Wow, have we had a couple of big days.
Yesterday we left in the morning for our pilgramage to the Terracotta Warriors museum. It's an hour long drive fron Xian and we used the time in the bus for some karaoke singing. I don't quite know if you'd call it singing, but it was a lot of fun. The Terracotta warriors didn't fail to disappoint. It is a real moment to walk into Pit 1 and see them laid out before you, row after row after row. The girls were all very impressed. It is wonderful to see them gain such an appreciation of the historical significance of this find. Olive, our new guide, was terrific. She gave us commentary as we walked through the pits and we were in command of knowledge that gave us greater insight. Many a picture was taken and I'm sure you'll be privy to some amazing slideshows on our return.
We left the museum after 2.30 and made our way to Mt. Huashan. We didn't get to the Gondalas that took us up the mountain until nearly 5.00pm so we knew we would be completing part of the climb in the dark. The gondalas themselves caused much excitement- they go up 1600 metres on a steep incline and the girls were surprised at the height. We started the climb just after 5.00pm and it was pretty much everything I remembered from last year - up and up and up! The girls were great. It was hard, but all of them showed strength of spirit and put their all into getting to the hotel at the top of the mountain. By 6.45 most of us were at the hotel, and a few of us bringing up the rear made it by 7.00pm. It was dark but it just made for a more interesting experience. We got to see the lights of the surrounding area below.
The hotel was basic, but it is simply amazing that there are even hotels up there. Everything on that mountain needs to be carried up. We all went to bed early ready for our 5.15 start to the day to see the sunrise. We hiked to an area where we could see it but cloud cover prevented us from getting a view. The girls were happy to begin the descent, and even happier to finally get back in the coach and sleep on the way back to Xian. On our return we celebrated with a visit to Starbucks!
We freshened up, had a lovely lunch and hit the Muslim Quarter market for the afternoon. Off to dinner soon.
I'll try and get a quick post in tomorrow if I can. We ride bikes around the city wall tomorrow and leave in the late afternoon to catch a sleeper train to Beijing. The girls are having a wonderful experience here and we are enjoying their company. They are a pleasure to be around (when they aren't squealing that is!)
5 comments:
Squealing teenagers...ughhh...you poor poor teachers. Congratulations on a big effort - walking up and down those stairs makes the Moorooduc Quarry look easy in comparison. On the bright side, if they all scream for long enough their voices will eventually disappear...you just need to make judicious use of ear plugs until that stage! Getting a migraine just thinking of all that noise...love to Kim (I think!)
Dear Georgina Fraser
I have been reading all the blogs since you left and I just have to say what a fantastic trip it has been so far and by all accounts will continue to be. Just between you and I Georgie I think you and the other girls are very lucky indeed to have two wonderful teachers with you. Georgie please excuse me from not commenting earlier however I was struck down by the worst possible sicknees know to man...yes I am afraid to say it was a "MAN COLD"! Life without you has been terrible I have endured your mother all by myself. HELP!! Georgie the pics I have seen so far look amazing I can't wait to sit down with you and go through all the others. Continue to have as many fascinating experiences as possible and make every minute count. See you soon all my love xxxoxoxx
DAD!
ps. Come home and save me!!
Those photos show it all!!!
Cheers everyone
Sandy
hi girls!your trip sounds amazing, & you are achieving so much,in a short space of time!your pics are great,funny that the girls always are ragged & Jenny's primmed! Jess i think you need some tips, you've got the "wild gypsy" look down pat.It sounds like you are all worn out,Ihope the girls are not too tired & grizzly for you.Hope you have fun cycling the wall!
Mum- Have a wonderful 16th Jess for Sun 9th.Who could say they had their b'day on the Great Wall of China?You are experiencing some wonderful things! Remember to get the deco's out of your suitcase,& I expect to see photos of you on the bike with the balloons tied to the handlebars!!STEPH--I need you to get lots of photos& spread the 16 confetti's on the dinner table. Maybe you could all dress in Chinese for Tea,complete with chopsticks in the hair up in a bun!! I'm sure Olive would love to help.Jenny,would it be possible to get a special cake or dessert for Tea ,as I have hid a 16 candle in her bag??LOTS OF LOVE & KISSES xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox"chewy" DAD--Have a great day Jess!!
REBECCA-- Hey "Chinee" -Hope you have a wicked b'day,& make sure
"the knife comes out clean" HA HA!!Bet you can't wait to come home to your beloved Sister,& Karl said he MIGHT give you a big hug????xoxoxo
Nathan--I hope you have a nice b'day in China,-you can think of Cary!!hahahaha oooooo no xx!
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