Night Train to Beijing

Our last day in Xi'an, we made plans to visit the Shanxi History Museum, reputed to be one of the best in Asia. We arrived mid-morning, which was definitely a bad plan - the line looked to be at least 2 hours long. We quickly formulated a alternate plan - the Big Wild Goose Pagoda.

But first turtles!

And ducks!

The Big Wild Goose Pagoda was originally built in 652 AD to house writings and relics brought back to China from India by Master Xuanzang, who travelled extensively through India studying and collecting teachings on Buddhism. The museum encompasses the pagoda, as well as collections documenting the master's incredible journey.

After the hike at Huashan, the kids declined to climb more steps, and high towers simply aren't on for Bess. So they waited patiently while I took in the view - rather muted on a rainy day.

After the pagoda it was time for lunch. Having once navigated the put money on a card, pay for meals and then collect your refund for the balance food court system we decided to try it again. The noodles from this one-man noodle shop were delicious. Bonus for spotting Bess in the background waiting for her much slower but equally yummy handmade noodles. We tasked the kids with fighting for a table.

We spent the afternoon resting, catching up with the on-again wifi, packing up from the apartment and buying food for the return trip to Beijing.

The train station in Xi'an has the appearance of just barely controlled chaos. Taking one look at the crowd gathered near the platform entrance we made a quick call - circle the suitcases!

Once boarding started I had to rely on skills learned during my single year of high school football as a surprising strong older woman tried to bash her way over anyone in her path to get to the train first.

The car we're in is a "hard sleeper" - six bunks to a compartment with no door. The lower two levels of bunks are more sought after, since the top bunks are a challenging climb and a tight fit against the ceiling. So we're four and four in two compartments.

The kids had another game of cards, we all got ready for bed, and the light went out a few minutes before 10. Actually it's quite a comfortable way to travel.