Ancient Xi'an

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Smelly, tired and dirty we headed for our hotel after that evil train journey, for a much needed shower and freshen up. It was I must say the best shower I think I will ever take.

We then started our orientaion tour of Xi'an. Xi'an was one of the 6 ancient capitals of China and served as the seat of the 12 imperial dynastys over the last 2000 years. The tour took us from our hotel throught the Douth gate to the City centre. The Southgate? You may ask, well the city centre is boxed in by four massive walls, with a distance of around 14km. So after the tour where we took in a few of the sites and sound the group decided top hire a bike and ride on the four walls. The bike, well ehat can I say, they could have easily be left over from the anciwnt time 2000 years ago, they were that bad. The ride its self was soooo much fun, except for the pot holes along the walls and the swelltering weather. I did have a good laught though, Rachel looked k\like she had wet her self cause she was sweating so much, naturally I had to get a photo of her bending over. We did giggle.

Sweaty, dirty and starvasous (my word) we headed to a dumpling resturant to recoup. The food was divine and well deserved.

As we had just had luch and had a little more energy, we thought a walk down the local market was a must, everyone was in the mood for some bargins. Some of the group were not use to haggaling so me and Rach stepped in (as you do). Haggling is so much fun. But some peeps did get quite arsy though.

The Muslim quarter is a must in the evening, brimming with, shops resturants, market stalls, street venders and of course can't forget the beggers. Really they are not for the faint hearted at all. Legs missing, arms missing and anything else you can think of. It may sound crule but you just have to ignore them totally. Erin the trainee leader found a resturant and how I wish she had not. The food has been really good, I have not had any complaints till this night. YUCK, RANK and EVIL. Everything was really spicy and the brought up this chicken (and I use chicken in the lightest of terms)but it was every part of the chicken that you can think of.

Xi'an has a bar street and dont worry its really small and is not Kavos. so a few beers and a bit light headed we were off in the land of nod.

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Photos

Xi'an
Bike ride on wall of Xi'an

Bar Street
Me, Rachel and Paul on a night out in Xi'an