The Brown Fox Dynasty: It Was the Worst of Times

8/2/15

Landscape Painting

By this point in the trip, I knew something was wrong. The headaches, body aches and coughing I’d been having each day was a lot more than just jet lag. I didn’t feel tired so much as just run down. By the time we made it to lunch though, I had a full blown fever and felt like complete shit. So, yay! Once again Cat comes down with a bug while traveling. Fan-flipping-tastic.

One other thing I’ve learned about traveling in a group: nothing is sacred. By telling Nick I had a fever, the guide then knew I had a fever, and then the entire group was asking me how I was feeling at lunch. It was embarrassing, but what can you do. Who the hell runs a fever in 99 degree weather?! This idiot, that’s who. Ugh.

So we powered on through to our next site the Master-of-Nets Garden, which was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The original buildings date back to the 12^th century and the hand-carved furniture was beautiful. While the Chinese may have not had religion for last few decades, their superstitious traditions never dampened. As you step into each receiving room, you have to step over a small ledge within the doorway. The taller the ledge, the higher your social status but, more importantly, the ledge served to prevent evil spirits from following you into the room. Likewise, the bridges and walkways throughout the gardens are laid out in zig-zag patterns with right angles to make it difficult for evil spirits to follow behind you. I wish I could shake off whatever bug I caught as easily.