Xi'an

Another 5AM pickup and the driver was right on time. No Jack, just the driver. The airport was made in no time and we were delivered promptly to the wrong terminal. No problem. Moving walkways and efficient English signage and we were through security and at the gate. (Do you hear that TSA?)

First omen; the escalator broke just after we used it. Once we figured out how to get w-fi, we all connected and checked e-mail before being bused to the plane. Yes, put on a bus and driven across two runways and up the steps just like the 50s.

Second omen; the plane taxied into position and just sat for close to an hour. No explanation in any language but I did watch two episodes of The Big Bang Theory while we waited.

Once in the air, the flight was smooth and comfortable. The seat even provided flight information.

Our guide, English name Snow, was waiting and she led us through everything, took us to lunch, gave us suggestions for the rest of the day, and dropped us at our hotel. These decorations were at the restaurant and give an idea of the importance of the dynasty that created the Terra Cotta Warriors.

After a brief nap, we headed off in search of Daxingsham Temple. Note: not even the Chinese can read the maps provided by the hotels. After a couple of wrong turns we found it just about the time that the street cleaner hosed us down. I guess that's what the beep meant.

After that a wild taxi ride to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and the Great Tang Mall. The pagoda was impressive, and had a few steps to reach the seventh level. Both the mall and the pagoda were pretty by night.

Getting a taxi home proved challenging. Just because you get your hand on the door first doesn't mean that it's your taxi. It's when your butt hits the seat. Live and learn. Tomorrow is the Terra Cotta Warriors!!