Today was a day for the arts after we had Mandarin class today. The class we take for mandarin is very difficult and requires diligent study. As we continue to learn more and more in Mandarin class, I begin to scramble meanings for words for others. It can become very confusing. After class, we had a great time looking at the art in the National Chinese Museum. There are some spectacular pieces there that make me wonder how they were made in the first place. The artistic ability is fascinating. After the museum, we walked to the National Opera house. What a marvelous presentation of architecture. It is huge! A massive dome with a pond-like-mote surrounding it. I was surprised when we went inside to see that operas from Western culture, even from the past, were showcased at the theatre. Composers like Verdi and Wagner were a part of the many composers mentioned among the operas. This took me by surprise. I am glad to see the Eastern world appreciating Western culture, like an Italian or German opera.