We survived the train ride - arrived in Xian

Let me tell you about sleeping on a train - the elite first class train - you don't. There are 4 bunks with a wooden base, a blanket folded over the board and a sheet - then a very hot comforter and of course there is little air conditioning so you can't use the comforter - so you lay there and nod off, and wake up about every 30 minutes - to bumps, whistles or the brakes. The kids actually slept well and Herb and I basically slept, awake, etc. - you get it. Long night but we were awakened with a $2.00 cup of coffee in a paper cup delivered - that for me was heaven. the kids absolutely loved it and thought it was the coolest - so it was worth it. Hannah and Celia awoke ready to play.

This was our "room" with the luggage scattered.

The sink to wash your face. I did not bother to take a picture of toilets - but I can tell you they were definetely a 2 star toilet by morning at best.

We left the train, still sweaty, dirty - no point putting on clean clothes - so dirty clothes back on for all and then we walked about 25 minutes to the bus that would take us to the hotel and most importantly showers! We were able to get an early check-in and showers for all. It changed everything and we were all ready to go! Quick late breakfast in the hotel, and back on the bus to visit the Tang Dynasty Art Museum where the kids could learn about Chinese painting, calligraphy and have a chance to try it themselves.





This was David, our guide for Xian - he was a native, very organized and knowable. He was only married a couple of years, and spoke of his daughter as his little dumpling - very sweet.