Saints Ring in New Year in China
January 01, 2008
On the first day of the New Year, the Emmanuel group visited the Summer Palace, the largest and best-preserved imperial garden in China. Located roughly 10 miles from Beijing, the palace was once used as a summer dwelling for emperors, yet now simply serves as one of the most noted gardens in the entire world.
Almost immediately after the group entered the palace's grounds, it became clear as to why the garden is held in such esteem. Occupying an area of over 700 acres, three quarters of which is made up of Kunming Lake, the Summer Palace is filled with remarkable views and distinctive landscapes. During the warm summer months, one could imagine the area being as serene and peaceful a place as there is on earth, with paddle boat rides and quiet resting areas available for all that pass through the garden's gates.
Making their way around the lake to view some of the complex's impressive architecture, group members ventured up through the Tower of Buddhist Incense, which serves as the centerpiece structure within the palace. At the top of the tower, the group was able to take in a comprehensive view of the garden, looking out past the frozen lake towards the mountains and city in the distance.
Passing back through the gates at 1:00 p.m., the group - 13 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time - stopped to celebrate the official start of 2008 with a collective cheer. A number of the Saints' players, who had learned how to say "Happy New Year" in Chinese, made a point to wish goodwill to locals before boarding the bus to head back to the hotel.