A bit of perspective, and a cool piece of rock. ;)

Below you can see the crowd gathering near Lake Taihu, with the previously posted incense brazier smoldering ahead in the center. Our group is in the front (Jordan talking with Diane) and gathered off to the left in the photo below. We had already been on the boat at this point and were returning to our bus, but several scenic spots remained along the way.

(Below) I really don't know if the carved stone below represents the grave of someone historical or if it is just a marker of significance to the lake or the area we were in. All I know is that if I ever die, I would like a marker just like this. Now that i'm thinking about it, this stone would look amazing in any garden setting or as a front-lawn conversation piece. ;)

The Incense Brazier

At the entrance to a small temple near lake Taihu, throngs of people gather, many of whom purchased or brought ritual incense to burn in this incredible brazier. Hundreds of years old and still used frequently for it's original purpose.

Now that's craftsmanship that echoes down the ages. =)

Another view of Lake Taihu

(Below) Yep, we stood out in a crowd. Especially Spencer, Christian and Mike, who all loom over everyone here at 6-feet,2-inches+.

China Adventurers Extraordinaire =D

My Sifu Chiu Lau (left), a tour guide whose name I cannot recall at the moment (Maggy perhaps?), and tour-guide Tony (left). The other guide was only with us for a short time as she only specialized in this particular region of China (Wuxi). Ah Sifu, so serious (yet he has that distinctive twinkle in his eye, haha)

My friends Christian (middle), Scotty (foreground) and me awaiting our boat trip around Taihu Lake.

!