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Published: November 17th 2009
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Me and Narj
Outside a temple in Xi'an Ni Hao Everyone!
So.....now I can properly update you all on my time in
Xi'an which was very interesting. Its really weird because up to now every city/town we have visited in China has been so different from each other - its quite exciting exploring each new town/city in the same country. Xi'an definitely has more character about it as it seems less modern/developed than the other places we have visited so far. Being the 6th largest city in China there was quite a lot to explore.
Xi'an is known for the Drum and Bell Towers which are located in the centre of the city near to where we stayed. These we're used to signal to the people of the city when to open and close the gates of the city. Both towers were grand with a huge bell and a huge drum located in them. The muslim quarter next to our hotel had loads of little market type stalls of foods and gifts to look at. The meat row was very explicit with guts from animals being in sight everywhere! We watched a guy make noodles from scratch (which I videoed) and we decided to eat there -
Me and the Bell
At the top of the Bell Tower in Xi'an great choice! Yum! People in Xi'an seem so friendly - such a contrast compared to Beijing where everyone appeared to be in such a rush all the time.
The temples and buildings in Xi'an were very interesting to look at as they were all quite impressive with intricate architecture. Xi'an is such a nice city to stroll around, although it was a shame on our second day it got even colder and wetter so it wasnt as pleasant to stroll around - but we got quite a lot done on the first day so I was happy.
It was my mum's 50th birthday on Tuesday 10th November (so Happy 50th Birthday Mum!) and on this day we had an organised tour to go and see the Terricotta Warriors which was about an hour away from Xi'an. It was freezing and wet on this day (so very unpleasant), however the Terricotta Warriors were absolutely amazing to see!!! So grand and impressive all lined up in columns. I was really impressed with the grand scale of all the warriors together all lined up - approximately 7,000 were discovered in total.
From Xi'an we caught an all day train to
Musical instruments
In the Drum Tower in Xi'an Yichang. I was completely dreading the train journey as the trains are adequate but not amazingly comfortable - and people smoke on the trains too - not good! But the journey was fine. Was nice because we played a few games on the train with the others from our tour, read a little, chatted a little and slept a little before we arrived in
Yichang. We arrived in our motel in Yichang at around 1am - which was sooooo nice! Really modern! The hot shower was heaven after the journey 😊
We didnt get much time in Yichang as we had to get up and go to a port (which was 5 hours away) to get on a boat which was going to take us to the Three Gorges. We ended up boarding the boat quite late and again it was freezing cold and wet - horrible, nasty weather. No-one was impressed. And the accommodation on the boat was very very simple (and we were told the boat might have rats on it - great (!)). To be fair, the room was adequate except for the fact there was no heating (and it was freezing) and our bathroom door
Our Group in the Rain
Outside the gates for the Terracotta Warriors didnt close and there was no door knob and instead a huge whole, oh and no shower really. Me, Narj and Sav watched the Hangover before bed. I really couldnt sleep that night as it was so cold - so much so that me and Narj ended up sleeping in the same bed as each other - lol!
All was not so bad though....because in the morning we opened our bedroom curtains to the most amazingest scenery ever!!!! We were floating along a valley in bluey/green waters set against a hilly green background with the warm sun shining on us and into our room! Amazing!!!! OH my god - it felt like such a nice surprise to wake up to! Well worth it! We ended up going on a boat ride on a small boat with three men rowing the boat - chinese style - it felt so quaint (although a little unsafe, but we wore life jackets so I guess its okay). See the photos because I can't really explain how beautiful the scenery was, just see for yourselves!
The next day was half spent exploring Yichang which I REALLY liked!!! It was so quaint - no
The Terracotta Warriors
Including some new additions.... tourists and loads of little boutiques selling the nicest clothes every! Everywhere was selling the cutest winter coats in amazing designs! Shame I couldnt buy any 😞 I'll have to come back again to shop properly.
Then we headed for an overnight sleeper train to
Yangshuo (which is where I am right now and will expand on in a later entry).
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Seymour
non-member comment
Wow
Hi Melissa i trust you are well. I haven't had the opportunity to go through your full blog yet but it sure looks like your having a great time! All the best and happy new year :-)