Up and ready to go by 9 am this morning as we are off to see the
Warriors.
Supposed to meet downstairs BEFORE 9 am as directed by No.1 son
but guess what; they are still asleep, no staying power these kids. So off we
went to find some breakfast around the corner; dumplings, barley soup, coffee,
roll and juice. Back to the hotel to get them at 10 am and then find them
breakfast, are we ever going to get there !!!
It was then across the road to the Railway Station and onto Bus
914 to the Warriors. It was not a new bus and the rear suspension was sadly
lacking, but the air-conditioning did work once we were on our way for a bumpy
hour and a bit ride. We went through Industrial then University area before
finally arriving at our destination in Lintong County, Shaanxi. A massive site
obviously with multiple buildings and being a Saturday, very busy. We took
Janes advice who had consulted Lonely Planet and decided to do the Museum
first, followed by the Pits in reverse, 3 then 2 then finally the largest and
first found, Pit No.1. The museum was fascinating to see the history of the
find and Emperor Qin Shi Huang. It also contained the 2 chariots and horses which
are just exquisite and various warriors, horses and other statues and
implements.
Due to some construction we then had to go to Pit 2 and then onto
Pit 3 ( the smallest and last excavated) rather than the other way round. These
were interesting but not quite the “wow” factor anticipated, I wont use the
word disappointing as they were definitely not that.
Finally we entered Pit 1 and this was WOW ((and in capitals!).
Just amazing to see first hand and marvel at the enormity of this feat. It is
still being excavated and researched and to see the warriors and horses in
place was priceless. The restoration processes were in full view and
fascinating in themselves. Just so lucky to be able to see this site and all
its wonders, just damn grateful.
We took our leave after some time and wandered back through the
tourist/food areas towards the return bus, stopping for a bit of lunch and
coffee ( it was now 2.30pm) as Jane and Helen were ‘starving”.to quote. Onto
the 915 which was direct back to Xi’an with no stops, unlike No. 914 on the way
there. Got back to the hotel around 4.30 pm and had a rest before heading out
for the evening at 6 pm.
Helen had found a well recommended local cuisine restaurant to go
to so we took the subway some distance to a Noodle place that served a single 3-4cm
wide noodle, 3.8m long. The food was excellent along with a couple of ‘Hans’
beers before we caught a Didi to the Wide Goose Pagoda square to see the lights
and water display. We ended up at the south end ready for the 9 pm performance
but we later found out it was at the south end and at 8 pm; the information
advice was a bit uncertain. Oh well it was fun anyway with heaps of locals
around, enjoying themselves and the lights around the area and the Pagoda were
fantastic. We then took a subway back and walked the final bit to the
hotel. A long, exhausting, enjoyable fulfilling
day had by all, now for some well earned
sleep.
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