XIAN

While in Beijing, I got on a plane to Xian to go see the Teracotta warriors. This was a silly route in a way, since I was backtracking, but I was determined to see them no matter what! I only stayed one night in Xian, but had a fantastic experience. I definitely wish I had more time to spend there. I arrived and went to a beautiful hostel, which was really big, and ancient looking. I met some great people right away, and since it was quite late, had dinner and went to bed. The next day, bright and early, I headed out for a tour of the Terracotta warriors. The remains of the warriors were discovered by a farmer digging for a well. The story is about the first Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huangwho wanted his army buried with him. He got his entire army replicated in Terracotta statues, and buried with him. It took 700, 00 workers to make the army, all of which he had killed afterwards! It was a great tour, and when I returned, I went out for drinks with some people from the hostel, and walked around the Muslim quarter. Unfortunately, I did not go to the Great Mosque, but walked down "Muslim Street" And went to the Drum tower. Xian is surrounded by a city wall, and the next morning, I woke up early and rode a bike around the entire wall. It took about 1.5 hours, and was a very peaceful, pleasant morning. The wall was not busy, since it was so early in the morning. As I looked down onto the city, I saw elderly Chinese people doing their morning exercises; dancing with fans, martial arts. People were setting up markets as well, and the few others strolling or riding along the wall all called out and gave me a wave and smile as I rode by. Their lives seemed so uncomplicated and happy. It was definitely a breath of fresh air. After the bike ride, it was back to the hostel to shower, grab my things and head to the airport....back to Beijing.