July 18, 2014

XIAN – DAY 2

Today was the last day with the full group of 6 families. Tomorrow 3 families (including us) continue on to Chengdu in Sichuan Province, while 3 other families are breaking off in separate directions to visit their daughters’ orphanages. We are sad to see the group begin to get smaller, just when we are really getting to know each other. Xixi and Jing are especially disappointed to see the other girls leave. Their new best pals, Miya and Carissa (sisters as well), will be leaving with their parents to visit their orphanages. We captured a great photo of the four of them today (included in the blog). I think it’s a great symbol of the relationship they have built.

Jing and Xixi with Miya and Carissa

Jing and Xixi with Michael, the family's guide in Xuan'en, Bejing and Xian

We were on the go again today, leaving the hotel at 8:00 and returning at 7:00. We visited the Wild Goose Pagoda that is part of a Tang Dynasty Temple and dates back nearly 1,300 years. We climbed to the top and were rewarded with great views of Xian. At the temple we also were able to practice classical Chinese calligraphy. We all need a lot of practice.

Jing and Xixi at the Wild Goose Pagoda

Next we visited the Terra Cotta Warriors. I’m not going to spend a lot of time writing about the warriors or the emperor that ordered their creation. Xixi and I are huge museum fans….so we really enjoyed it. Jing and Dawn were right there with us and encouraged us to read every sign and see every detail and we braved the crowds as a family. The ride back to the hotel took nearly 2 hours due to Xian rush hour traffic. I’ll post a longer update once we are settled in Chengdu tomorrow.