We've explored Xi'an a little more, experimenting with the bus system to find our way around. At 16 cents a ride it's more than a bargain. In fact sometimes we get a massage by being squished tighter than sardines, and trying to make our way from the front door to the middle when we need to exit. We've enjoyed shopping in the Muslim Market, and eating noodles and gelato. (Yes, 2 different stores).
We stopped at the Big Goose Pagoda and watched the synchronized water show. We found the city wall, and the Shaanxi Museum which has artifacts that are 5000 years old. They buried their beautiful treasures in the Emperors Caskets and mausoleums, so many brass, iron, and potteries are very well preserved.
I've discovered IKEA across the city. It's worth the trip to eat some Western food (salmon or Swedish meatballs), buy lingonberry jam, and European chocolates! No they don't have a “cheese slicer” among the kitchen gadgets, nor does anyone else in China. They told me to use a normal knife. A brick of Gouda cheese is one of our luxuries here.
I was finally able to order some cotton crochet thread through Amazon China and a student, so I'm busily crocheting hot pads for friends and neighbors. Plus I'm hosting a couple of Christmas dinners, so no boredom here even though I don't have to go to class so often. Tim still has a double-full load of classes twice a week, and we both have to teach on Christmas Day. Boo-hoo! We're planning to take the high-speed bullet train to Beijing for New Years, so that will give us something to look forward to.
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