What is it Saying?

I love seeing details like this and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda has them everywhere! I can’t read any of this, of course, but I do recognize a lot of the writing as being numbers. Maybe this is someWeiterlesen
Turning the Corner

Courtyards seems to be around every other corner. I like exploring these temple grounds. I never know what I’ll be seeing next! Each time I turn the corner it’s something different.
Courtyards

The courtyards look very beautiful. They aren’t the traditional gardens or fountains you would expect in a courtyard but that sort of thing would actually be very out of place. These look veryWeiterlesen
At the Pagoda

Everyone in our tour group wanted a photo in front of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Lee, our tour guide, patiently took photos for everyone. He’s such a friendly guy and I’m liking him a lot moreWeiterlesen
Budai

Budai is a semi-historical Chinese monk who is venerated as Maitreya Buddha in Chan Buddhism. He is said to have lived around the 10th century in the Wuyue kingdom. His name literally means "clothWeiterlesen
Buddha

It’s been said that placing Buddha statues around your home can bring peace, positive energy, good health and prosperity. If that’s true, this place must be the most lucky place in the world.Weiterlesen
Ice Cream Break

After making our way to our groups meeting place, we saw a few stands selling ice cream and decided that a snack would do us good. Once we bought some, most of the other people in our tour groupWeiterlesen
Time for Lunch

We had lunch at a buffet style restaurant within walking distance to the pagoda and it was awful! I’m so happy that I had that ice cream because there wasn’t really anything here that I could eat.Weiterlesen
Dumplings

These dumplings were very well made and looked beautiful but, unfortunately, completely inedible. Even Kathy, who will eat almost anything didn’t like the food here and ate almost nothing. Zoom inWeiterlesen
Back to the Bus

Our time at Big Wild Goose Pagoda has come to a close and lunch, such as it was, has ended so it’s time to head back to the bus and go to our hotel. We’ve been on the move since before dawn soWeiterlesen
Arriving at the Wyndham

After taking the more scenic route, we arrived at our hotel, the Wyndham. I really enjoyed seeing more of Xi’an. I just wish that we had made a few stops while driving so that I could get some moreWeiterlesen
Our View

This is the view from our hotel room. It’s so much more impressive than the views we had in Beijing and Chengdu! Xi’an seems to be a much more modern, and built up, city. I like it here!
Blue Hour View

While Kathy was taking a nap, I set up the tripod and decided to get a few good shots of the view from our hotel room. I was very tired and wanted to nap a bit but. Didn’t want to miss this greatWeiterlesen
Out and About

Kathy was feeling very hungry when she woke up so we decided to go outside and look for somewhere to get food. There wasn’t much around but it felt good to be out exploring again. I’m hoping thatWeiterlesen
Dinner, Finally!

We found Weijia Cold Noodle, a fast food type of restaurant, right near the hotel. They only served Chinese food so, while not really for me, it was a good choice for her. She didn’t think that itWeiterlesen
Mass Transit

This is the entrance to the subway system in Xi’an. I wanted to go down and see what the trains here are like and, possibly, get another transit card for my collection. Kathy didn’t think that itWeiterlesen
Good Night

With a last look out the window, we’re ready to go to bed. It’s been a very long and busy day and we’re completely exhausted. I know that we’re going to sleep well tonight!
Early to Rise

Despite the early hour, I’m already wide awake. I’m hardly sleeping on this trip but I don’t think that it’s because of the time difference. This is the most exciting trip I’ve ever takenWeiterlesen
Breakfast Time

Despite looking a lot nicer than the Beijing hotel’s restaurant, the food looks to be about the same meaning that there is very little for me to eat. I’m happy with buttered toast though. TheWeiterlesen
Today’s Plan

Today we’re going to a factory and shop where terracotta warriors are made in all different sizes and sold as souvenirs. After that we’re going to see the real terracotta warriors. I’m lookingWeiterlesen
Meeting a Warrior

So far, I haven’t been overly impressed by the different factory tours that we’ve gone on but this place seems very different. We just got here and I’m already liking it very much!
My Terracotta Buddy

I know that these aren’t the actual terracotta warriors but I’m still surprised that we’re allowed to be so close to them and touch them. These statues make great photo opportunities!
These Look Real!

I’ve never seen the real terracotta warriors but, in all the pictures that I’ve seen, this is exactly what they look like. These reproductions are very well done!
My Warrior Princess

They even had some hollowed out terracotta warriors so that we could step inside and become one for photos. What a great idea for a photo op!
Terracotta Soldiers

Here’s both of us transformed into terracotta warriors. The center figure seems to be designed for a child. It would have been great to take this trip with the kids when they were small. I bet thatWeiterlesen