On the sixth day of our trip we flew to Xi’an for a day. We landed in crazy smoggy weather that was a little shocking. Is it always like this?
We started our Xi’an adventure with a dumpling banquet that featured shapes like ducks (my fave), frogs, bears, and others. Does anyone know what that round thing beside the duckling is by the way (the pink and white one)? I didn’t end up trying it because there was an intense discussion at our table where people were tasting it and saying “Meat?” “No, maybe a vegetable?” “No it’s too rubbery.” “Hm, it’s REALLY chewy…” Pass…
After the dumpling banquet, we watched a Tang Dynasty show with a whirling cast of colorful dancers:
We left about 3/4 through the show and the girls were not happy. They were just fascinated and wanted to stay and watch the whole thing and were Not Sleepy At All, but back in our room I turned around to brush my teeth and turned back around to see this:
The next day we rode bikes at the Ancient Wall. SO fun. A little dangerous with wobbly me at the helm of one of the tandems, but the teeny passengers didn’t seem to mind the imminent danger. It was all just so interesting.
Ran from the Ancient Wall to the Terra Cotta Warriors. The girls were most intrigued by the horses. I loved seeing the people working in the pits to reassemble tiny little pieces. TubaDad just liked how many of them there were.
This picture makes me smile. We saw our reflection in these massive mirrored doors and stopped to try to take a family pic (lots of funny faces and multiple tries, as you can imagine) and when we got inside the building Jane and Bobby were dying laughing. They had been inside the whole time, pressing their faces up against the glass and yelling while watching us through that one-way glass.
Then onto a late, late-night plane that was delayed even further, and resulted in this dual face plant in the hotel lobby when we finally arrived in Chengdu.
Zzzzzzzzzzz.
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Oh so much fun! We are enjoying your trip so much thru your posts! Enjoy every moment!HUGS!!
ReplyDeleteWow! We couldn't go near the TC Warriors when we were there. Great pictures of what looks like a memorable adventure.
ReplyDeleteBobby and Jane found a neat side room in Pit 3 that was set up for pics. They had 4 or 5 warrior replicas in front of a huge photo backdrop of them. You were allowed to stand in between the warriors and a guy was there that would take your picture. So cool.
DeleteXian was one of our favorite places in China. Our guide would never call that stuff in the air Smog. We are so glad you are making this trip and having such a grand time. On your last trip you had a pair of more important things on your mind! It looks as if the girls have had a wonderful time. We are looking forward to pictures of the girls with the Pandas.
ReplyDeleteMa
I am with you in not eating stuff I don't know. We went to Thai last week and one of the dumplings was pink. I just couldn't eat it; especially after a few commented how spicy it was.
ReplyDeleteI am loving following your trip. Such great pics! I can't believe you were able to stand with those warriors and get that shot. Was that really allowed, lol!
ReplyDeleteBobby and Jane found a neat side room in Pit 3 that was set up for pics. They had 4 or 5 warrior replicas in front of a huge photo backdrop of them. You were allowed to stand in between the warriors and a guy was there that would take your picture. So cool.
DeleteThe dramatic double face plant in the hotel lobby is priceless! I'm loving all the updates!
ReplyDeleteWill you get to go to Hubei this trip?
Not this trip, but definitely next time!
DeleteWe adopted our daughter in Xi'an in 2010! Favorite part of our trip-of course Gotcha Day-but also seeing the Terra Cota Warriers!
ReplyDeleteKeep sending the pics and HAVE FUN!
Love all the pictures. Thanks for taking us all on your travels to China what a fun expierence for your girls, all of you as a family. Looks like you will need a trip back to Hawaii when you get home just to warm back up. ;) Happy New Year to all.
ReplyDeleteERIKA
Oh wow, I've got no more words than Oh WOW. Loving reliving it all, thanks.
ReplyDeleteLooks like you guys are having a wonderful time. I know you are on a tour but if you end up having free time and need food/fun recommendations my sister lives in Chengdu and can help with ideas
ReplyDeleteI congratulate the new year 2013
ReplyDeleteThat meat thing? Well the chewy rubbery outside looks like it's pig's ear. It looks like they stuffed a pig's ear with some sort of meat (like sausage kind of stuff) and then sliced it thin. Your trip sounds great! We took our girls back to China in June, we went on our own, not with a tour, and it was so fun!!
ReplyDeleteMaylin just said, "when do I get to go back to China?" I guess that means we will need to go soon. Looks like an amazing time!
ReplyDeleteOur daughter is from Xi'an so seeing your photos of many familiar sites reminds us of our amazing journey through the city in 2010. Can't wait to go back!
ReplyDeleteI'm loving traveling along with you and seeing all the fabulous sites. I can't wait until we can visit ourselves.
ReplyDeleteWow. Xi'an hasn't changed since I was there. Seeing those soldiers is an unforgettable experience.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!!! I want to take you exact trip in about 7 years. Hope they're still offering it!
ReplyDeleteHeh - the face plant pic is priceless!!