We left the rain of Shanghai and Hangzhou for the sunny and warm city of Xi'an in the heart of China. This city was mile one for the ancient silk road for hundreds of years, and earned an international reputation because of it. Roughly six hundred years ago, it was decided that a wall should be built around the city, to protect from invasions. We thought it would be a good idea to bike on this wall - what a ride.
The wall is several metres tall and 12 metres wide at the top. Originally, soldiers on horses would patrol along the top of the wall. It surround the entire old part of the city, and is built in a large rectangle. The entire wall is 13.6km long. Nowadays, it has became a great tourist location, and a place for the local people to just go for a walk or bike ride above the hectic city. The wall wasn't as populated as I thought it might be, and biking it was a fantastic way to see the entire city. It was truly stunning.
After our ride, it was time for lunch. And again, the food was amazing. And for some reason, we were the only people in the restaurant! It seems to be a recurring theme. The food was amazing. All of our meals have been nothing short or excellent.
After lunch, it was concert time. We were taken to the Xi'an Concert Hall. After dropping off our belongings in the dressing rooms we headed for the stage. I could literally hear everyone's jaw drop as the choir upon entering the hall. It was beautiful and sounded amazing. We just don't have venues like this in Winnipeg. After giving the kids a minute to get their bearings and take the ubiquitous tourist picture, it was rehearsal time. And the kids truly did their best work of the tour here. Leanne was also in her glory, being able to play on the world's best piano, a Fazioli. I believe there are only one of these in Canada. So it's a huge privilege to be able to play on one here.
We took the opportunity for a number of pictures of the choir, and then it was off to bed. Tomorrow we visit the Terracotta warriors!
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