the fields of opportunity, but decide now what you want planted now.......for 2010 and in the future.

Blessings and good Chi,

Caroline Patrick BorNei Certified Feng Shui Consultant

Red Ribbon Professional of

the International Feng Shui Guild

www.fengshuiartistry.com

caroline@fengshuiartistry.com