Terracotta warriors
Today was so exciting, devoted to looking at the terracotta warriors, and no I didn't jump into the pit.We actually started off looking at the Xi'an city wall. This was constructed in the early Ming Dynasty and has been preserved intact. Around the outside a garden walk has been constructed and we saw a lot of the older people walking around and exercising. A really beautiful area and the local Chinese use it well. Some useless statistics I wrote down:
- 112 ramparts.
- one arrow shot away from each other.
- originally 4 city gates - now there are more.
We then went to a factory that churn out souvenir warriors, as I already have one at home I resisted the temptation but bought myself a lovely shawl for night, thanks to Jo who managed to reduce the price significantly. I am starting to learn how to bargain. Came across a very interesting warrior at the factory who had a distinct family resemblance.
The pits where the Terracotta Warriors were found is our next stop and it was awesome. Apparently they were all smashed soon after the death of the emperor that they were made for - they were part of his burial tomb. They have been pieced together by archaeologists. A group of peasants uncovered some pottery while digging a well in 1974 and it was established beyond doubt that these artifacts were associated with the Qin Dynasty (211-206 BC). It has certainly been made into a significant tourist destination and there is a lot of building going on around it to house shops and tourist accommodation. I just wanted to stand and look, it is unbelievable. How could anyone order such a huge undertaking, the life work of many people.
We returned to our hotel for dinner and then to another highlight, a Chinese foot massage. Probably the best 140 yuan I spent! Feet soaked in an extremely hot herbal bath then massaged and pummelled, exquisite pain. Then moved up the legs, arms and finally flipped over the knee of the masseuse, they were very strong and the girls seemed to have no problem in lifting the men in our group.
3 comments:
No don't jump in the pit or in the river tomorrow on your cruise.
Have you a spelling checker with you?
All well here
The spelling errors are probably due to the gin! (well that would be my excuse anyway).
Jen and I are off to see Miss Saigon at Her Majesty's tonight, so we thought we would also have a Chinese meal in Little Bourke St beforehand.
When you return, we might to repeat the meal bit - you'll know exactly what (not) to order.
Sounds fascinating! I think I would prefer your sort of warriers to those I had combat with this week! Wonderful to see Easter - I wonder how it is acknowledged where you are?
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