Bob and Ann in Elder Hostel China Odyssey 2004

Moslem Mosque

First a tour of the Moslem District. The Mosque, in City Center of Xi’an, near the drum tower, was large, Chinese architecture complex with lovely vistas through elegant gates and courtyards. Gardens well kept with birds chirping, but still very tranquil. Moslem Market with quite a variety of souvenirs fun to see, not buying much yet.

Drum Tower

Our lunch at a Moslem restaurant with Chinese food and Moslem soup of mutton and pieced thick pancake was good. We also visited the Drum Tower.

Lady of the House

We headed for the airport, stopping at another cave dwellers house. This was much more comfortable, lived in by 74 yr old mother whose son’s family lived in adjoining, more modern buildings. The cave had plastered white-washed walls in main room complete with Christian wall posters. Back room had dirt walls and floor but did not smell moldy. At the airport we waited for our delayed flight in a decent area by the gate. Arrived in Chongqing about 30 min. late, but Air China flight was quite comfortable with drinks and thin tuna sandwiches on white bread, crusts removed.

Chongqing Air

Landing in Chongqing we were introduced to air pollution big time. Holiday Inn is really luxurious. Room on 16th floor facing Yangtze River, but so smoggy we can not see the river 6 blocks away!

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