Gina and I were very excited to go to Xi’an for several days. (Like we were promised before we came to China) If you’ve been following this blog very much, we’re certain you have noticed that nothing is an absolute in China. Three to four days in Xi’an soon became two days….two days then became an overnight trip. We were in Xi’an for a total of twenty hours. We had to make the most of it, and we did! Upon arriving there Tuesday late afternoon—after a seven hour bus ride— we walked around one of the city’s beautiful squares. It was very picturesque. We were very pleased to find a Dairy Queen!! A blizzard and a caramel latte were our first real dairy products since leaving America. For dinner, we went to a cafeteria-style restaurant. (To say it was confusing would be an under-statement.) We managed to eat some buns filled with a very greasy meat product. After the square, we checked into our beautiful hotel. The bathroom actually had a tub—the first tub we have seen in China. And the beauty of the tub is that the bathroom floor doesn’t flood when you take a shower! We took taxis to the “night market”. The night market was a huge area of alleyways filled with every type of store and food stand imaginable. You have to be on top of your bartering system game to be successful at this market. I managed to get a beautiful chess set for 100 yuan—which equals about $16. I didn’t really even want it, but the price started at 400 yuan and I felt like I was getting a fabulous deal. J Gina made several purchases as well. She managed to get a good deal on a couple “knock-off” purses. (I hope I didn’t just ruin the surprise for any of her friends!) JWe left the night market at around 11pm—after waiting what seemed to be forever to catch a cab. Gina, our new friend Shelly and I still wanted to see the city. We were filled with disappointment when we were told there were no bars close to the hotel. We decided to walk a couple blocks anyway and see what we could find. After feeling a bit unsafe in our short walk we decided to head back to the hotel and just have a beer there. We were one of two tables in the lobby having beers. Gina taught Shelly and I how to play Rummy. I won’t say who won.The next morning we had to be packed and downstairs of the hotel by 7am. We had breakfast and got on the bus. Our destination—The Terra-Cotta Warriors—would prove to be one of the best attractions of our trip so far. China dubs the TC Warriors “The Eighth Wonder of the Word”. Gina and I will not argue with the Chinese about that!! We were in absolute amazement/awe by the details of the statues that were constructed over 2200 years ago. The warriors/horses each have their own distinct expressions. That is pretty incredible since there are over 8000 statues! Gina took some breath-taking panoramic photos. We can’t wait to share the photos and the books we purchased with you!! J~The seven hour bus ride back to Huozhou was too much. We were in a bus for 16 hours in a 36 hour time period. Gina started to get a bit ill the last couple hours of the bus ride. She is popping Cipro now and not back to normal yet. It is now Thursday here and we are headed to a “dumpling” restaurant for lunch in a bit. We miss you all!! Thanks for taking the time and reading about our journeys!! : )
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