Letter #5 Posted from Fall 2006 trip
-----Original Message-----
From: kjscott@bellsouth.net [mailto:kjscott@bellsouth.net]
Sent: Friday, October 27, 2006 10:42 AM
To: kjscott@bellsouth.net
Subject: China Letter #5 More Xian
Karla China Letter #5 More Xian
Hello Friends
Last night, I had a pleasant evening exploring Xian near my hotel.
Today, once again, we began the day savoring a sumptuous combination Western/Eastern breakfast buffet.
We then spent another long day in Xian, the ancient capital of China and home to 11 major Chinese dynasties. First, we climbed the city wall, the only well-preserved city wall in all of China. I always marvel at how extravagant the walls are that are built to protect royal families and cities from military invasions. It is vast and well-designed, with far-reaching views of the surrounding land. It is even 4 times wider than the great wall. We learned that the greatest threat faced by many dynasties was from the Mongols who were superior military strategists and whose secret weapon was their mobile cavalry of large horses. The Chinese only had small, pony-sized horses, which were a huge disadvantage.
Next we visited a lacquer furniture factory where we learned lacquer comes from the lacquer tree. In it original form, it is a clear liquid that untreated, turns black. We saw some of the most beautiful and intricately designed works of art.
Next we toured the new Shaanxi History Museum. We learned all about the first inhabitants of this cradle of civilization, from the Stone Age, to Bronze Age, to the rise and fall of key dynasties. The Quin (Chin) dynasty, in 221BC united all of China, and standardized the written language and currency. The Quins (Chin) created China that we know today.
Our flight to Chengdu, I sat between Marshal and Xavier again and we played anagrams and other word games. We met the other 10 travelers upon our arrival. They have visited Beijing, Xian, and Tibet.
Tomorrow, we will tour Chengdu, capital of China’s Sichuan province and one of Chinas mot colorful cities. It is famous for its teahouses; massive chairman Mao statue downtown; fiery Sichuan cookery; and of course, The Giant Panda Research Center. The Center was created to protect the animal from distinction and allow scientists to study it in the wild. I have heard the Panda’s main occupation is to consume bamboo up to 18 hours per day.
We were very tired this evening after spending two days of air travel and lots of touring. (I feel like a zombie right now)
After we leave Chengdu tomorrow, we will drive 5 hours to Chongqing, the world’s largest city, topping 31 million people (metro area). There, we will board our ship for our 3-day Yangtze River Cruise. I don’t know if there will be internet access, so I may sign off till 4 days from now.
Our cruise will bring beautiful scenery, visits to historic sites, and take us to visit the controversial 3-gorges dam. We are thrilled we can stay in one room for 3 nights!--No packing and unpacking for a while!
I am signing off for now. Thanks for coming along!
Love,
Karla Chengdu
-----Original Message-----
From: kjscott@bellsouth.net [mailto:kjscott@bellsouth.net]
Sent: Friday, October 27, 2006 10:42 AM
To: kjscott@bellsouth.net
Subject: China Letter #5 More Xian
Karla China Letter #5 More Xian
Hello Friends
Last night, I had a pleasant evening exploring Xian near my hotel.
Today, once again, we began the day savoring a sumptuous combination Western/Eastern breakfast buffet.
We then spent another long day in Xian, the ancient capital of China and home to 11 major Chinese dynasties. First, we climbed the city wall, the only well-preserved city wall in all of China. I always marvel at how extravagant the walls are that are built to protect royal families and cities from military invasions. It is vast and well-designed, with far-reaching views of the surrounding land. It is even 4 times wider than the great wall. We learned that the greatest threat faced by many dynasties was from the Mongols who were superior military strategists and whose secret weapon was their mobile cavalry of large horses. The Chinese only had small, pony-sized horses, which were a huge disadvantage.
Next we visited a lacquer furniture factory where we learned lacquer comes from the lacquer tree. In it original form, it is a clear liquid that untreated, turns black. We saw some of the most beautiful and intricately designed works of art.
Next we toured the new Shaanxi History Museum. We learned all about the first inhabitants of this cradle of civilization, from the Stone Age, to Bronze Age, to the rise and fall of key dynasties. The Quin (Chin) dynasty, in 221BC united all of China, and standardized the written language and currency. The Quins (Chin) created China that we know today.
Our flight to Chengdu, I sat between Marshal and Xavier again and we played anagrams and other word games. We met the other 10 travelers upon our arrival. They have visited Beijing, Xian, and Tibet.
Tomorrow, we will tour Chengdu, capital of China’s Sichuan province and one of Chinas mot colorful cities. It is famous for its teahouses; massive chairman Mao statue downtown; fiery Sichuan cookery; and of course, The Giant Panda Research Center. The Center was created to protect the animal from distinction and allow scientists to study it in the wild. I have heard the Panda’s main occupation is to consume bamboo up to 18 hours per day.
We were very tired this evening after spending two days of air travel and lots of touring. (I feel like a zombie right now)
After we leave Chengdu tomorrow, we will drive 5 hours to Chongqing, the world’s largest city, topping 31 million people (metro area). There, we will board our ship for our 3-day Yangtze River Cruise. I don’t know if there will be internet access, so I may sign off till 4 days from now.
Our cruise will bring beautiful scenery, visits to historic sites, and take us to visit the controversial 3-gorges dam. We are thrilled we can stay in one room for 3 nights!--No packing and unpacking for a while!
I am signing off for now. Thanks for coming along!
Love,
Karla Chengdu
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