Strength in numbers

We are in the ancient capital city of Xi’an. After a couple of weeks of just chilling in Beijing, we decided it was time to hit the road again, so we hopped on a plane for a couple of hours and arrived at this walled city. Although the historical pagodas and towers still stand tall and unwavering as it did in the past, the city has also seen its fair share of Starbucks and Zara’s pop up in the last few years. Not that I’m complaining, as it does convenience things a lot…especially as I’m taking advantage of Starbuck’s free wi-fi as I type this.

We went to visit the Terracotta Army yesterday, which is about an hour west of the city. The site is one of many, but the largest to date, of terracotta sculptures unearthed in the area. These sculpted army warriors, horses, and chariots were buried with China’s first emperor to protect him in his afterlife. It’s hard not to be impressed with just the sheer size of the pit where these loyal soldiers have stood for over 2000 years. Then you dig a little deeper (pun intended) and realize the meticulous and intricate craftsmanship that went in to creating something as massive as this many millennia ago. In fact, there are no two soldiers that are identical. From there facial features to their weapons, even the tread on the back of their shoes are one of a kind.

Perhaps what the emperor saw for China in the distant future was what he surrounded himself with during and after his reign. From what we have seen and experienced in our time in this country, this is a place where power and money is exuded merely from the sheer size of its population. As small villages turn into burgeoning cities, buildings get taller and the lights flashier. Its economic influence on the world continues to play a crucial role in the world albeit certain basic rights the country turns a blind eye to. Kevin and I have been very impressed with some things we have seen here, and equally disenchanted with others. Maybe this is what happens when a country as large as this tries to develop too quickly at one end, and forgets to build vital foundations in other respects.

The pit is so big it is housed in an airplane hanger sized area

A more up close and personal look