Markets

From Beijing we hopped on a sleeper train to Xian.  It was really nice!  We shared a berth with an older couple and, luckily enough the old man snored.  Earplugs in and we both enjoyed 6 hours of sleep.

When we arrived in Xian, about 5 people were there to pick us up and transport us to our hostel.  What a beautiful hostel it is!  There are song bids singing in their cages, courtyards for relaxing and reading and a friendly lab puppy.  PLUS they serve American breakfast.

In the afternoon, we rented bicycles and rode around the city wall.    Then we headed to the Muslim Quarters.   We visited a beautiful mosque, built 1200 years ago.   Just outside the mosque, was a market selling souvenirs, cheap knock-offs and food.  Matt wanted to eat everything.

The next day, we headed to another market.  I bought some beautiful silver bracelets.  This was my first experience bargaining and it was a blast! The negotiating was done with a pen and paper and a crowd of 15 gathered to watch.  The original asking price was 280 yuan ($35) and I'm proud to say I got TWO bracelets for  80 yuan ($10)!