Small, Old, and Dusty
That was how our guide described Xi' An, as small, old, and dusty. There was construction going on everywhere and it wasn't for expansion, it was for up-keep. There are stairs from the buildings down to the river and I can only assume that is so people can do their wash in the river. This was also my first experience using the hole rather than the American sit-on toilet. Let's just say squatting isn't my thing. The locals here don't come up to us they leave us be which is a nice change from Shanghai. It is a different atmosphere and the people here in the smaller city seem less bold than the big New York resembling city. However, here they have these balloons that advertise. I have no idea what they are advertising but it was a cool idea that caught my eye, which is the purpose of advertising.
This hotel was my favorite and Julia and I had a corner suite. There was an amazing shower and huge marble counters and a view that could kill. We heard fireworks going off during the day and we asked what they were for and we were told it was for a wedding. A little odd that they would shoot them off during the day but definitly a celebratory occasion.
At dinner we learned the traditional seating for a Chinese dinner party. There can be as many as two hosts and there is a first and second guest, as in the two most important guests at the party. This was also a different experience since in America we try our hardest not to give priority to one guest over another. We consider something like that rude and at a party we dread offending our guests.
This hotel was my favorite and Julia and I had a corner suite. There was an amazing shower and huge marble counters and a view that could kill. We heard fireworks going off during the day and we asked what they were for and we were told it was for a wedding. A little odd that they would shoot them off during the day but definitly a celebratory occasion.
At dinner we learned the traditional seating for a Chinese dinner party. There can be as many as two hosts and there is a first and second guest, as in the two most important guests at the party. This was also a different experience since in America we try our hardest not to give priority to one guest over another. We consider something like that rude and at a party we dread offending our guests.
Maybe he's over compensating?
I was extremely excited for today! We went to visit the Terracotta Warriors!! This is such a huge piece of history and an amazing accomplishment for any civilization. Each warrior has a different face and was hand painted. Before we got to the warriors we (of course) took a bus. This bus took us over the First highway that was built in China! A lot of "old" happening in the first part of today!
The actual mausoleum is for Emperor Quin Shi Huang. He was the first Emperor and to me, having all of these warriors built for a tomb is a little self-centered. An entire replica of an Army built to protect your body seems insecure. On the other hand his tomb was invaded and many of the warriors were destroyed and the tomb was lost for many years. Emperor Huang also did a great service to China by starting the war that unified the nation. Maybe this was his way of living forever, by making sure he was remembered by all for forever.
The other thing I found odd about it was that they were still excavating and discovering the warriors, but they had built what appeared to be, semi-permanent buildings around them. Wouldn't the weight of construction machines possibly damage what is underground?
We had a long walk up to the buildings where the warriors were and there were quite a few places advertising that they had one of the original four farmers signing autographs. There was jade knock offs and chess sets everywhere and a few fast-food places. No air conditioning anywhere. It was a very touristy area and people are back to taking our pictures. In fact one guy asked me and Julia to dinner with him. Sadly we had no idea what he was saying and probably offended him by turning him down the way we had. I wish we had had more time to walk through and admire the warriors. I felt rushed and like we had to take hurried pictures or we were going to miss it. I like to travel, not be a tourist, and take my time at the places I like to be. I don't think I got the full effect of their presence but it was still awe-inspiring to be there and see the amazing craftsmanship.
The actual mausoleum is for Emperor Quin Shi Huang. He was the first Emperor and to me, having all of these warriors built for a tomb is a little self-centered. An entire replica of an Army built to protect your body seems insecure. On the other hand his tomb was invaded and many of the warriors were destroyed and the tomb was lost for many years. Emperor Huang also did a great service to China by starting the war that unified the nation. Maybe this was his way of living forever, by making sure he was remembered by all for forever.
The other thing I found odd about it was that they were still excavating and discovering the warriors, but they had built what appeared to be, semi-permanent buildings around them. Wouldn't the weight of construction machines possibly damage what is underground?
We had a long walk up to the buildings where the warriors were and there were quite a few places advertising that they had one of the original four farmers signing autographs. There was jade knock offs and chess sets everywhere and a few fast-food places. No air conditioning anywhere. It was a very touristy area and people are back to taking our pictures. In fact one guy asked me and Julia to dinner with him. Sadly we had no idea what he was saying and probably offended him by turning him down the way we had. I wish we had had more time to walk through and admire the warriors. I felt rushed and like we had to take hurried pictures or we were going to miss it. I like to travel, not be a tourist, and take my time at the places I like to be. I don't think I got the full effect of their presence but it was still awe-inspiring to be there and see the amazing craftsmanship.
