June 27, 2208 Xian

The day started with a hearty American breakfast and the first OJ on the trip. We each probably drank 2 or 3 glasses each. The ride to the Terra Cotta Soldiers was interesting as Michelle filled us with facts about the Xing (pronounced Chin) Dynasty. She gave us a trick about how to remember all the dynasties, Han (hand), Tang (Tongue). The emperor of the Xing Dynasty was the most evil. He was paranoid about his enemies, which is why he built the Terra Cotta Warriors . 720,000 men built the warriors over 38 years. After they were built he ordered the men to death, to be buried alive so the where about of his tomb would not be revealed, as he wanted his after life to be protected. The same emperor built the Great Wall. He took an elixrer to prolong his life, but ironically, it had mercury in it and caused an early death. The archeologist knows this by soil testing. After his death, the commoners, burned down the warriors, and took their swords. They remained buried until 4 farmers were digging for a well , and found the warriors. 3 of the farmers wanted to keep it a secret, they thought they were ghosts and bad luck. But one Farmer Yan, decided to report it. The highlight of our trip was that Farmer Yan was at the musuem ( his job is to sign the books about the warriors). He signed our books. We bought so many books that he offered to have our picture taken for a 20 RMB (about $12 US). Jim calculated that the significance of having him in a photo and signed books is like meeting the person who founded the Pyramids in Egypt. What is more amazing is that Michelle warned us about his arrogance, he doesn’t let anyone take his pictures AND he doesn’t speak to anyone. When I came back to buy more books I nodded by head to him to thank him and he acknowledge me back.
The entire museum is overwhelming. There is absolutely no way to describe the massiveness of the sites. The warriors have been buried for 2000 years. There are about 3000 uncovered, they estimate 7000 warriors, but the Chinese stretch the truth some because 8 is the lucky number so there are 8000 technically. They are active archeologist sites with work being done on a continuous basis. However removing the soldiers is very slow, because exposure to air, eradicates the original color of the soldiers. The Chinese are waiting for chemical work to improve the excavation. The discovery of the Warriors is considered the greatest archeologist find in the 20th Century. It is one of the 8th wonders of the world ( remember the lucky 8). All this found with just 4 farmers digging for water.
There was only 1 soldier found intact and he is displayed and in museum and has a live guard.
We spent over 4 hours at the museum. Jim and I both bought a large warrior. One for each of the girls. We had fun negotiating. ( I love this part).
Afterwards we went to the Jade Factory and learned all about the quality, used for jewelry or sculptures. There are different colors of jade, apple green the most popular. But we saw lavender jade, which was new to me. Of course we helped the Chinese Economy here too.
Ali and Jim decided to skip the Chinese dancers , (portraying the richness of entertainment during the Tang Dynasty).for our evening entertainment. Probably a good thing because there were dragons and masked dancers. She is not happy about either. Jim and Ali had a square hamburger for dinner and ice cream for dessert.
When we first started the trip, Jim and I thought the girls would take turns rooming in our rooms ( we have 2 rooms- because the beds are so small). But Jim and Ali have been roomies the entire time. Has been really good for their bonding time. And since
M & M have had matching outfits 50% of the time. They don’t plan it, but it works out. They come down to breakfast with white shirts and matching shorts. Today they both had green outfits. It is funny. They call themselves Twiddle Dee and Twiddle Dumb. They are getting along famously and perfect travel companions. Pete- better watch out .. if you don’t want to travel with Marg, she has an alternative.