Quick stop in Xi'an before landing in Chengdu

22 January - Arrival In Xi'an

After our first internal flight in China (the pilots are nearly as mad as the drivers over here!) we touched down in Xi'an. After the help we had received in Beijing, we now really were on our own. At Xi'an airport we managed to negotiate a place to stay and after being hassled by many taxi drivers charging hiked up prices, jumped on a bus into the centre of the city.

We had thought perhaps the weather would warm up slightly but the temperature was -7 and there was thick snow on the ground! When walking through the city I think Rick may have been regretting buying his Merrell sandals! On our walk from the bus station to the hotel we were hassled by a man ho spoke good English asking us what we were up to. He then offered us help getting to our hotel which we declined but he continued to follow and insisted he would call his friend to pick us up. Having just arrived in the city he were not for trusting him as something about him was a little dodgy. Finally caz turned around and made it perfectly clear we did NOT need his help and at this point he left. We passed the bell-tower (central point of Xi'an) and finally arrived at what we thought was our hotel. However, it turned out the hotel had two premises in Xi'an and we had arrived at the wrong one! Thankfully we were given a lift over and checked in. For 6 quid a night the facilities were brilliant and the rooms very spacious.

As we walked through the streets we were given many funny looks ( I think for being Western) and at one point 2 girls pointed at Muc and laughed. We found it hilarious! We then went for a walk over to Xian station...madness! The queues were horrific as many people were travelling back to their families for New Year. We managed to book ourselves onto a trip for to the Teracotta Warriors for tomorrow but after seeing the queues we decided we may have to re-assess our route through China to avoid the rush. Standing at the station an old tramp approached us begging for money. When we didn't respond he poked Jonny with his stick. Looking back it was actually realllly funny!

We then jumped in a taxi and headed back to the hotel. This driver was horn happy. I don't think he stopped peeping at anything and everything that crossed his path all the way back to the hotel. Then just as we were getting out of the car, smoke erupted from his bonnet! We all jumped out, payed him and watched from a distance as the smoke continued. We all believed it was due to overuse of the horn! Crazy times!

23rd January - Terracotta Warriors

Today we had planned our trip to see the Terracotta army, the focal point of our trip to Xi'an. Rather than paying for the inclusive tour we had arranged yesterday we travelled on the local bus all the way there as this was alot cheaper. No surprises that we experienced another crazy journey. The highway was closed due to the snow therefore the driver had to take the old roads which were poorly surfaced and VERY bumpy. Again, there seemed to be no right of way and if the road was wide enough for 3 vehicles then they would definitely use it! Some near misses but we got there just fine.

The Army itself was staggering! We stopped at pit 3 first which features the smallest collection of warriors. Then it was on to the expansive pit 1 which holds around 6000. This was amazing to see and another sight that can be ticked of my list.

This evening we had decided we would be making a night of it. After tucking into a supersize KFC meal over a few beers (30p a pint from the local streetseller!) we got ready and set for a club we had seen was pretty active the previous night. 1+1 as we later found out is the biggest club in Xi'an and we had an absolutely quality night. Being the only westerners in the place was not a problem as many of the ravers were up for a dance and the chance to practise their english. With drinks bought for us all night it turned out to be a right old laugh!

Heading home we ended up at the local streetseller ordering some freshly cooked stir fry. It was tasty stuff! Jonny had some left and being the good guy that he is decided to give the rest to a homeless person who was freezing on the pavement. This was not a good idea and was met with an outburst of grunts and the noodles being thrown back our way!

24th January - Arrival in Chengdu

Having gone to sleep at 3 we managed just 4 hours kip before we were up and off to the airport to catch our 10.45 flight to Chengdu. Again the taxi driver tried to pull one on us trying to charge a ridiculous price to the airport when we intended to take the bus. Had him sussed from the start!

We booked ourselves into the Dragon yout hostel and were picked up by the hostel taxi service. The character of the hostel is brilliant and before coming to China this is what I had expected. Situated down a back alley we thought we had come the wrong way but just off the alleyway is the hostel itself. For the first time we are in a 5 person dorm for the night. The girl at the hostel reception is soooo friendly and has given us lots of help in planning the remainder of our stay. Tomorrow we are off to see the Pandas!

We nipped out of the hostel to explore the surrounding area and stumbled across a traditional market selling every meat, fish and veg imaginable. We also stopped at a few of the streetstalls trying some of the local specialities. Now its off to bed for an early rise to see our cuddly friends tomorrow morning!

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