XIAN in 2008

I landed in Xian for a two good reasons; 1st reason: the train stopped there. From Xian by bus back to Chengdu, seemed the most direct way to steal a look at China in a short time and conservative budget.

2nd, most important reason: because my friend Judy who visits Hong-Kong every couple of years to eat Chinese food and stock up on cultured pearls said she would give an arm and a leg to see the Terracotta Warriors…

On approaching the Xian train station I felt the tempo increase, and was I ever thankful for Kim and Louis, whose first stop on their way to Beijing was also Xian.

In the enormous area outside the train stations, two walls came into view: the ancient 14km-long rectangular wall that bounds the city center, and a second more intimidating wall of people; man, women, young, old, walking, standing or sitting on the ground, everybody talking at the same time…

Newly arrived passengers seemed quickly targeted by a variety of men offering assorted services; I was still trying to sort out the scene when with his uncanny aplomb, Louis chose an eagerly pleasant young man named Peter to guide us to the Ludao Youth Hostel.

I liked the Ludao. Train and bus stations were only 5 minutes away. Along with a pleasant restaurant-bar, internet, luggage storage, book exchange, tours-plane-train-bus tickets, Chinese massage or free information by English speaking staff, it offered everything a traveler needs.

I liked Xi-an. Even in the twenty first century, through steady street traffic and soaring city noise, Xi-an exuded ancient history, it echoed Marco Polo’s China…

Yet apart from the Terracotta Warrior I did not feel particularly interested in historic or religious sites. I wanted to walk the streets… stand on a corner merely watching people get on and off the bus… or trees…

Or take 5...

Text and Photos Coyright©2008 M.Della Marina