Xi'an -- Giant Wild Goose Pagoda

Originally built during the Tang Dynasty in 652, the pagoda is now around 1400 years old!
The original was destroyed in an earthquake, but was rebuilt, and has since been 'remodeled' under the rule of another dynasty.

A cool park across the street where these kites with LED lights were being flown.

 

 

Another marble stairway 

In front of the pagoda is an active Buddhist temple and we happened to be there at the time of a ceremony.

 

 

 

 

 

An incense 'pit' 

One of the smaller alters on the grounds.
Each little cubby in the walls houses a Buddha. 

 

And now to the Pagoda!

 

The pagoda honors the man, Xuangzang, who traveled to India, learned the ways of Buddhism (and became a monk), and brought the religion back to China.

The materials he brought back from India are housed inside the pagoda.

 

 

Xi'an -- Noodle Lunch

A lunch buffet was included in our package.
On the left wall were a variety of salads and vegetables. We also had dishes brought out to our tables.
 At the back, under the two small rooftops, were noodle makers. 

For this soup, he'd roll up the dough, then shave off pieces of it into the broth to cook.

This guy was making long noodles.

 

 

 

 

It was fascinating how they could split it into such fine strands with just their fingers!!

This guy was making noodles at our neighboring table, but not part of our group.

 

 

See how fine they ended up??
They were like angel hair pasta!
Both kinds of noodle soup were quite tasty!! 

And, of course, a few "just had to share" shots....
 

 

It was just so good to see fall leaves!!!! 

I just thought this was a cool wall.

Now, this lady cracked me up!!
I had seen them first in one of the buildings, but was unable to get a picture. We then saw them shortly before we left the grounds and I was able to snap ;0)
The only thing I can figure out is this is a family with a personal guide who did not carry a flag. The lady evidently wanted a flag for her group, like so many others there, so she strung a tissue on a stick and carried it around with her!! 

Xi'an -- Terracotta Army Pits 2 & 3

Pits Two and Three were discovered in 1976.

 

Pit 2 contained chariots, cavalry, and infantry.

 

 

The life-size statues were created in sections: head, arms, legs, torso, and then assembled. The faces were intricately made basically modeled after the person sitting across the table from the artisan! 

 

Pit Three is believed to be command headquarters.
Also found were acrobats, strongmen, and musicians.
Sadly, when the pits were sealed, Emperor Qin was content with an army made of terracotta, but wanted his concubines made of flesh and blood.....
Yes, it seems he buried his concubines alive..... 

All total there is believed to be about 8000 soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses, and 150 cavalry horses.

 

Even found a couple of picture spots!!
(NO, these are not the actual soldiers.)

If you can see the hand of the soldier to Rodney's left, he is holding up one finger, indicating he is the #1 Man, the General. So, Rodney's holding up two fingers to indicate he'd be the #2 guy.... That works well, since we were Family #2 in our group roll call!! 

 

The pieces were originally painted in bright colors. 

 

Next up-- our noodle lunch and a few 'just had to share' shots....