Mon 14th
33°c sunshine and cloud.
We were joined by Jeremy on the visit to the Terracotta Army. So we were all up early and out the door.
We needed Bus (5) 306 according to an online blog. The fare was ¥7 (£1), it was more of a local bus, so there were 12 stops before the Terracotta Army. We were to get the same bus home - about 1 hour ride. The bus station is next to the train station which is a 2km walk (not far). The queue for the bus was extensive full of more Chinese tourists than anyone else. We read not to get on the Blue number 5 bus - it's a scam. On the ride over I did dose off a bit. But the journey had stunning scenery, huge green tree covered hills and mountains. Many people got off at a mausoleum, for a moment we wondered if it was our stop... the tickect man indicated ours is the last stop.
We arrived in a car park by some small restaurants, vieing for your custom (just after 10am) through the ticket office ¥150 each (£18) and onward to the pits. Frank was explaining to Jeremy and I what the Terracotta Army was and who for (a tomb for the very first Emperor of China) very informative, we don't think the hired tour guide for the group right in front of us seemed too impressed though! Te he.
Some lads back at the hostel had told Frank to go to Pits 2 and 3 first. Smaller but likely to be less busy straight away. Okey dokey. Well, Pit 2 was a bit of a disapointment, as Frank said,
"It just looks like someone broke some crockey and tried to hide it."
It did actually. Underwhelming to say the least.
Sod this, Pit 1 here we come. Wow. Now that was impressive. Row upon row of dusty soldiers. All facing one direction and each one with a different face. Even the hair was different. A cavernous space full of warriors frozen in time bathing in morning sunshine from the windows. It takes your breath away. The lines stretch so far inside the hanger like building. Our timing was spot on as more tour groups were hustled in, elbowing for their photo shot, before being hurried along to the next talking point. We were able to take our time and avoid most of the mayhem. No need for Pit 2 straight to Pit 3 where a cart, warrior and four horses were in very good condition. Then to an exhibtion building, where preserved miniature horse carts were held.
Now we've taken to putting stickers on the pink water flask we have, so into the gift shop we go. A usual smile from the staff - we've noticed since arrivng in Xi'an they tend to follow you around the shop - on your shoulder. Anyway, I step toward what looked like stickers,
"Bookmark."
"Thank you." I gazed elsewhere. Oh they're pretty -
"Keyring."
(Okay) "Thank you." I step aside and spy some -
"Magnet."
(Right that's getting annoying now love) "Thanks." Hmm, I just thought of a new game... I walked toward another shelf,
"Ribbon."
Te he hee. Tempted to see how much stuff she could label for me, I scoured around for more things to look at. However I thought better of it and found some stickers for the job. (After she identified them for me first - "Thanks.") Hmm, I must remember that game.
A few minutes later into the restaurant for a coffee. A 'Free Tea Tasting' ceremony was on offer too. Fair enough. We tried 'Quhan pao rock tea', 'Oolong tea', 'Jasmine tea', 'Lychee tea', 'Ginsing tea' and 'Flower tea - ice (cold) blackcurrent colour'. All very refreshing and flavoursome. The lady tried to sell us some tea after this, a "no thank you" from us. It was afterall a 'Free Tea Tasting'. One last look in Pit 1 and off to the bus. Got a steamed bun on the way out. Nearer the car park Blue bus scammers would push for you to get on their bus. Another firm "no" and on the same bus we came in on. Dozed on the bus again.
Back to hostel we sat out the front in the sun drinking ice cold lemon water and eating some chips. Got a shower, met a new dorm mate - Spanish? Maybe South American? He had to sort his visa out, so it was a quick 'Hello'. Out in the high street we looked for sun oil for Frank and I played the follow-me-round-the-shop game with the attendents. Te he hee. No success with sun oil for Frank though. Most were creams of factor 25 or up and most had 'whitening' agents in them, as do the moisteurisers! Not good if you want to top up your tan. Got biang biang noodles again. We mixed it all up this time, much better. Walked up to the city wall, sat people watching for a while. Witnessed a 'lovers tiff' back and forth. Back to hostel, beer, card games and watched the cooking lesson (evening's entertainment) - helped judge it too. Yummy.
In bed at 11:30, we also had a new girl in dorm. Red head, she was awake said 'Hello' nothing else though. We hurried to bed to turn the light off.