Welcome to China Dad!
Another visitor! After my Anhui province adventures, I headed to Shanghai to meet Dad and Carla off the plane from Sydney. We had a quick catch up over dinner before an early night in order to be up early to board another plane, this time bound for Xian, home of the Terracotta Warriors. Little did I know that Xian had many other features that made it charismatic and full of life.
Who is turning 60?!
South Gate of the city at night
At first glance, Xian is just another large, smoggy city whose streets are congested with buses, cars, scooters, bikes, pedicabs and pedestrians. But, if you delve a little deeper, there are many unique things about Xian that make it so special. For a start, the city walls have been restored and tourists are able to walk or cycle their way around the outskirts of the city centre, getting a glimpse at the city fro a different perspective. Walking would have been a little boring, so it was great fun to hire some dodgy Chinese bikes and pedal our way around.
Father and daughter time on the Xian city wall
They say that you never forget how to ride a bike?!
The Drum and Bell Towers were both decorated with beautiful red and gold lanterns as well as hundreds of Chinese flags to mark the 60th anniversary of the People's Republic of China. These towers were used to mark the beginning and end of each day during the ancient towers. Bells were rung to signal sunrise, whilst drums were pounded to signal sunset (or maybe it was the other way around?!)
Too tall for the bus!
Lack of amusement at standing in line at the crowded Xian train station just before the National Day
The Muslim Quarter was one of my favourite parts of Xian. I loved strolling through the narrow alleyways exploring the different stalls, especially the food. We visited the area two nights in a row because the food was so delicious - pastries stuffed with cabbage and beef, chicken in pita bread, spicy soups, sweet buns, the list went on! Being a sweet tooth, I was drawn towards the desserts, however looks can be deceiving and I found myself searching for the nearest rubbish pile to toss the sticky rice dishes. The Great Mosque was an interesting place to visit, with a unique blend of Chinese and Islamic architecture. I'd be interested to find out more about the role of the Muslim religion in China. The warriors are coming up tomorrow!
Great Mosque
Muslim Quarter butcher (note the refrigeration method)
Muslim Chinese at the Great Mosque
Soup anyone?
First taste of sticky rice dessert - looked great, tasted awful
Street food
I'm not sure what is so amusing about chicken in pita bread?! Muslim Quarter at night
Drying the flat bread
Hmmmm, what shall we try now?
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