I finally made it to Xi’an!!

Ever since I heard about the Terra Cotta Warriors five years ago I have wanted to visit Xi’an China. Each year since I have visited China but have not had the opportunity to see them. Finally, this year I made it! I took a train from Beijing and stayed in a youth hostel near the center of town. The hostel was nothing special just a typical backpackers place with cold showers, smelly toilets and mediocre heating. The next morning I went to see the Warriors. I was disappointed to find that the seconds of the three pits was closed for repairs but the main pit was really awesome! I was amazed to see the details in each of the warriors’ faces. The next day I visited the Wild Life reserve. I got to pet a real live Panda while he sat eating bamboo. That night back at my hostel I read through a local English magazine called China Groves. I read about a new hostel that  was being opened by a guy from the states. I really liked what he had to say about the place in the article so I went to check it out. It was love at first sight! The place is really great! It is really really nice. Nothing like any hostel I have ever seen. As nice as it is the prices are totally on par with other hostels. But that where the similarities end. They have a hot tub, marble floors, beautiful décor. The staff consists for 5 Americans and the balance of the staff is fluent English speaking college students. The place was not opened yet but the owner was kind enough to let me stay there for the week for free. The coffee shop has some of the best coffee I have had since I have been in China. The western restaurant has a chef that is actually from the West. Stephen is a trained chef from the US. The bar is stocked with REAL liquor and lively bartenders. By the end of my stay I was completely hooked. Check out some of the photos of this place at wwwbackpaxchina.com

I have spent the last 6 months teaching English and practicing Kung fu in a Kung Fu school in Shaolin temple, Henan Province. I am seriously concidering moving to Xi’an for the remainder of my 4 months here. I love it here!!