Xi’an sites

Friday 9:32 PM. Today was go, go, go. Up early, down to breakfast and on the move before 9:00. We’re in Xi’an now, one of China’s oldest cities, founded during the Tang Dynasty, which Wikipedia tells me was a really long time ago. The ancient wall of the inner city is still in tact, and we rode its total distance on bikes this morning. Probably about 14 kms, temp hovering around 30 degrees plus humidity. It felt like a dream at first in a romantic sort of way, bumping along the uneven stones on a rickety old bike. I gaze about at the architecture and think (as I am drawn to do) rather more about the people who live in the homes that I can see, of the lives they lead, their hopes and dreams. I love the sloping roofs, the hazy sky. I try to picture my parents and how they could never have imagined this: their daughter astride an old bike, riding across a Chinese wall in the mid-day heat, following mere metres behind her own daughter, whose Chinese roots have brought her here to this unfamiliar and engaging land. I can scarcely believe it myself.

The afternoon is spent in Muslim quarter of Xi’an. We wander through the markets, mesmerized by live crickets in cages, and intrigued by the aroma of cooking stalls. There are more uneven stones, caged birds and colourful mobiles inspired by the Chinese Zodiac.  It’s an American Express commercial come to life.

Back at our hotel (Shangri-La indeed), we plan and conspire and connect over beers in the lounge. The girls are giggling and amusing themselves. We relax.

Early start tomorrow.

 

Comments

[Tammy]

Thanks for the updates Karen! I look forward to coming to work everyday to see if there's anything new....keep them coming! Sounds like you're having a great time...wish I was with you!!
Tammy