DAY FOUR - XI'AN (28 DEC 2008)

Took the morning flight from Beijing to Xi'an - the 2nd stop for this trip. Originally Xi'an was not in the plans because I thought the only thing to see there was the (overrated) Terrcotta Warriors. How wrong I could be! I ended up coming back here a 2nd time on this trip!

OK first the reasons why I opted for Xi'an and not another city, in pictures:


This "crazy" fella!
Originally was supposed to meet up with her in Beijing (hence skipping Xi'an altogether) to do the Great Wall together but she had to leave Beijing for home (Yes, she lives here!) earlier than I could make it to Beijing, so instead meet up with her here and also to pre-celebrate her birthday (more than 2 weeks in advance!).
She is really something special! Free-spirited, wears her heart on her sleeves and a joy to be with!
I count my blessing to have her as a friend.


Mount Huashan!
I had no idea what an experience this turned out to be! Details in an upcoming post.
The "SURPRISE" highlight of this trip.


The Muslim Quarters!
Why I love this place so much?
The FOOD!! I could literally live off this street, there are so many things to eat that you will be spoilt for choice. The problem was you could snack so much that by the time you reach the other end after the turn, you probably no longer need dinner at all!

Of course the colours and atmosphere of this stretch is truly unique - a cross between chinese and middle east cultures. Don't ever leave Xi'an without coming here and be a glutton! Never mind putting on some weight, it will be worth it! Take lots of prune drinks (they call it prune soup!), hot or cold - both just as good.

>>>>>>>>>>> OK here are the photoblogs:


At the Bell Tower - posing with the main bell.


The Bell & Drum Towers Hotel in the background.


What's with the claws? Oh! I got it now...she wanted a cat and got one as a birthday present!


Traffic at this roundabout at the Bell Tower is -- manic!
During peak hours you can forget about getting any cab to come to this area!



Many constructions around the city - mainly for the upcoming subway.
That will make it even more easier to move around this city.


She looks great even in the worse circumstances!


One for keeps! (to add to those from Jiuzhaigou!)


Another one! YES!!


The Bell Tower in the background.



At the Drum Tower - posing with the biggest drums.



At the Drum Tower - posing with a row of auxiliary drums.



Inside the Drum Tower


The Bell Tower by night.

Dinner was at.......where else but the Muslim Quarters! We had muslim food - BBQ, noodles, 8-treasure porridge etc. Washed those down with prune drinks! Tried a couple of local sweet bites too!
Thereafter adjourned to Haagen Daas for desserts. Later on went to a music pub with a fabulous live band rocking with western music together with some of her friends and played some wicked games over whiskey! Crazy fellas...all of them, me included too! What a first night in a new city!