Historical Chicken
After we had walked through all three buildings where the warriors and their horses were, we went to lunch. Outside of the museum there is a KFC and I was happy to be a customer! At this point I realized that I need variety in the styles of food I eat. I love dumplings and rice and noodles but I missed potatoes and mac n cheese and was looking for it at KFC. Sadly they don't have mac n cheese or potato wedges but they did have mashed potatoes and gravy. They also offered oddities such as fried seafood stars...I don't know what kind of seafood or why it was star shaped but I got the popcorn chicken. It was spicy and delicious and well worth the trip.
The other option was subway and I am glad I didn't go there. All my fellow students said it was not good. The bread was soggy and the meat had been sitting out too long.
Another great thing that KFC offered was a drink called 9 lives. I was skeptical because no one could tell me what was in it and it was bright orange but not and orange soda. It turned out that Julia and I were feeling adventurous and ordered it. To my delight it was papaya juice! It was perfect and refreshing on a hot day walking in no Air conditioning. I almost had to order a second one but we were off to our next destination.
The other option was subway and I am glad I didn't go there. All my fellow students said it was not good. The bread was soggy and the meat had been sitting out too long.
Another great thing that KFC offered was a drink called 9 lives. I was skeptical because no one could tell me what was in it and it was bright orange but not and orange soda. It turned out that Julia and I were feeling adventurous and ordered it. To my delight it was papaya juice! It was perfect and refreshing on a hot day walking in no Air conditioning. I almost had to order a second one but we were off to our next destination.
A man-faced fish
We next went to another current excavation site but this one was less famous and less crowded. It was a site where they found ancient remnants of houses peasants built and lived in. It was such a transition to see how the Emperor lived and died and then how the peasants did it. It was such a small museum and there were local farmers selling their paintings in the museum. I bought a sunflower portrait for my brother and his wife. I know I overpaid and I didn't haggle at all but I also knew the proceeds were going either directly to the farmers or the museum and I wanted to support. Also an overpayment is still less than $20 so when put into perspective, this was still a great deal and a good cause.
Just another brick in the wall
We made our next stop at the city wall of Xi' An. It used to be that before you could only be in the city walls if you had the favor of the Emperor. It is still very expensive to live inside the city walls. We were supposed to ride bikes along the city wall but there was a bike tour going on and all of the single bikes were rented out already. I wasn't exactly keen on riding tandem so Julia and I walked along the wall instead. We peaked over both sides and watched slices of other peoples lives. We saw couples in the park and we watched the end ceremony of the bike race. The awards were being given out and we couldn't understand a word they said but each team had their own little dance so when one of their own won something they broke into a victory dance. Some guy who stayed on the wall to watch as well tried to impress us by riding by and doing tricks on his bike but all he got from us was a smile and a wave.
At this point I was pretty tired and the dust was getting in my throat and in my eyes. I needed a pick me up and was more than ready for dinner.
At this point I was pretty tired and the dust was getting in my throat and in my eyes. I needed a pick me up and was more than ready for dinner.
Don't mention Pig or Pork!
For dinner we stopped at a market place known as Muslim street. We all gathered around our guide as she told us a little bit of the history and gave a very stern warning "Don't mention pig or pork." We might have seriously offended someone but pig or pork isn't a day to day topic I tend to talk about. We made our way to the restaurant on the other side of the market place and sat down for a traditional dumpling dinner. We had over ten different kinds of dumplings! So many filled with beef and chicken and veggies it was delightful. Of course I ate too much as usual but we did so much walking I felt like a marathon runner.
After our dumpling dinner we went to shop and I told my professors about the gift I wanted to Bring my Boyfriend Chris. Dr. Teets thought for a moment and then goes " You know what I know exactly where to find something like that. It's in a back alley way but I promise it's safe I'll go with you" So off we went on an adventure to the back alley way of Muslim street! There were so many cool shops and vendors I got carried away. I couldn't tell you how much I spent and then they turned on their Christmas lights and the trees came to life. I could have spent and eternity there. Alas it was time to go and we filed back onto the bus. Another dreamy day as a world traveler in an Asian paradise.
After our dumpling dinner we went to shop and I told my professors about the gift I wanted to Bring my Boyfriend Chris. Dr. Teets thought for a moment and then goes " You know what I know exactly where to find something like that. It's in a back alley way but I promise it's safe I'll go with you" So off we went on an adventure to the back alley way of Muslim street! There were so many cool shops and vendors I got carried away. I couldn't tell you how much I spent and then they turned on their Christmas lights and the trees came to life. I could have spent and eternity there. Alas it was time to go and we filed back onto the bus. Another dreamy day as a world traveler in an Asian paradise.
