In Warriors' Eyes.

The first part of our Christmas Tour was Xi'an - the ancient capital of China and beginning of the Silk road. Xi'an is also the home of the "Terra Cotta Warriors".

We were fortunate to spend three terrific days exploring and appreciating the history of this ancient city.

Our Fast Train

Fast enough for you love?

Entering modern day Xi'an - unfortunately the curse of northern China, especially in winter, smog was present throughout our three days.

The Warriors - originally they were in millions of pieces in the trenches after being destroyed and the wooden housing burnt by rivals to the first Emperor.

Recently restored figures; a jigsaw of gargantuan proportions.

A small section of "Pit 1"  excavation. There are 3 pits in total; it is estimated only about a quarter of the army and other artifacts has been uncovered.

Kneeling Archer - These figures were more intact due to their prone position.

Part of the calvary - the hole
in the horse is to prevent
explosion during firing. 

Excavated pieces ready to be pieced together and added to the 1400+ Horses and Warriors already "repaired". 

Amazing restoration work: The clay warriors replaced live sacrifices originally requested by the First Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang. 

Buildings housing the excavations pits.The whole area is extremely well maintained, hassle free and befitting the over 2000 year old artifacts.

Xi'an is steeped in ancient history and we were fortunate to see more than just the warriors.

Giant Wild Goose Pagoda

Small Wild Goose Pagoda

More "Wild Goose"; named after a spot where a goose dropped dead from the sky and fed starving soldiers.

Dinners ready.

One of the many Mosque's in Xi'an. 
Constructed in 700 AD in honour of the founding of Islam in China.

Fun and games at the dumpling festival - to celebrate the winter solstice.

Making the dumplings - not sure what went in them?

Can I eat more dumplings than the locals?

I won the prize for the biggest mouth!!!

More food - this time in the Muslim quarter.

The colour, exotic and very crowded Muslim section of Xi'an city.

Even in this most ancient of cities the ubiquitous kangaroo finds a place for Christmas!!!! 

Drum Tower

More Drums!!!

The "Bell" tower.

Bell tower at night.

The Watch Tower on the great wall surrounding the centre of Xi'an

Watch Tower after dark.

Entrance to the North Gate.

Portcullis -  the North Gate entrance to the ancient city.

North Gate entrance by night.

Top of the Ancient Wall.

The 15 meter high wall was built in the 14th century by Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang.

Can you ride a tandem??

The Ancient fortification is almost 14 kilometers long - it can be ridden/walked the complete square. A terrific experience. 

Restored gate of the Daming Palace Site.

The Daming Palace site built 599 - 649 bc was the forerunner of the 'forbidden city"

A huge 'forecourt' , the equivalent to Tiananmen square,
leading to the ruins of the "Huayuan Place".

A reminder - the amazing city of Xi'an was also the starting point for the trek along the "Silk Road".
A fitting starting point for us on our trek to Tibet.

Looking for a Crowd

What a wonderful few days with one of our precious daughters.Not only did we sightsee a little of Shenzhen but we had the opportunity to explore a little more of Hong Kong.

Not our daughter, just an old friend.

Rubics crythasiums 

How cute :-)  

Have wings, will fly.

Jodie forgot to bring the Aussie sun with her.

Pretending to be a Dragon Dentist; just avoid the bad breath.

On our way to Hong Kong.

I'll have a double, skinny tram please, no sugar thanks.

Look out, give way to the girls.

Stop; look both ways before crossing the "path"

Three  wise ladies, bearing gifts.

Tian Tan Buddha. 

Commands attention.

Long way to the top!

Po Lin Monastery

A more impressive view.

More modern sights.

Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car  Ride - 5.7 kms long!!!!!!!

Not everyone is impressed!!!

Glad we didn't have to hold our ski gear for the 25 minute ride. 

Twin Peak!

Very handy doggy stop

and now for the steepest tram ride n the world.

All downhill from here.

Farewell concrete ally; until next time.

Teaching young Dragons to sea.

Sai Kung Country Park in the New Territories was the setting for a weekend of hiking and camping with a group of our students (Shenzhen College of International Education; SCIE). The 14 -16 year olds are completing their "Bronze" International Award (The Duke of Edinburgh award in Commonwealth terms) and had to demonstrate navigational, leadership and survival  skills,  in addition to a reasonable level of fitness and endurance. 
The fitness and endurance was certainly tested with wind, rain, cool temperatures  and plenty of ups and downs over the three days. Despite all the hardships a spirited, friendly and enjoyable time was experienced. 
We are looking forward to our next "IA" (International Award) silver trip in January.

Relaxing at school before the 'great weekend hike'.

38 students, 7 staff - all waiting for the number 7a bus.

and finally it arrives. Thankfully it is a double decker.

Pak Tam Au Camp site - Friday evening.

A bridge to cross and mountain to climb.

At least this section was flat.

Part of Sai Kung Country Park

Looking North; very picturesque, a pity there was not a little more sun. 

Track to the highest point of the day - Sai Wan Shan (314 meters) 

A view down to our next camp site - Long Ke Wan.

A wonderful spot amongst the trees and close to the beach. 

Our campsite from the opposite hill.

Searching for the students - they were here a moment ago??

We made it - still not sure where the students have gone!!