15 July 2015 – Xi’an

Today has been a very busy day.  The morning was spent visiting the Terra Cotta warriors.  I was surprised to learn that the models were based on a set physical features that were then mixed and matched.  I supported the gift shop to some degree. I really haven’t had that much time to shop.

Entering museum of the Terra Cotta Warriors

From the VIP platform

From the VIP platform

Not all are in perfect condition - note missing heads

Pit 1

From VIP Platform

Note Horse

Me in front of the Terra Cota Warriors

Me in front of the Terra Cotta Warriors

Note Horse and different hats

Note Horse

Note horses pulling chariot which has disintegrated

Note arms out to hold reins of horses

Repaired warriors - wrapped in plastic to let glue dry

In the process of repairing

Repaired warriors

Warrior 42

Other warriors being repaired.

Newly dug up warriors

Warriors in formation

Newly dug up

A few excavated warriors next to undisturbed material

 Original covering over warriors

Warriors destroyed by being there for about 2,000 years

Imprint of a wheel

Description

Description

Note Square shoes

 Warriors in formation

Vase outside building

Courtyard

In gift shop

 Courtyard

First Bronze chariot

 Rear of Bronze chariot

2nd Pit

Warriors still roofed over

Leaving

Leaving in the rain

We had lunch at the museum and then headed off for a calligraphy class which was in an art museum associated with an art school.  They had a significant number of paintings for sale.  Since I can’t figure out where I could put anything I purchased, I didn’t.

Cartography Lesson

My favorite picture

As I was leaving the museum

Our next and last stop was the Flying Goose monastery which holds the Dayan Pagoda. 

 Amusing sign

Dayan Pagoda

In the Buddhist shrine

I don't know what it is, but it is interesting

Small building on site

Me in front of it (Don't know what it is, but it is interesting)

Shop on site

 Heading to temple

Pogoda in background

Steps leading to temple

Other carving

Bell

In temple

 In back

Side temple - looks like mandela we saw in Tibet

Side Temple

Side Temple

Looking across the courtyard

Looking up the pagoda

Side Temple

Detail near roof

 Buddhist Monk who was given this site

Me in front

 Amusing signs

Symbol of China

I really should write more, but I’m too tired.