On the move to Xi’an

Well the homestay in Beijing actually served up one of the best meals we have had so far… all dishes resembled foods we had eaten before so fingers crossed there were no surprises in there! If there were, they tasted good!

Backtracking a little, I think I forgot to mention the little cling on I encountered on our way to Kathmandu… a tick managed to sink its teeth into my thigh until I noticed it and ensured it made it a swift exit. That little beauty meant we had to take a bit of rushed trip to A&E before leaving Beijing, as my leg decided to come up with a dodgy reaction to the bite. I’m now being treated for Lyme disease… trust me eh.

We then boarded a sleeper train to Xi’an. I didn’t really get off on the right foot with the locals we were sharing our compartment with. I went to get our trusty loo roll out of my bag, and my eye mask was curled up in the middle of it. The elastic bits were hanging out, and in my silly little head they resembled spider legs. If anyone knows what I’m like when I unexpectedly encounter a spider they will not be surprised at the next bit. I proceeded to shriek and throw the loo roll at the poor unsuspecting Chinese man opposite me – nice one Cass. He didn’t bat an eyelid… maybe he is used to crazy English women launching loo rolls at him from across the carriage? My wake up call the following morning was the little guy in the bunk above me managing to stand on my foot as he got down, knock my covers off me, and then put them back on my bed uncovering my feet and making me freezing!

On arrival in Xi’an we were all looking forward to seeing what the city had to offer, and were ready for some more sight seeing. We were then told that their main attraction, The Bell Tower, was currently under renovation and was surrounded by scaffolding, so we couldn’t even see it, fab. We spent then next few days climbing pagoda’s and saw a really good water fountain show at the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Lee was adamant he wanted to do as the locals were doing and head into the fountains to get a photo, and basically risk getting soaked. While I was taking his picture he was handed a Chinese baby and asked to pose for more pics – I mean seriously… who would hand their pride and joy over to a random stranger and say hey take him into the water fountain… this country really does crack me up!

We visited the Terracotta Warriors which was quite a sight. The actual founder of the warriors, a local farmer, was there signing books and shaking hands. Lee was in his element as he posed for photographs in front of Li Mountain (pronounced Lee)… yep he now believes he has a mountain named after him. Strangely enough I actually think the mountain was here first.

On our last night in the city, we decided to stay at the hostel and have a few drinks and play some games. As much as Lee will say I’m just fluky, beating one of the guys in our group three times in a row at pool, and Lee twice (when he had spent the evening undefeated until I came along and showed him how it’s done), I actually think I’m a bit good after all. Though I’m sure there will be a re-match in the not too distant future, where I’ll be knocked off my perch

It was then time for another wonderful sleeper train, though this one involved lots of card games and good old UNO… not to mention lots of moaning by me as I’m feeling flippin rotten with the medication I’m taking. It’s even put me off my food – Yes I must be ill!