Xi'an

This past week was a holiday week in China. Most of the Chinese have the week off for work and travel back to their hometowns to spend time with family. My school had the week off as well - so I thought it would afford me the chance to see some of China. I decided to go to the ancient Chinese city of Xi'an, partly because I had been wanting to see the famed Terra Cotta army located about an hour northeast of the city, and also because Xi'an is renowned for its city wall - which dates back to the 14th century.

The first part of my adventure started on Wednesday, October 1st. I boarded a train heading for Xi'an prepared for the 19 hour train ride with a book(20000 Leagues Under the Sea - which was great - wish I would have read it earlier!) and my Lonely Planet China guide. I was joined in my train car by 3 other people - Dr. Wang, his wife, Dr. Zhu, and another man - who never mentioned his name - but who did teach me how to play Chinese poker. Dr. Wang and Dr. Zhu were both retired doctors who were off to Xi'an to visit friends.

Also - since it my father's birthday back in the States(Sept. 27th) - they gave him a little birthday greeting.

Once arrived in Xi'an - I was able to see some pretty neat things. They have a museum in the center of the city that contain stone tablets with 900 year old Chinese Confucian writings etched into them. I was also able to go to a panda bear breeding center - where endangered pandas are brought to.....well, you know. The highlight of my trip was riding a bicycle around the Xi'an city wall at night - with thousands of Chinese lanterns lighting the path - and beautiful pagodas located everywhere. I got a chance to see bingmaying - or the Terra Cotta warriors. I was a little disappointed in the site - I thought there would be many more of them - but they told us that many soldiers have yet to be unearthed, and still more are under repair. I've also included a good Chinglish sign that was located just outside the entrance to the Terra Cotta warriors....

Finally - Xi'an - a city of over 8 million people - has major intersections that do not have stoplights. So crossing them can be treacherous. Judge for yourself....