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As a keen writer, I found this story fascinating. I learned that there was a scenic spot called the Orchid Pavilion, which fame dates back to the year 353. It seems that 42 gentlemen friends were at this place, sitting around considering writing.

They were drinking wine, and sitting around a little stream that runs through bamboo groves in this place in the mountainous region just outside the city of Shaoxing.

It appears that the cups of wine were floated in the stream and when a cup passed close by one of the gentlemen, he was required to drink the wine and write a poem.

At this time the poetry was recorded in calligraphy, and of the 42 gentlemen,26 of them created 37 poems that were recorded in an Anthology.

The story is very famous in China, where history, and especially writers are revered. This place to commemorate the story of these men, is a beautiful place to visit, and I did just that yesterday, along with a student from the college, who was able to translate for me, and enjoy the day.

The museum with its history of calligraphy, and its little shops selling all sorts of calligraphy material was most interesting, even though the Chinese characters are not understood by me.

Now if you ever visit Shaoxing - do go and visit the Orchid Pavilion.

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