Xi'an and back

Over the school break, we were in Xi'an (西安), popularly referred to as home to the Terracotta Army (兵马俑). It was a good four days joining a tour package booked online.

We visited quite a number of places and had a taste of Xi'an food, which we didn't quite like but overall, the trip was fine. Two particular spots stood out: the Terracotta Army and Hua Shan (华山).
I especially enjoyed the guided tour of the Terracotta Army. The Chinese guide brought to life the seemingly boring topic of Emperor Qin Shi Huang's tomb. Even the boys were amused by the way he went about weaving fact with fiction.

Well, these were some of the interesting "facts" he shared about this ancient discovery (not really sure if everything was indeed true because he said it in a rather candid manner):

1) No two faces were alike, because the sculptors in those days would sculpt using a "partner" sculptor's face as model. So, it's you-sculpt-me, I-sculpt-you.

2) Despite the lack of modern tools and technology, the sculptures were considered to be of rather high quality. Apparently, this was because of their "quality control" system.

Sculptors had to inscribe their name on their creation and if any flaw/defect was discovered, he would be "poked" by a sword at the place where the defect was. Ouch!

3) All the soldiers' faces looked different but had one thing in common: single eyelids! The theory was that perhaps Qin Shi Huang himself had single eyelids^-^.

Well, so much for fictional fact. But it was truly quite interesting. Zern - the aspiring explorer and fossil digger - had lots to learn from this trip.

For Keane though, it was Hua Shan that made the trip worthwhile. The boy was so bent on climbing to the West Peak, the second higest peak.

From the cable car station, this route would mean walking countless steps for at least 4 hours. But on and on he went with his father, even when Zern and I stayed behind to rest.

So, my verdict: Xi'an is worth a visit. Just be prepared for the dust, tourist crowds and the not-so-familiar food.