China, Part 1

China - one of the few places where being "one in a million" means there will be a few thousand other people like you.


This first photo is from Xi'an, our first major stop in China a few weeks back. The first is from the bell tower of Xi'an, and it's in the old city center. The city has stretched far beyond the city walls. Historically, this city has been an arts and cultural center.

The city was not as commercial as future stops on our trip (Wuhan and Chongqing) nor was it as cosmopolitan as Shanghai. But it was still a nice city, even despite the fact that crossing the street was like being trapped in Frogger, and riding in taxis was like riding Mr. Toad's Wild Ride at Disney World.


This second photo is of one of the Terra Cotta Soldiers. This particular soldier has been removed from the pit and is on display in a little museum they had. The soldiers are located about one hour away from the city. Apparently they were placed to guard an emperor's tomb, which was later destroyed in a protest. Then about thirty years ago, some farmer found them while digging a well. I believe the farmer does some book signings from time-to-time.