Day 3 of my China vacation

These are pics from my 3rd day in China. This was a partial travel day. We had a photo op of the Olympic site. Unfortunately it wasn't open for visitors but we stopped to get shots of it from a bridge on our way to the airport. One of the older gentlemen on the tour managed to get himself lost for an hour by not following directions. Fortunately we got to the airport in time. Another 10 minutes and he would have been left behind and the city tour guide would have had to stay behind to continue looking for him. After this, everyone made sure to keep an eye on him, in case he wandered off again.

Then we flew to Xian, which was the ancient capital of China for 13 dynasties. The main attraction that we're all looking forward to, is seeing the dig site for the terra cotta warriors. But that's tomorrow, Day 4.

One disadvantage of flying between the cities is the luggage restrictions for the domestic flights. Only one checked-in baggage (44 lbs) and one carry-on.

( Read more... )

B7: Pursuing Truth - Chapter 05

Rating: Gen
8th Story of Perceptions
Sequel to Regrets

EDIT:  The last part felt unfinished so I have added a new bit to it. Marked in blue.

( Read more... )

Day 4 of China vacation

My 4th day in China contained another highlight for me, a visit to the dig site for the Terracotta army. The clay warriors were built as an afterlife army for the first emperor of China. The entire army complex consists of 4 huge pits: a command headquarters, a special military unit and the main army. A 4th pit is empty.

It is estimated that there will be 8,000 such figures once the entire site is excavated. So far only a small percentage has been unearthed. The majority still lie buried and will likely remain so until the technology to preserve them becomes more advanced. Once the figures are dug up, the colouring and other features decay and are lost. The main tomb for the Qin Emperor has also been left unopened in order to preserve it.

( Onto the pictures... )

brrr!!!

I can't believe that it snowed last night and that it's -2 degrees! That's all.