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Having mastered Chinese buses we ventured on one again yesterday in order to vist the "Big Goose Pagoda." The bus was a genius idea albeit cramped and smelly! (A bit like Friday night at Klute!) The Pagoda was set in a big park... theme park! THe rides were not evident but the smell of candy floss and pop corn filled the air. I tried some Chinese popcorn just to check that it didn't taste any different! (Jon stuck to the indescribable kebabs!) The park was really busy, so after a little time with all the "tourists" we sought refuge in the grounds of the Pagoda itself. It was beautiful, a world apart from outside of the walls. It was surrounded by woodland (including crazy chinese men feeding caged birds!) and temples. Jon and I lingered at the budda that was for the "common people' to bring them wealth! The bus journey home was worse than Klute! The Chinese have no concept of space- it was elbows at dawn to fight our way OFF the bus! Tired from all the elbow pushing we went to the shopping mall's "food hall" for dinner. It cost us 1 pound each- bargin! For the Chinese I seem to be free entertainment during supper as they spent more time laughing at my use of chopsticks than they did eating! We wandered home past the Drum Tower and an awesome fountain display (I know some of you are probably laughing right now but genuinly it was awesome) set to music.
Today, after Thursday's debacle we decided to walk the city wall- not all of it I hasten to add, even with our atheletic prowess! After sneaking (more like strolling) past the ticket office (they wanted 4 pound to walk on some elevated bricks!) we wandered around the wall, from the West gate to the South gate. The views are somewhat contrasting- slums on one side and high rises on the other. We stumbled upon what looked like a greenhouse on top of the wall. Just like Alice, curiousity got the better of us and we went inside. It was crazy. A man made, four floor, underground, space age museum. It contained the ruins of the ancient capital Chang'An and lots of historical facts. Dinner today (does it say something about us that we continually document our eating?!) was an event! No one spoke English but we were fortunate enough to be handed a picture book. Mental note to self... do not order cold dishes (RAW chicken- seriously! And yes, Jon did try some!) The food again was very spicy, literally 90% of the plates were covered in chilies. But as Jon said "you've done very well darling!"
Off to Chengdu tomorrow. As for the trout report: The water is still frozen!!
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