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Xi'an
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We arrived in Xi'an to find a city shrowded in pollution (or fog as one of our tour guides claimed). Anyway, despite the poor air quality, we managed to find our way to our (well the taxi driver was) to our hostel after we got in late from Lanzhou. We were greeted by a friendly staff who spoke good English and showed us to our rooms. This had to be one of the nicer ascetically pleasing hostels we have stayed in. With multiple floors all filled with various Chinese art, there was no doubt where we were. We woke up the next morning reading to tackle this historical city, the capital of over 10 ancient Chinese dynasties. Well, Evren and Russ were ready to do some tackling. I was ready to call in the medical team. But, I managed to survive long enough to enjoy our tour of the Terracota Warriors. We have seen many different "tourist" sites on this trip, but this had to be one of the most impressive. And even more surprising, the Chinese have only uncovered roughly 10% of this ancient burial ground of the first Chinese emperor. I asked why, and our tour guide explained that there is thick walls of mercury surrounding the actual tomb and the Chinese along with experts from around the world have yet to figure out a way to penitrate it safely. Apparently dynamite isn't an option.
We spent the rest of our time in Xi'an touring the local McDonalds (yes we can!), seeing Asia's biggest light and fountain show (not as cool as we would have hoped) and looking at Pagodas (here a Pagoda, there a Pagoda, everywhere a Pagoda). Suffice it to say, Xi'an has its fair share of sites and we really only brushed the surface. Perhaps we will journey back again, as long as we are guaranteed to see the sun.
One final note from our time in Xi'an. Despite what you may of heard, Evren and I were thouroughly able to dominate a Chinese girl in ping pong. We hope to take our new found confidence to the 2012 Olympics.
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