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XianOct 19, 2007
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Terra Cotta army
Pit 1
Soldiers under repair
Xian is a modern city, with a restored palace wall surrounding the center of the city. This morning we visited the world famous Terra-Cotta Warriors. This is a huge complex where 3 pits have be excavated that are covered with large stadium type buildings. These soldiers and horses were meant to protect the emperor in the afterlife. He is actually buried further away, in a tomb said to have a full reconstruction of the old capital, with rivers of mercury. This has not yet been excavated, not only due to the mercury, but there are booby trapped areas that may shoot arrows at the uncoverers. WE also saw this, with 200 steps to the top!
Each soldier in the pit is unique as to body type, facial expression, dress, etc. The soldiers used to be painted, but the paint has faded with time and sunlight exposure. This is an experience that should not be missed.
After lunch, we were treated to the Shanxi History museum, with a collection of treasures dating to the Stone Age. I have purchased books on all of these places because pictures cannot do most of them justice. My big purchase today was 3 Snickers candy bars at the museum gift shop - appreciate these at home, they are rare here!
Next was a stop at a jade factory, really just a ploy to get us to purchase something. It was interesting, however, to learn about the different qualities and how it is shaped.
At 9 pm, we saw a traditional Chinese show at a dinner theater (again, think Beef and Boards), but did the cheap seats with no food, there was one drink included (I had a martini, of course). This show was interesting because there was an orchestra with traditional Chinese instruments, singers and dancers. The costumes were beautiful and I expect to see some of these moves in the 2008 Drum Corp shows. Tomorrow, we tour the wall, then fly to Dunhuang, which is kind of isolated, so you may not hear from me for a while. Adios!
