In fact it was a temple. Or at least it started out that way. So this has been one of the things I've really wanted to see.
The hospital is just down the road from my apartment, so I wandered down only to find that it is now a series of modern towers. However. HOWEVER, off to the side was an ancient-looking awning leading up some stairs, and two stone lions in front. There are tall, locked gates (i.e. too tall to climb, or this would be a shorter story). As I peered through the bars, a cleaner came through the heavy glass-paned doors. And I glimpsed what was inside.
Obviously, I sought another way in. And around the corner I found the main entrance to the building. With a frosted glass door. With a sign saying something in Chinese that I'm guessing wasn't Welcome.
I tried the handle. Unlocked. So I strode in. Of course.
I was marched out by a tiny lady in a facemask before I'd made it five feet. My pleading held no sway with this hard-harded hospital guard.
But I'd caught a glimpse inside. It was breathtaking.
Undaunted by my eviction, I went into the closest office, which was actually a physical therapy unit where the doctors were a little surprised to see me. They spoke little English but I made it clear that I really really wished to see inside that room. They pointed me across to the next building.
There I was met by another security guard, who I explained my request to in a combination of loudly spoken English and sign language. He nodded vigorously and said 'You wait here.'
Fantastic. So I waited. And waited .... And waited. Thinking that perhaps something had been lost in translation I approached again and asked whether someone was coming to show me around the room. He appeared to have no recollection of our previous conversation, so I explained again.
He said 'No not possible.' About twenty times.
Now, anyone who knows me knows that the best way to ensure that I do something is to tell me that I cannot.
I will see the inside of that room before I leave.