Xian, China

XIAN

sounds like Ceean

We were to fly to Xian to see the Terra Cotta warriers. This was our first flight on a domestic flight owned and operated by the Chinese government.

Xian was the capital of China twice during the Hon Dynasty.  Silk, porcelain tea, music, dancing and fine horses were introduced during this period.

During Tang Dynasty from 7th to 10th century, Xian grew to a population of one million, 30,000 foreigners, similar to New York or London. Like most important cities  in China it built a wall to protect itself from invasions.

Either pollution, smog or fog delayed our departure. Fortunately Michael's company had provided lunch for the plane (Subway in China!) and during the seven hour or so airport delay we ate it. I attempted to read the latest Grisham novel but was interrupted at frequent intervals by Terry singing.  He has enough sense to plug in the head phones so others don't have to listen to his brand of country, but then he starts singing without benefit of professional accompaniment. Does that make sense??

Anyway he was having fun and entertaining at least a part of the crowd.

So instead of the 8th wonder of the world - Michael says there seem to be a number of these -  the Terra Cotta Warriors, we had a brief tour of Xian, which was in the midst of  a beautiful spring.

Pagoda Park

On the Way to Xian

Our local guide Jenny and Michael taught us a few more words - spelled here phonetically - ma ma hoo hoo - means so-so - applied to the onboard lunch sandwich; Ne how means Hello. A variation I don't remember means how are you?  The response is ding ding how, meaning some level of good. The number of Dings or maybe Dins means how good you or it is...like Din din din din din din how is close to excellent.  The more din,  the more power you have.

Women enjoyed much more freedom during the Tang Dynasty...natural feet (as opposed to the binding of feet), played polo, wrote and read poetry.  The ideal woman had a plump face like a full moon and even a double chin with a little mouth, good skin, like jade.She was charming and graceful.

After Tang Dynasty women were forbidden to show her husband when she washed her feet. I have no idea what this preoccupation with women's feet might mean.

Of the 21 emperors of the Tang Dynasty, 18 are buried here in Xian province.It is a much warmer climate than Beijing and evidently a better placer to spend the afterlife.

Our first stop was the Leaning Pagoda of Xian, whose purpose was to preserve the Buddha scriptures. It housed 50 monks living similar lives: early risers, ate meat, gardened, raised white geese.  Buddha pictured here is a very happy fellow.

The Leaning Pagoda

His twin sits nearby

Several variations of mythical creatures guarded the Laughing Buddha.

The Laughing Buddha

We attempted to stop at Xian City Wall but it was closed.  Evidently attractions can close when they feel like it.   Rocky was very disappointed. He was looking forward to a climb.

Rocky and the Wall

Instead he had to settle for a chinese buffet and an elegant night at the Sofitel Hotel.