On to Xian

I wanted to see Xian, the ancient capital and near the site of the terra cotta warrior excavations. We had a little rain one day but didn't miss out too much. Xian is known for its wall around the old city and for Drum Towers used for signaling. We had a bike cart ride in the rain along the wall to a small museum. We took a bus tour the next day to the terra cotta excavations, it was thrilling to see them, most are very damaged and lose their colors when exposed to air, nevertheless, they are impressive in their age. We had some long walks during this trip, just watching people and seeing new sights. Our hotel here was just ok, older and a bit rundown. We were trying to keep on a budget and picked our restaurants with care. The food is just unusual enough to make you wary. Chicken with all the bones, whole fish and things like that. In the restaurant districts of these towns it is common for live animals, fish, snakes, eel and turtles to be kept outside on the sidewalk to entice you into the restaurant to pick your special treats.