Mayhew In China

After the Christmas Day hiccup I managed to “pop over to China” (Xi’an to be exact) for four days.

On the first day I ventured out to the muslim quarter which was just across the road from my hotel room with my new camera and had the best and cheapest plate of noodles ever!

On the second day I braved chilling conditions and went on a tour to the terracotta warriors. They were quite amazing but I think I more amazed with the grand structures and buildings surrounding the archaeological pits. I mean how do they know there’s nothing else hiding underneath these structures? I was also amazed by a two hour traffic jam that our bus had become embroiled in along the way – we took a detour from the main highway as it was closed due to (more) fog and so had everybody else! Four to five lanes going in one direction with another two going in the other along a dirt road that was capable of holding two lanes at best. Chaos inevitably ensued.

The terracotta warriors are omnipresent in Xi'an and it seems they are also up with the latest fashion.

On the third day I went to Huashan (180kms west of Xi’an) and climbed Mt Hua and it’s numerous Taoist peaks. It was truly spectacular - some of the most amazing natural scenery I have been privileged to witness. I walked to the East Peak on narrow steps that only accommodated half my foot with severe drops either side of me only to arrive alone at the most serene and beautiful vista with a little temple at the end of the peak. With hands in shaking prayer position I tried my meagre best to at least say thankyou to whom or whatever would listen for putting on such a magnificent display.

On the fourth day and final day I walked around Xi’an whilst snow drifted from the sky, visting the Bell and Drum towers, The Mosque and the Forest of Steles where most of ancient Chinese literature including one of the first dictionaries, are carved on large stone tablets.

Before I left Xi'an I managed to stage my whole Chinese experience in a four hour Chinese style opera entitled "Mayhew In China". With direct and unashamed references to "Nixon in China" whilst it didn't include an large plane on stage it did however feature this glorious abstract structure for the traffic jam scene.



Mmm ... I think Pepsi must be sponsoring Beijing's 2007 Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.