Xi'an....The Real Capital....

The flight the Xi'an Friday evening went fine, although the plane seats were fairly small and cramped...worse than Ryanair...and got a bus into the center of the walled city. The city did remind me of Cork, smaller, more compact and claims to be the real capital! Its surrounded by a 4km X 3km wall, one of its most distinctive features and we stayed right by the south gate. After a late start Saturday, we entered the city walls, and saw some traditional Chinese performances as it was the end of the holiday week. You'll see the video of the 3 lads performing with a trumpet-type instrument.

We then walked around the city on top of the walls - total of 9 miles and it was great to see as they lit up as night fell.

Saturday night - met up with some fellow Irish travellers in the hostel, 2 lads from Kildare and Dublin, and 2 girls from Wicklow, and when you have 6 Irish together on a Saturday night with 80 cent beer - a good night was had. At this point, we began to question the plan of visiting major cities and would rather see some countryside and rural China - so decided to join the girls for a cruise on the Yangzi River for a few days, and work it into the plan once we were finished Xian.

Sunday was a slow day - walked through the Muslim quarter which was very interesting - and on Monday - took a day trip to the Terracotta Warriors - the main attraction that would bring anyone to Xian. For those who don't know, this is a tomb of an Emperor from 200BC that was found in the 1970's by a local farmer digging a well. In fact, we met the very man, a cult hero in China, at the info center as he was eating he's noodle lunch - he's over 80 years old. He doesn't allow pictures - but Bill Clinton got one when he visited the site! The bus got a puncture on the way back which was funny, a load of tourists stuck on the side of the highway. Tuesday poured rain all day - first drops seen since in the 2 weeks - so had to cancel a planned 2day hike - and just used the day to plan the Yanzi cruise.

Wednesday was our last day in Xian - spent most of the day walking around the city and doing some shopping - but went out to a water show in the evening. It was out in this park where the water moves to the music etc. The park was popular with tourists and locals, with crowds meeting to dance, sing etc - amazing stuff.

There was full on ballroom dancing in the parking with anyone and everyone joining in - with the Giant Pagoda in the background - it was pretty cool. Headed to the train station late Wednesday night to get our first overnight train.......