Xi'an

We were up early in the morning and out of the hotel before 7:30 am to catch our flight to Xi'an.  When we arrived in the city, I noticed something that set this city apart from all the other Chinese cities I've been to; the architecture had a real Chinese flavour to it.  We soon were told that all new buildings built within the old city walls must resemble buildings that would have been there 600 years ago when the city wall was first built.  Xi'an is very important to the Chinese people as they feel it is the birthplace of China and they take the preservation of the relics in the area seriously.

 After a brief respite in the hotel (me), a plan was hatched (Eryl) to head down to the South Gate of the Wall and then visit the Bell Tower in the centre of the old city.  Which we did.

Poor Eryl, I think she may be fixing her 5 yuan umbrella all across China.

 A few months ago, I had read that bikes could be rented to ride the 16 kms around the circumference of the wall.  I had it in my mind that this was what we should do, even if it was 38 degrees and Eryl was not keen on the idea.  See all the other people doing the same thing!?!

 Eryl quickly came round to the idea when I suggested that we did not have to make it all the way around.  That idea was reinforced once we started travelling over the 600 year old bricks that were a little worn in spots.

The breeze when riding, honestly was delightful.  We were, however, forced to take many breaks as it was really just too hot.  Thankfully there were plenty of things to take pictures of. 

 The old village that was being recreated inside the city wall was very interesting. 

 Did I mention it was hot, even at 5 pm?

 Just as we finished our ride, the locals began to come out and walk on the wall.  It was now deemed cool enough.

 The Bell Tower was next on our list.  This was where notice would be given to the villagers of impending doom, using this very bell.

 We stood on the Bell Tower for a long time watching the sun go down and the traffic go by.  The Bell Tower is the middle of a six lane round about, just like the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, so there were lots of near accidents to see.

 I'm not sure what the Drum Tower's purpose was, but it certainly made for a lovely backdrop for a sunset.

 Just a few minutes later, the lights all came on.  It's interesting to note the contrast in the ancient building and the cranes off in the distance building the countless skyscrapers.

 Eryl did a great job of finding a terrific local restaurant that specialized in dumplings from her guide book.  Unfortunately, being local meant that we did not have any English support what-so-ever.  It was a buffet/dim sum set up, so you had to order and pay at the counter before you took your receipt to the buffet or the lady with the dim sum cart came to your table and gave you your food.  Finally a nice young woman took us under her wing and got us set up.  The restaurant happened to be across from the Bell Tower, so we were able to see it all lit up.

We began to walk back to the hotel, but realized our map was too small to be read in the dark.  Eryl had sore feet and the pollution did a number on my contacts, so we decided to take a cab.  Unfortunately, we could not get one, no matter how high Eryl raised her skirt.  Then we realized we were being summoned by a man in a put-put, a motorcycle with a cab on the back for passengers.  Even though the guidebook suggests that you should not take a ride in these contraptions, and even though the price from out hotel in an air conditioned cab only a few hours ago was 6 yuan and this was 30 yuan (after negotiations!), we took it.

What a ride!  We went through the big six lane round about, zig zagged through traffic, went on the sidewalk, hit a pedestrian, and had a pedestrian hit us.  All in the ten minutes it took us to get back to the hotel.  We giggled and hooted and hollered all the way home.  End of Day 4.