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Started the day with a spot of Tai chi with the locals at a pretty square near our hotel. It was a bit faster than expected, but fun. Also joined in a dance class which was even faster paced.
Picked up a yummy croissant and Danish from a bakery for brekkie, no pork surprise this time!
Visited the terracotta army, which was very impressive. There are apparently 6-7000 of them uncovered, so far. Only slightly more than the number of tourists there today, it felt like anyway. One of the emperors ordered them to be made during his 36 reign in order to continue his leadership status in his 2nd life. His tomb is defended by the army who face East towards the land that he unified under his dynasty. The figures have solid clay limbs but hollow bodies, which meant a lot of them had to be put back together like a jigsaw. They each had a different face, though all the same serious expression.
Finished up with a lovely evening wander through the Muslim quarter, and it's night market, seemingly specialising in walnuts, dates and various animal parts. Dined in a little kebab place and had a very girly chat, much to the annoyance of our male trip-mate, who made a quick exit to avoid another girly activity on the way back- shopping.
Should mention that Xian, where I am now, is the start of the Silk Road. And also that the local brand of condoms is Jiss bon! (I only know because they are advertised prominently in loads of shops!).
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