Terra Cotta Warriors

Trip Start Aug 18, 2008
1
7
12
Trip End Sep 01, 2008


Loading Map
Map your own trip!
Map Options
Show trip route
Hide lines
shadow

Flag of China  , Shaanxi,
Tuesday, August 26, 2008

The night train from Beijing to Xi'an was a comfortable experience.  I would have preferred the middle berth to the bottom, but whatever it worked out.  I woke up early as I always do on night trains (mostly because everyone else does and steps on your bed to get down).  The train got in on time, we got to our hostel (which was in a great location) and then headed right out to catch a bus to see the Terra Cotta Warriors.  So we got on a bus that we thought would take us back to the train station where we were to catch another bus to the TCW.  However, we must have caught the first bus going the wrong way because we kept getting further and further from the train stations so ended up getting off and taking a cab anyway. Arrived at the train station- found the bus to the Terra Cotta Warriors and we were off! 
I had always wanted to see the Terra Cotta Warriors, not totally sure why, but it was some place that always fascinated me.  Once we actually got there it was pretty crazy to think about this emperor and how he ah all this done for him..
the hostel was waiting for us! yay!
the hostel was waiting for us! yay!
. it was a sight to behold.  However, it wasn't as big as I thought it would be or quite as spectacular.  I'm glad I went and I wouldn't discourage anyone from going but think they must use a wide angle lenses in all the shorts they show in magazines and such.  Another cool thing that they had was the farmer that was digging the well and discovered the first pieces of the Taw's was there.  You couldn't take his picture but he would autograph a book if you bought it.  What a life he must have.  From obscure farmer to meeting presidents and just sitting there all day smoking his pipe and waving at the clapping observers like a princess in a parade.  Yes he was a happy old man.
Probably my favorite part of Xi'an was the Muslim Quarter.  Someone earlier in the day recommended we check it out and I totally loved it!  The streets were filled with vendors selling for or fruit or earring, everything!  We had dinner at a restaurant and then just wondered up and down the streets trying the food- it all looked so amazing and everything we tried was delicious!  We totally gorged ourselves until we could barley walk anymore.  If we had known how good the food was we may have never book a ticket out the next day.  But alas, the Pandas awaited! 
Slideshow

Use this image in your site

Copy and paste this html: