Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Xi'an, China

Traveling alone is something that I've always found alluring. No doubt, when the day to set off draws near, I start getting a little jittery. Yet it's this very reason that I need to venture out alone. Being too comfortable and settling into too familiar a routine is a danger because it’s regression. Besides, life is always much more than that. I seek to keep myself on my toes, stay independent and most importantly, to remind myself of who I am. For to me, travel is all about self understanding and discovering. And always at the end of such a trip, I find that I've grown and gained valuable memories.

Xi'an

Xi'an

Xi'an

Xi'an

On this recent trip to Xi’an, China, it rained on many days, lending the city a dreamy, surreal quality. I remember especially the people I met on a land tour I took. The old man who sat next to me on the bus. A kind looking grandfather who spoke softly and in a cultured way. I found out the Chinese city he was from and that he used to work with the airlines. Hence he has traveled a bit. We spoke about Singapore, about places to visit in China. He also asked about my traveling alone. 

I remember too the young man traveling with his 3 aunts. I found it interesting that I understood bits of their local language. He was humorous, friendly and took good care of his aunts. He saw me doodling and we spoke a little. That was when he found out I’m not from China. At the end of the trip when we alighted the bus, he said goodbye and to perhaps meet again if fated. 

There was the little old man whom I found poking himself to the front whenever we gathered around the tour guide. Initially I found it a little irritating but later thought he's quite adorable. Must be in his 70s or 80s but still sprightly and trudging along with everyone even in the rain. It was when he spoke to me that my impression of him changed. How little it takes to break the ice and see the good in others. 

These are people whom I'm likely never to meet again but whose blurred faces I may remember years down the road because they formed a page in my memory. Passerbys whose paths crossed my mine. 

Xi'an

Xi'an

Xi'an

Xi'an

Xi'an

Xi'an

Xi'an

Xi'an

Xi'an

The terracotta armies were a highlight of this trip. I was overwhelmed witnessing the scale of one man’s ambition. I got a glimpse of how detrimental absolute power is when taken too far. I enjoyed the solitary moments when I walked those huge halls. I was amongst such a big crowd but yet I was every bit alone, seeing the sights ahead and humming my favourite tunes. I'm glad to be comfortable in my own skin. Alone but not lonely.

Xi'an

Xi'an

The sun came out the day I was scheduled to leave Xi’an. But it didn’t matter. My short stay there was perfect the way it was. 
p/s I’ve had this thought about collating all my travel stories and thoughts, publishing a book on them. But I never got round to it....

10 comments:

  1. Beautiful post Sandy. I have often traveled alone and also enjoy feelings of solitude and adventure, it's great to be comfortable in your own skin. You should definitely publish that travel book!

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    1. Hi Sarah, thanks for always making it a point to leave meaningful and sweet comments. It's feels great to know we're making some sort of interaction!

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  2. It was really cold when I visited Xi'an. It was my first time traveling outside of Shanghai, and my Chinese wasn't that good yet. Your photos are slightly different from my memories, but I like that it's different. I also recall meeting some Singaporeans and they thought I might be one, too. :)

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    1. You must have visited in the wintery months. I always try to stay clear of that, given that I'm used to hot and humid climate. Haha. You are amazing with the number of languages you are proficient in now!

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  3. Great blog! Amazing content and style! Thanks for putting it together..

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    1. Thanks for the kind words, Ben! Glad you enjoyed it.

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  4. Hey that's a really good idea to put your travelogues together in a book. Or, how about inviting guest writers too - you love Japan right? Maybe you can do a Japan themed book and invite guest bloggers to share their Japan pics and experiences too - and publish into a book? I have found collaborative works to be very interesting, particularly in the UK craft scene. Keep writing! :D

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    1. Thanks for your encouragement and suggestion, Diana! I might put it as a goal for next year, otherwise I'll procrastinate forever.

      I've actually done something similar as a collaboration. http://thecookiecutterblog.blogspot.sg/2012/02/terroir-no-2.html
      This time, I'm thinking of doing a solo version :)

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  5. I made a 2-week trip in China back in 2007 winter, and I remember Xi-an was one of my favorite cities. The terracotta warriors left us in awe, and I can't recall now, but I think we had some really good congee at a restaurant in Xi-an which was a lifesaver during those cold times!

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    1. There was a lot of local ethnic street food. They were interesting and worth trying but just a tad oily and meaty for me. Yeah, I heard the winters are cold!

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