Xian - Terra Cotta Army and Brass Chariots

Terra Cotta Warriors - they were amazing!  The scope of the buried army is huge.  There are numerous pits and most have not been dug up yet.  The pits that have been opened have buildings built around them.

Pit one was where we were able to see row upon row of restored soldiers. Every face is different and represent all the ethnic diversity of China.

As the pieces are restored, they are returned to the same place in the pit.  The space behind the horses would have been for the wooden chariot that did not survive the years.

In the back of the pit they are still digging. 

Pieces are brought out of the pit and painstakingly pieced together.  None of the warriors are intact.

I have a guard coming to tell me no pictures are allowed in this section. 

This regiment has been partially restored and is waiting for the final pieces to be found.

Some of the paint survives until exposure to air destroys it. They are looking for ways to preserve the colors

.

There was one Terra Cotta General.  He was HUGE and very impressive.

The last exhibit at this site was of two EXQUISITE brass chariots. The detail was beautiful. I was amazed and awed at the beauty.

Three Gorges Dam

I am thankful for a yard with green grass and flowers.

We arrived at the locks after midnight.  Lights at water level guide us into the first locks.  You can see the back of a boat up ahead, the side of our boat on the left and the lights on the top of the locks at right.

We pass masssive doors that close behind us.

You can see the other ships in the locks with us.We dock below the dam and get off the next morning to take tours of the dam.

The dam is massive and the smog keeps us from seeing the other side. 

China has such high expectations for this dam.  Hydro electric power is cleaner than coal and that is good. But, who knows the long term impact on the environment?  There has already been a significant impact on the farming communities in the gorge by being relocated to cities and towns.  Their way of life is gone.

The lower locks with two ships in daylight.

Reggie, Don, Cyndi, Pat, Rachel, Derwin, Darlene and Ed view a scale model of the dam and locks.

We had to adjust our itinerary as we left the dam.  Big officials were coming to visit the dam and the highway we were to use would be closed for several hours.  We were able to stay on the ship and see one more gorge which was delightful.

Qutang and Wu Gorges, Shennong Stream

Coal transfer facility and coal barge on the river.

Our ship continues down the Yangtze River today passing through beautiful gorges, farming country, small river towns and under soaring bridges.  There was some river trafffic of barges (mostly coal) and commercial boats, very few fishing vessels and no small pleasure craft. 

The level of the river has been lowered in anticipation of the rainy season starting next month leaving a white "ring" devoid of vegetation. 

We saw the sun today for the first time since arriving in China five days ago.  You could see the brown cloud up ahead as we got near a city and then the air would clear in less populated areas.  There were ship building facilities, coal transfer stations, gravel pits and a few docks, but most access to the river was from long flights of steps. 

It was lovely to see the terraced fields.  The fields were all worked by hand since the terrain was too steep for automation.

 

We docked in BaDong and took a small ferry upstream where we got in traditional pea pod boats and were rowed upstream.

We passed fishermen and shephards.

Local custom have burial sites in caves high above the water. Some have been flooded or are close to the water now that the water has risen.

 Reggie, Leslie, Lynn, Don and Derwin share this boat.

A local girl told us of the life in the area, and sang beautiful songs.  The oarsmen worked hard and then jumped out and pulled the boats along a path as they did in ancient times when the water levels were low.

Sandi and Cyndi enjoy the ride.

Being towed from the path as they did through shallow water.

Interesting plate dispensing.  Her legs must have been killing her after kneeling for 45 minutes.

Derwin enjoyed himself dancing with the entertainers back aboard ship.

Yangtze River - Fengdu - Snowy Jade Caves - May 2010

I am thankful I can wake up hearing and seeing birds at home. 

We arrived in the new city of Fengdu this morning to see women washing clothes in the Yangtse river at the base of the steps to the city.  The old city is flooded now and all the people have relocated to the opposite bank on higher ground.  But the city doesn't look new.  The high rise apartments look tired already.  The old farming community members are now city dwellers.  The young people have accepted the changes, but the older folks struggle.

Don and Leslie leaving the ship. 

We left the ship and hiked up the many steps to go out of town to the Snowy Jade Caves.  These caves were discovered less than 20 years ago and are stupendous.  The mantra for the rest of the trip became "watch your step, watch your head" but the caves were amazingly accessable and truly a marvel. 

Don, Sandy and Cyndy taking a rest on the steps.

Reggie and Don in front of the caves.