Xi'an and the Ceramic Soldiers

Errrrr.... I mean Terracotta Warriors.

So Liz, Ana and I took the over night train to Xian on Saturday and then did a full day of touring on Sunday. We saw the Terracotta Soldiers, the Somethingorother Pagoda, the City Wall and the old Mosque. It was all very beautiful and interesting. Though to be be honest, the Pagoda wasn't my favorite, it was really too big to appreciate since you had to crane your neck to look at it and frankly, I know nothing of Buddhism so I had a very limited appreciation for the artwork. But I did learn that I was born in the year of the Rooster.... SOLID!
See, it's huge.

WOW... what is this kid doing, swimming on the floor for kicks?
The Terracotta Warriors were a crowd pleaser! They really impressed me. The Chinese refer to it as the 8th wonder of the world, gee I thought there were only 7. However the Chinese also consider the Colosseum the 8th wonder of the world...interesting, it's my recollection that it had already solidified a spot in the top 7. Huh.....

This guy just might be my favorite

The Mosque was my second favorite because the architecture is just neat. Also it was a kick watching the Muslims come and pray. How come it's only dudes praying, what gives? Chicks can't go pray too? At any rate, it was pretty.
And the wall, well the wall got cut short because it was FIGGIN' HOT AS HELL standing on that thing. So we went up and then promptly went down.....so there's that.

Perhaps the best part of Xian is the food. They're not so into rice as they are into noodles. Also they make these amazing little sandwiches they call "Hanbaobao" which translates to hamburger. The meat is a bit shoddy, but it's still really good.
Then we hopped back on the train bound for Beijing. As per usual, it was good times had by all.

Have you heard?

Oh China.... it just gets better and better!



Have you heard.....The Olympics are in town. Indeed! In case you're curious if it's crazy here, no. In case you're curious if it's different around town, obviously yes. The biggest difference I've noticed is the presence of white people......and guess what, they ALL speak English, YAY! Other difference are sort of obvious, things like banners, lots and lots of police men lining the streets, etc.

ALSO in the event you were wondering if I am going to the Olympics, clearly the answer is YES. I made friends with someone who works at the embassy and he forwarded me a legitimate website selling seats to all events, so I picked some up :) And what will I be seeing you may ask??? None other than the MEN'S SPEED WALKING FINALS!! Oh and the decathlon which entails pole vault, hurtles, discus and something else very odd.

Oh wow.... happy go lucky Chinese people with Olympic pride.