From two different worlds
This was the most educational, eye-opening, fun day we had. It was our visit to Xi' An University and it was raining. I had heard rumors that the government makes it rain once a month. Because the pollution is so bad the clouds cannot release the condensation without a little help so the government sends chemicals into the clouds and it rains. After it rains it is the only time the Chinese people really can see the sky. How sad is that? Especially if it is true? I can't imagine not seeing the sky except for once a month!
Our bus was late and I forgot my umbrella so a kind student ran up and covered me under his. He introduced himself as Jack and we began the traditional small talk...What's your major...what grade are you? I found out Jack is from Xi' An and a junior tourism management major. He still has no idea what he wants to do but he is smart enough and kind enough that I know he will go far in the industry.
We had our welcome from the head of the university and it turns out that our very own Dr. Small is a bit of a celebrity there. They asked me so many questions about being in his class and his picture was hanging outside in the hallway of the main building. Once our introductions and welcome were over we got to sit in on a class taught by one of their professors...I know it doesn't sound that awesome but....it was my absolute FAVORITE subject!!! Human Resource Management! I was answering questions left and right and the professor and I had a small discussion on minimum wage. I felt so smart! They teach their classes in English and in Chinese and the classrooms are so big the professor uses a microphone. They also have no problem letting their students check their cell phones....ahem ahem...
The classroom was all chatter because the students were so excited we were there and we were excited to be there. We learned so much more from one another than we would have from sitting in on any class (even though I could have talked HR all day) so the professor let them out of class early.
We then headed to the cafeteria and holy cow they have a huge selection. They have three stories of food vendors and escalators up to each floor! Jack bought me lunch and we had spicy noodles and dumplings and chocolate pie. I bought us coke and apple juice because that's all that he would let me buy. Tristan and his guide joined us and Tristan and I kept looking at each other because there was no way we could eat all of this food! The other students ate SO MUCH! I have no idea where they put it all they are both so tiny!
We separated for our tour of the university and Jack and I headed to the library. They have a huge library too! It put Kimble to shame but I prefer the comfort and closeness of Kimble. It is familiar and comfy their six story library was cold and unfurnished. The entire school including the staff shuts down after lunch for a nap! No joke we couldn't see some things because everyone had locked up and gone to bed. I wish this was something we as a culture would adopt. Jack said this is so when you head to your afternoon classes you are refreshed and prepared.
All of the buildings are connected by covered walkways and they are open buildings so in some there was water in the middle of the building from the rain. They did not really pay much mind to the appearance of the classrooms. They like the library were cold and simple with chalkboards and dust. Very fitting for our small, old, dusty city.
Jack and i talked the entire time about life differences and things we did for fun. He had no idea what skateboarding was but he loved rollerblading down the hill in town. We talked about fox news and the best impartial news sites and how China filters it's news and he was so confident America doesn't do things like that. I told him it might be better to get his news from Canada or England. He also told me how great a singer his partner was and I was so excited I asked him to sing for me and he quickly turned me down. Jack explained that in China they are far more humble. I was always raised to believe that if you have a gift it is a sin not to share it with the world and the people around you. That it is not a matter of being humble or not but rather knowing what you are good at and knowing time and place. I tried to explain this but they just smiled and shrugged and said how much of a difference it is between our upbringings. It made me a little sad. It was hard for me to wrap my head around being ashamed to do the things you love and are good at. We truly are blessed to be raised in a nurturing environment where all people are accepted as they are.
As our tour came to a close and we headed back for Dr. Small's lecture, I asked Jack how long he had been speaking English and he said 6 months!!! I was floored, we had been having these deep intensive conversations in English and he had only been practicing for a semester. That just goes to show you how dedicated they are to their studies. Another big difference is that it costs more money for them to be sent to a good primary school than it does for a good college education. They start early and those years matter more. In order to get into a good college you have to have a good foundation. Another thing I believe we as a culture should adopt.
Our bus was late and I forgot my umbrella so a kind student ran up and covered me under his. He introduced himself as Jack and we began the traditional small talk...What's your major...what grade are you? I found out Jack is from Xi' An and a junior tourism management major. He still has no idea what he wants to do but he is smart enough and kind enough that I know he will go far in the industry.
