Today was another adventure-filled but exhausting day. Unfortunately, I again lack the energy to post the enlightening text that I had hoped to write this evening. So, I’ll do what I did yesterday, and post a bunch of photos to give you an idea of what I did today.
Tomorrow is a transit day. I’ll be making my way to Lanzhou, which has been called the most polluted city in the world. I should get there in the evening, just in time for its renowned night market, and leave the next morning. I’m actually looking forward to the 9-hour train ride because it will give me a chance to catch up on some sleep, and give my feet a rest. I should also have a chance to do the writing about the trip thus far. Hopefully, tomorrow night, I’ll be able to give you some more details about what I’ve seen and done. As a quick preview, today involved getting dropped off in the middle of nowhere in 100-degree heat, getting in an argument with an overzealous tour guide who was trying to convince me that I needed to hire her, and consuming the best meal so far. Here are the photos:
Step 1: Take stock of the disk-shaped bread that is put in front of you, and look around the room to see what everyone else is doing. The are all staring at you. Now, let the old lady who handed you the bowl show you what you should really be doing.
Step 2: Peel the bread apart and tear it into little pieces. Look around the room again. They are still staring at you. Let the waitress take your bowl away from you.
Step 3: After waiting patiently for ten minutes, accept the bowl back from the waitress. Notice that your little bits of bread are now covered in soup, meat, noodles, tofu, spring onions, and mushrooms. Begin eating this soup with the chopsticks provided (to the delight of everyone who is still staring at you).
Blue eggs or brown eggs today?
A potentially refreshing drink with leechee, asian pear, and coconut that was surprisingly less refreshing than expected.
The bronze horses that were buried with the Emperor Qin 2200 years ago
A warrior captivates
The officers
To answer some questions from yesterday's post, this is the mascot of the 2011 Xian Horticultural Expo. It (he? she?) is everywhere. This one was found at the entrance to the Terracotta Warriors Museum.
My best meal so far: dumplings in a tangy and spicy broth with fresh cilantro, lemongrass, and hot peppers.
My dinner venue
The Muslim Quarter comes alive in the evening.
Dessert! This was made of rice, and, to my surprise, I really enjoyed it. It had a hint of orange, and a bunch of flavors that I couldn't quite identify.
Hundreds of swallows enjoy a hearty feast around the Drum Tower at dusk. One of them can be seen here.
The Long Road to Venice 
Tad, be careful on the train when you’re sleeping. Guard your backpack.
I don’t get the mascot for the Horticultural Expo.
The food looks interesting. I like Elizabeth’s suggestion, but you may not want to know what you ate.
Enjoying your posts–keep them coming.
you will never write a long text about yesterday! NEVER! but i do love the pictures and captions. feel like i am right there with ya- eating spicy dumplings with lemongrass. i particularly love the beginning of this post when you describe the “soup” incident. ha ha ha!