Xi'an (SheYen or SheAhn?)

The day following Thanksgiving we hopped a flight to Xi'an which is where Paul's conference was being held.  Being one of the four ancient capitals of China, Xi'an is a history buff's dream.  Nothing about this city could not be called awe-inspiring - good and bad.   I'll let the photos do the explaining!  

Drummer boy 

This was one of our favorites - the Folk House in the Muslim Quarter.  Historic residence of a Qing bureaucrat.  

That is smog NOT fog.  yep 

Forest of Stelae Musuem

Dude from Qing Dynasty - 16th Century

If you want to stay fit, take a walk along the ancient city wall - grab a
stationary bike and work it out!  

Is that a hobbit?  

Xi'an is one of the few cities where the old city walls are still standing - circa 1370.  

Ruins from the Terracotta Calvary

The kneeling archer - the only warrior found completely intact.
According to our guide, the "lucky dog".    

Generals

Infantry

Army of Terracotta Warriors - built underground 2,000 years ago to guard Emporer Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife.  Discovered in 1974 by a local farmer digging a well just outside of Xi'an.