A Smoggy City Like I've Never Seen Before...

CHINA DAY 5:

Today we headed straight for Xian for our next phase of the China adventure.  We arrived in the afternoon and checked into our fantastic hotel that surprised us with a free upgrade!  With just a few hours left of sunlight, we set out for the Muslim street to see the street vendors and real action. This entire area was crowded with people selling souvenirs and locals dining on street food.  It was dirty, smelly, and so cool!! I always love walking in local crowds and seeing the food the locals eat made fresh.  We tried to stop in for dinner at a restaurant on the street but decided it was simply too dirty as our sneakers stuck to the ground with each step and saw the kitchen in the back.  Instead, we made our way into a restaurant on the main street where we were still the only foreigners.  We attempted to order off of the picture menu but still had a good laugh trying to articulate what we wanted.  When we got three times as much soup and noodles as we thought we'd asked for we slurped it down like the locals and paid our $3 bill each.  Back at the luxurious Sofitel Hotel on Rienmin Square we enjoyed a chocolate ice cream for desert and headed to bed before our big day tomorrow!

 

I was astounded how smoggy Xian is.  Beijing is incredibly polluted and smoggy, but Xian made my eyes, nose and throat all burn because of the smog-ridden air.  The city was worn down and old, but full of character and history. 

 

CHINA DAY 6: Xian-

Another full day of touring… we had the most amazing buffet breakfast at our hotel and loaded up on fresh fruit, chocolate croissants, eggs, and juice for once!   We went straight to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda in Xian.  It is well known for its Buddha shrines and large tower.  It was a beautiful escape in the busy city.  After, we had our names carved into stamps made out of stone figures.  Our next stop was an excavated city from thousands of years ago.  We were able to see the floor plan of the houses by the holes left in the ground this many years later.  There were also skeletons and pottery left behind.  After a touristy Chinese lunch we headed to the world famous Terracotta Warriors- one of the Wonders of the World. It was truly incredible driving through the farming area towards this archeological discovery from 3,000 years ago in the Qin Dynasty. The first Warrior was discovered in 1979 when a local farmer was digging a grave and happened upon the artifact.  These life-size clay warriors and horses have been pieced together one-by-one as the excavation continues to the present day.  In fact, just two years ago the third wing to the museum was opened showing generals in discussion.  It is estimated that there are 6,000 warriors and horses protecting the emperor's tomb.  Each warrior is unique and was painted with bright colors that have now decayed.  We were lucky to be there on a day when the founder was signing books, so we bought one and now have his autograph and picture!  After a full day we made it back to our hotel and had time to walk around South Street before sunset.  This street was similar to yesterday's Muslim Street with vendors and artisans, but it didn't have street food.  We bought a few last souvenirs before heading to the hotel for a big American burger for dinner.  Tomorrow, on to Hong Kong!!