We left the hotel early for our flight to Xian the first stop on the Silk Road during the Tang Dynasty. For over 2000 years, Xian was the capital for eleven dynasties.. There wasn't a lot of traffic so we were in good time for our flight. The hotel had packed us a breakfast, banana, boiled egg and sandwiches. Everyone was very pleased to get bananas in China given how expensive they are here. We learned that in China, anything with a battery – camera, phone, toothbrush or spare batteries must be carried in hand luggage. No liquids, at all, in hand luggage. Conan checked us in and guided us to departures where we said goodbye to him. In Xian, we were met by our local guide, pronounced JC, but whose name is actually Jesse. Jesse's English is probably as good as ours. He has a great personality and as you will see from his photo, is somewhat of an Andrew Denton clone. It was then straight to an airport restaurant for lunch. Food was plentiful and delicious. Then it was off to the ancient city wall, the most complete surviving city wall in China, the Drum Tower and Bell Tower. These towers are at opposite ends of the old city and were used to announce the time, bells in the morning, drums in the afternoon. We did the easy climb to the drum tower which gave us a beautiful view around. We misplaced Helen McD who had ensconced herself in the drum show – 1 short when we did bus head count so JC went to find her. Checked in Days Hotel. This is most luxurious and everyone very impressed with their rooms. Dinner at Tang Dynasty Restaurant and after that the Tang Dynasty Singing and Dancing Show which had beautiful costuming and performances.
Our Bill with Jesse at the Bell Tower
The Drum Tower
Doris, Eve, Helen, Ailsa and Garry
Part of the City Wall