We had our welcome from the head of the university and it turns out that our very own Dr. Small is a bit of a celebrity there. They asked me so many questions about being in his class and his picture was hanging outside in the hallway of the main building. Once our introductions and welcome were over we got to sit in on a class taught by one of their professors...I know it doesn't sound that awesome but....it was my absolute FAVORITE subject!!! Human Resource Management! I was answering questions left and right and the professor and I had a small discussion on minimum wage. I felt so smart! They teach their classes in English and in Chinese and the classrooms are so big the professor uses a microphone. They also have no problem letting their students check their cell phones....ahem ahem...
The classroom was all chatter because the students were so excited we were there and we were excited to be there. We learned so much more from one another than we would have from sitting in on any class (even though I could have talked HR all day) so the professor let them out of class early.
We then headed to the cafeteria and holy cow they have a huge selection. They have three stories of food vendors and escalators up to each floor! Jack bought me lunch and we had spicy noodles and dumplings and chocolate pie. I bought us coke and apple juice because that's all that he would let me buy. Tristan and his guide joined us and Tristan and I kept looking at each other because there was no way we could eat all of this food! The other students ate SO MUCH! I have no idea where they put it all they are both so tiny!
We separated for our tour of the university and Jack and I headed to the library. They have a huge library too! It put Kimble to shame but I prefer the comfort and closeness of Kimble. It is familiar and comfy their six story library was cold and unfurnished. The entire school including the staff shuts down after lunch for a nap! No joke we couldn't see some things because everyone had locked up and gone to bed. I wish this was something we as a culture would adopt. Jack said this is so when you head to your afternoon classes you are refreshed and prepared.
All of the buildings are connected by covered walkways and they are open buildings so in some there was water in the middle of the building from the rain. They did not really pay much mind to the appearance of the classrooms. They like the library were cold and simple with chalkboards and dust. Very fitting for our small, old, dusty city.
Jack and i talked the entire time about life differences and things we did for fun. He had no idea what skateboarding was but he loved rollerblading down the hill in town. We talked about fox news and the best impartial news sites and how China filters it's news and he was so confident America doesn't do things like that. I told him it might be better to get his news from Canada or England. He also told me how great a singer his partner was and I was so excited I asked him to sing for me and he quickly turned me down. Jack explained that in China they are far more humble. I was always raised to believe that if you have a gift it is a sin not to share it with the world and the people around you. That it is not a matter of being humble or not but rather knowing what you are good at and knowing time and place. I tried to explain this but they just smiled and shrugged and said how much of a difference it is between our upbringings. It made me a little sad. It was hard for me to wrap my head around being ashamed to do the things you love and are good at. We truly are blessed to be raised in a nurturing environment where all people are accepted as they are.
As our tour came to a close and we headed back for Dr. Small's lecture, I asked Jack how long he had been speaking English and he said 6 months!!! I was floored, we had been having these deep intensive conversations in English and he had only been practicing for a semester. That just goes to show you how dedicated they are to their studies. Another big difference is that it costs more money for them to be sent to a good primary school than it does for a good college education. They start early and those years matter more. In order to get into a good college you have to have a good foundation. Another thing I believe we as a culture should adopt.
It's my money and I need it now!
After the school visit we had some free time and I needed to exchange some money. This hotel didn't have a convenient exchange machine in the lobby so we went to the bank to get the exchange. The process of getting money starts with an application. It includes a variety of personal information and then they make a copy of your passport. It seems a disconcerting amount to exchange money. Here I noticed that not only the wait staff but other employees like the bankers, have an ID number on their name tag. I have to wonder if this is some form of social security number for tracking or and employee number. Maybe it's a number they receive when they enter the work force and it doesn't change until they retire? I'm not sure but I know it's not something we do here in America. I also noticed they have buttons outside the window so you can rate the service of your banker. There are four stars, four being the best service and they have their overall rating upfront. The woman who helped me had a three star rating and was the only one working the exchange side of things.
After the bank we tried desperately to get a taxi back to Muslim street. No one would stop for us in the rain. when we asked them to take us to where we wanted to go they said no and drove off. One taxi was even stopped and we asked he looked us up and down and then said no. I'm not sure what it was...the rain...our ethnicity...or the place we wanted to go. Never the less we ended up not making to our shopping paradise and stayed in the hotel for food.
After the bank we tried desperately to get a taxi back to Muslim street. No one would stop for us in the rain. when we asked them to take us to where we wanted to go they said no and drove off. One taxi was even stopped and we asked he looked us up and down and then said no. I'm not sure what it was...the rain...our ethnicity...or the place we wanted to go. Never the less we ended up not making to our shopping paradise and stayed in the hotel for food.