Xian

The overnight train to Xi'an was an experience in and of itself. We shared a car with a Chinese couple who seemed to announce their every mundane action with a loud hack, cough, yawn, sigh, you name it! Despite these pronouncements, the train ride was quite soothing with the beautiful country landscape passing by...

In the 1970's, Xi'an became famous for the discovery of the First Emperor's underground army that dates back to 210 BC. It was said that he feared life after death for having killed so many people during his life.

Each soldier is unique. Some say that each soldier was modeled after a real person during that time. Since we couldn't get enough of these dudes, we stayed at a bed and breakfast apartment called the Warrior Apartments. This apartment was run by a local couple who placed these terracotta warriors everywhere including the shower, the walls, the supports for the bed, and there was even a warrior costume in the closet.

We also went to visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a Buddhist pagoda built in the Tang Dynasty. The fountains there are noted to be even more impressive than the one in Vegas.Did you know that babies in China don't wear any underpants???
One of the highlights of the trip was seeing how to this day many Chinese farmers live in caves. These families have lived in caves built by their ancient ancestors and are literally furnished with an outside mud oven that funnels its heat to an enclosed space below their bed. The one we visited was open at both ends, freezing cold, lit by only 1 light bulb, but had a tv in it.

It just makes me wonder how we get so frustrated about the little things... At least we have underpants and a warm house.