Terracotta Army

Terracotta day today! I've been looking forward to this for a long time, and it didn't disappoint! The ruins are over 2000 years old, and are one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. Every time I think about the sheer magnitude, beauty,and craftsmanship of the army the words to describe it all escape me. We got a nice breakfast together at the hostel, and began the day at about 9:30am. Our group was from two sister hostels, totalling 17 all together. We were the only ones from North America, and only 2 of 3 who didn't use English as a Second Language. In the group were people from Australia, Germany, China, Holland, and France. The Europeans have so far easily outnumbered the North Americans on this trip. Maybe it's all the vacation they get!

When we arrived we walked to the pits, passing hundreds of stalls all selling the same thing, doing anything to get your attention. We did the pits in the 2, 3, 1 order because our guide Zsa Zsa, told us we could save the best for last that way. The first pit (#2) was expansive, and felt most like an archaeological site. There were no completed relics, everything was in pieces, half excavated from the ground, and scattered. They did, however, have some of their finest pieces on display in large glass cases, including a general which is only one of 7 ever found. The people were so crazy to get a picture it was frustrating and annoying. But it was amazing to finally see in person, and to see the differences between the types of warriors. The chariots were all taken to the Expo, but everything else was there.

Next was Pit #3. It was small, but the only one where excavation was complete. The soldiers stood tall and proud in the same position they were set in 2000 years ago. Pit #3 was never completed because of the emperor's sudden death. He thought consuming mercury would help him live longer, but it just ended up bringing him an early death. Pit #3 was unique because it wasn't where they kept the army, it was home to a meeting room, food storage, and animal stalls. This gave us our first look at completed horses, as well.

Pit #1 was amazing. It is as large as an aircraft hanger for 3 Boeing 747s, and has thousands of well preserved, completed relics. I had to keep reminding myself that each one was unique. It's all to easy to think that it's a room full of carbon copies. We started at the back, and moved forward, saving the best of the best for last. It was a truly amazing experience, but at the same time, you can't really comprehend what you're looking at because of the sheer magnitude of it all. It will take awhile for it all to truly set in.

After the museum, we headed back to the bus and went for lunch. What a "classy" place that was. An old hotel from a gone-by era was now being used to circulate tourists through the trough at 25 Yuan a head. The grand entrance now had a cheap plastic sign hanging in front of it, the decor was almost absent, and water damage rained down from the ceiling. We were all quickly guided up to the huge gift shop and dining hall on the second floor. Buffet style, us and about 100 other foreigners ate lunch together all wondering exactly what this place was. We had some nice conversation, though, and left with a present for a friend back home.

Before returning to the hostel, we stopped at a little temple in the middle of a dilapidated part of the city. Once again we all tried to figure out what exactly we were doing there. It was quaint and pretty, but not quite worth the side trip. Finally we got back to the hostel, had dinner, and caught our train. Now we're on our way to Beijing in style. We were able to secure two hard sleeper tickets and are sitting across the way from two British girls on holiday. These beds are absolute bliss compared to the seats we had before, but Dani and I have agreed to never talk about that again! Off to Beijing, Great Wall here we come!