Taking a break from our awful but much-appreciated non-stop bus to Chengdu, somewhere in the northern reaches of Sichuan Province.

We made it to Zoige (Ruierge) in Sichuan just as night fell, and just in time to get some dinner.

Our bus parked behind a small restaurant in Zoige. Baskets full of delicious and savory yak feet in the foreground. (No, I didn't try 'em.)

"Typical Chinese photo-pose" Chris in front of Chengdu's huge statue of Mao.

Chengdu's traditional, wooden-frame architecture is fading very, very quickly.

A wonderful tower complete with chiming bells at Wuhou Temple, Chengdu, Sichuan.

This rockin' old woman was happily strumming away in a park at Wuhou Temple. Unfortunately, her strumming was just that... I don't think she could even play a single chord.

Yeah, I know that the swastika's Buddhist meaning is all peace and love, but I still can't help being shocked for a moment when I see it used so prominently. Wuhou Temple, Chengdu.

Compare this wall painting to the Tibetan-style one in the Labrang Monastery gallery. The style in Sichuan is definetely more "Chinese".

May I recommend Chengdu's Highfly Cafe to those looking for a relaxed atmosphere and decent pizza?

A bridge connecting two small islands near the Leshan Giant Buddha.

Bam! This buddha measures in at 71 meters (233 feet) tall. It's the largest stone statue of the Buddha in the world.

For an idea of scale, compare the relative size of Rachel, Chris, and Camilla to the Leshan Giant Buddha's massive head.

Looking up from below at the Leshan Giant Buddha. Those two objects at the very bottom of the photo are (L to R) the Buddha's right foot's fourth and third toes (with toenails).

The sun setting behind a pagoda and some bamboo above the Giant Buddha's head.