Our Last Day in Xi'an

January 22, 2010

We woke up today excited and sad to leave Xi'an. We packed up all our belongings and took them down to the lobby of the hotel. Jerry told us the train requires you carry on all liquids, much different than airplanes. We frantically rustled through our bags to get our liquids out. I was thankful for the way my dad taught me how to pack. I had one cosmetic case with shampoo and conditioner type things. I also had a small zip lock bag in my carry on suitcase. I only had to remove those two bags.

We finally boarded the bus to begin our adventurous day. We first visited a museum. I was not very interested in any of the things there. I tried to make the best of it, but spent most of my time in the gift shop.

We left the museum and headed to lunch. Most of the places we've eaten have been hotel restaurants around town. This one was no different. Lunch was very delicious, as usual. I thought I would be tired of Chinese food by now, but I am not. I am not looking forward to Chinese food in America; it’s nothing like the food here in China.

After lunch we visited an Islamic Mosque. We arrived right as one of the prayer times began. There were only men present and they all had little white hats on their heads. They all wash their hands and remove their shoes before entering the open building where they pray. Today there was a guest speaker that was preaching from the Quran. It was so interesting seeing another religion in action.

Surrounding the mosque there was a market. We got to go from shop to shop all afternoon. It was so much fun. Emma and Victoria bought the whole market, literally. I have come to realize I am much like my dad when it comes to money. I am a realistic spender and have to have a reason to spend money. If I am not going to use it, why buy it? Even if it’s part of Chinese culture like a robe, coffee mug or jade.

We left the shopping area around 6 and headed to dinner. Jerry arranged for us to have a western style dinner. Most of the food was very different than our idea of "normal food". They had fish sticks, tomatoes with cheese, cauliflower in spicy sauce, fries, Chinese noodles and Mexican rice. So different than what we are used to. It’s comparable to Chinese food in America, much better in the country it originated from.