Xi'an - Day 2

WOW!  What a day....  Who would think you could see the "8th Wonder" of the world in Xi'an, China - but we did.  Today we visited the Terra-Cotta Warriers outside of Xi'an.  Our guide Tom and driver picked us up at 9:00 AM this morning and we headed to the site of the Terra-Cotta Warriors.  On the way, we stopped at the government run factory that made reproductions of the warriors.  It was a very interesting visit to see how the warriors were and are made today.  Robin and I had fun with the life size statues that you can put you head in and take a picture.  Robin is in one of the generals, and of course, I got behind the "Emperor"!  Here are a few pictures:

"General Robin"

Emperor Dave

Guide discussing how Terra-Cotta Warriors are made

1/4 Size Terracotta Warriors being made & casts

After the visit to the factory, we drove out to the Terra-Cotta Warrior site.  We were a bit hungry, so our guide Tom suggested we go to one of the villager's homes that serve lunch by the Terra-Cotta Warrior site.  We weren't disappointed!  Once again Tom picked a great place!!!!  The food was fantastic and the atmosphere extradinary!  Sure beats eating at KFC.



Another GREAT Chinese Meal



Our Family with the "Chef"

After lunch, we drove to the site of the Terra-Cotta Warriors.  There are 3 pits that you can visit to see the warriors.  We stopped into the gift shop since Tom thought the gentleman that found the Terra Cotta Warriors may be there signing books.  We were able to get him to sign a book for Robin's mother and got our picture taken as well.


Farmer who Found the Warriors - 81 yrs old



Pit 1 Building



First glimpse of Warriors



We headed back to town to rest before dinner and the Tang Dynasty show.  On the way, Robin found this and had to get a picture.  She felt sorry for me since I hadn't been to Home Depot in over a week!!!!  Thank goodness I don't have any "Honey Do's" in China!

We headed back to Xi'an and after a break at the hotel, our guide Tom pick up Robin and myself.  We walked back to the Muslim Quarters for dinner.  He found this little dinner place and it was great.  We ate like kings for about $8.  We have come to really appreciate Tom.  He is so knowledgeable about the area and always has "contacts" that it has made our life really easy and enjoyable.

Cooking our Dinner

Our Guide Tom Eating with Us



The Owner of the Restaurant



 After dinner, we walked back to the hotel to pick up Robin's folks for the Tang Dynasty show.  We really enjoyed the show.  The costumes and quality of the program was outstanding!  If you ever get to Xi'an, we'd recommend this show.



What a day!!!!  We accomplished a lot, but we had a great time doing it!  Tomorrow we visit the Xi'an City Wall and then head to the train station to catch a bullet train back to Beijing to meet up with our Adoption Travel Group.  It's hard to believe that we'll be getting Maddie in a little over 4 days!