GCDS Does China - Day 5 - Xian to Chengdu

We're back online!! Thanks for your patience:

We got what we came for in Xian today: spectacular buried remains of egomaniacal emperors' tombs. The famous terracotta warriors and other relics surrounding Qin's and Han Jing's tomb aroused many parallels to the pyramids of Giza. The lengths to which these rulers went to ensure their protection in the afterlife are unbelievable. After hot soup (they were all out of boiled coke) at an official's lunch, we walked and walked exploring just a small portion of the vast system of underground protection Qin famously commisioned. As promised, each warrior had a unique profile; it is rumored that everyone can find their twin among the thousands, although we struggled to find some of our Aryan features and red hair. Further north, the 81 pits surrounding the mound containing Han's remains took 36 years to construct and fill. Han ruled for 37 years. Han's tomb revealed a great deal about daily life 2200 years ago; in addition to an army for protection, he was also sure to have clothed concubines, animals, food, tools, and devoted eunichs ready for his disposal in the afterlife. What more could you want?

Roles reversed at the Terra Cotta Warrior workshop. The boys reveled in the wide selection of swords and replica warriors as the girls wondered what was taking so long.

These updates are still missing a couple of key components of our adventures: pictures and the humorous take some of us share with each new experience. We promise pictures are still to come, but here's a taste of some of our entertaining dialogue:

"They found all this in the 70's? It makes me want to take a shovel to the world."

"Wo ai ni means I love you. But be careful, Wo hai ni means I will destroy you."

"This noodle soup is the size of China."

"The elevator capacity is 13 people...but that's Asians."

"I will never complain about going into a gas station bathroom again."

"I want a refund. That was a negative three star happy house."

"Mom, can I get the David Beckham terracotta warrior? It's only 14,800 Yuan."

"It's cool that no one understands what I'm saying. Like I can just ask this guy right here if he likes Arrested Development. Do you like Arrested Development?? Onyong!"

"Mei guo ren bu zhi dau." (Stupid Americans)

"I'm surprised Paula didn't buy a big terracotta warrior. They're gaw-jus."

"Love, all of us in China."