Blogs from Xi'an, Shaanxi, China, Asia - page 7

DAY ONE:Xi’an city is very large, and lots of smog (most of China's big cities, and there are lots, have sever pollution problems, which they are trying to address). First day we hired bikes and spent 1½ hrs on Xi’an’s ancient wall. The wall is 14km around… some of our group made it around, but not us; with stops for pics we were only able to get a quarter way around, but was lots of fun. Lots off rooftop gardens and solar hot water systems so they take advantage of their hot summers. We also visited the Wild Goose Pagoda… nice open space and, for those of you who remember the TV show “Monkey” from the 80s, a statue of Tripitaka, who was a traveller and wise man. We found that most people have basic English ... read more

Another day, another 20 million Chinese. All going about their business in a matter of fact kind of way. Anything goes and no one is bothered...something us Aussies could learn from! The feeling of safety here is unparalleled. Anytime of the day or night. Joe, our driver, explained if a local was to rob or pickpocket a visitor, and are caught with more than 1500 rmb or $300, they'll be jailed for 2 years. If they injure you, its 10 years and if they kill you while trying to steal from you, its the same for them. Seems fair!?! One thing I have failed to tell you about that boggles our uncultured western minds is split pants. What? I hear you say. Isn't it obvious? Pants with a split down the crotch. Fortunately, these are limited ... read more

Catching the second of the high speed CRH trains from Pingyao was easy the second time, and we sped thru the countryside on our way to Xia'n Nth railway station. Landscape was 'flat as a pancake' for most of the trip with the realities of rural China being pretty obvious - that and being enclosed in the all- encompassing layer of smog/fog that prevented distant landscapes being seen. I had anticipated Xian being this 'little' village with the Terra Cotta warriors being its main claim to fame, but was shocked to discover that in fact Xian was a huge industrial city with a population of over 8 million people - like two NZ's in one city !! Luckily there was a metro line that whisked us into the city after we negotiated the frenzy of the ... read more

31.5.16 ( last day of Spring) XIAN:REST DAY Weather: FINE, SMOG THICK. 33C Today is our rest day. Some of group headed off to ride the wall surrounding the city, others to the Terracotta Warriors. I have had a quiet morning wandering local neighbourhoods. The hotel is well located, nearby to the BELL TOWER, a monolithic building in Chinese style, and a large park surrounded by other large buildings in Chinese style. The retail district is extensive with stores such as Zara, Sephora, Uni Glo, Starbucks, McDonalds, Apple. There are myriad local stores much like you would find in any large city. Many restaurants promoting Chinese food. It all looks similar, and I am over it!! Had McDonald's and Starbucks so you can well understand how desperate I have become for other flavoured food!! There are ... read more

After months and months of grey skies, we woke up late feeling rather down by all the gloom. I went to the window and opened the curtains and, lo and behold, blue skies were smiling down on me! Because we were already running very late, I told Jarek, "Let's just go ride bikes around the city wall instead of going to class!" He wasn't sure if I was serious, but I was not kidding. Months and months of grey is hard so I needed to take advantage of the beautiful day! (Good thing, too, because the next day was back to grey.) Jarek agreed... I really am not a bad influence all the time, I promise! It was an absolutely perfect day to ride bikes around the wall! It was a little cool with the breeze, ... read more