Hi All,

Went to see the Terracotta Army today. An hours bus ride out of Xian. Took the local bus as it was all of Y1 being about 12 pence! Once again it was absolutely freezing with temperature outside hovering between minus 4 and minus 8.

Got to the site, which is wuite smart by Chinese standards and well run by the local geverment. When going in was told that as it was effectively New Years Day that a Mr Yuan (I think) was in the reception hall signing books. Apparently he is one of the 4 farmers who back in 1970 something found the whole site when they were drilling for new water wells. Well most unlike me I got into "Tourist Mode" and bought a book so that he could sign it and also got the photo with him, think I have posted it onto the blog! To be honest he could have been the local cleaner for all I know as they all look alike! Still the way the other officials were arund him, he was either the real mc coy or they were damn good at acting and a lot of trouble just to sell a book.

Into the site and saw 3 of the pits (pit 1,3 and 4) as pit no 2 (great names eh!) was closed for renovation. The size of the big pit was fabulous and to see that in reality they have only excavated about 30% of the site, with the remaining 70% of the army still underground. Apparently they dont want to unearth them until they have exactly worked out how to retain the colours painted on them as the earlier ones were colourful but this quickly came off. They are 200 years old yu know!

Amazing to think that the Emperor who had them all constructed, did so as he wanted a large army as he belived that when he died he would re live in death and needed his army by him so they are clsoe to his tomb. They also face due East ready for battle as this is the direction from where all Chinas enemies historically came from.

Best bit was when all the people made them, he covered the army in the pit and then had all the workers killed so no one would know the army ever existed! Thats what you call a performance bonus! So took untill some local men were drilling the wells to rediscover.

Not many tourists around as it was very cold and even though the Chinese are mostly on a weeks holiday for Spring Festival even most of them had stayed away because of the cold. So, whilst freezing it was great not to be mobbed and be able to have a good look around and take some pictures too. Although after 2 plus hours my fingers were starting to get early stages of frostbite and so called it a day.

Cocked up the bus home as didnt get on the direct one, but the one that seemed to stop at every pile of stones, better know as houses here, before getting back to Xian. 2 hours!

Then back to the Hostel to warm back up and have something to eat. I have ventured out most nights to eat Chinese food in the local restaurants but not tonight as simply its too cold and too much hassle to get fully togged up. Also many eating places are closed as this very much is a family time for the Chinese, very similar to our Christmas/New Year.

Tommorrow maybe gonna take it easy.

All the best to everyone

Steve