We woke with everyone feeling much better. We started the morning again with a buffet breakfast in the hotel restaurant and then we were on our way to the Summer Palace. It was a beautiful place with 75% of the grounds covered in a man-made lake. We toured looked at the architecture and statues and were beginning to pick out the symbolism on our own now. In one of the courtyards we were greeted by a tai chi teacher that was arranged by our tour guide. We lined up in rows and then began the exercise that so many Chinese people practice. It was very relaxing and peaceful even if we didn’t get all the moves exactly correct.
After the Summer Palace we headed to the airport for our flight to Xi’an. We grabbed a quick bite to eat and then took the hour and fifty minute flight to the ancient capital city. When we arrived we were greeted by a local guide, Jessica, who explained the rich history of the city dating back to well before Christ’s birth. She took us to the ancient city walls which have been preserved, and we were able to go for a bike ride on top of the walls. The weather was much cooler after a morning rain which broke the humidity that has been with us most of the trip.
After the bike ride we headed to the Xi’an hotel for a hot pot dinner. We were brought into two rooms which had individual burners at each seat. There was a pot of water boiling for each person and we chose from noodles, vegetables, meat and eggs to drop in the water. We were also able to make our own dipping sauce mixture with a number of different oils and sauces. The food was very good.
After taking our bags to our rooms and our evening devotion some of us went out to explore the area while others went to bed, exhausted from the sickness yesterday and the busy day today.
We woke with everyone feeling much better. We started the morning again with a buffet breakfast in the hotel restaurant and then we were on our way to the Summer Palace. It was a beautiful place with 75% of the grounds covered in a man-made lake. We toured looked at the architecture and statues and were beginning to pick out the symbolism on our own now. In one of the courtyards we were greeted by a tai chi teacher that was arranged by our tour guide. We lined up in rows and then began the exercise that so many Chinese people practice. It was very relaxing and peaceful even if we didn’t get all the moves exactly correct.
After the Summer Palace we headed to the airport for our flight to Xi’an. We grabbed a quick bite to eat and then took the hour and fifty minute flight to the ancient capital city. When we arrived we were greeted by a local guide, Jessica, who explained the rich history of the city dating back to well before Christ’s birth. She took us to the ancient city walls which have been preserved, and we were able to go for a bike ride on top of the walls. The weather was much cooler after a morning rain which broke the humidity that has been with us most of the trip.
After the bike ride we headed to the Xi’an hotel for a hot pot dinner. We were brought into two rooms which had individual burners at each seat. There was a pot of water boiling for each person and we chose from noodles, vegetables, meat and eggs to drop in the water. We were also able to make our own dipping sauce mixture with a number of different oils and sauces. The food was very good.
After taking our bags to our rooms and our evening devotion some of us went out to explore the area while others went to bed, exhausted from the sickness yesterday and the busy day today.
Next: Day 9