Seeing the terra cotta soldiers was like seeing an army of ghosts

Seeing the terra cotta soldiers was like seeing an army of ghosts. It made my hair stand on end, to contemplate one man's immensely egotistical tribute to himself. But it also induces a curiosly peaceful feeling to see them, especially their frozen expressions which show no anger, the gorgeous time worn alabaster color, and the perfectly symmetrical arrays. Coming out of the museum, I was accosted by a swarm of vendors, all the way down the road leading off the museum. It was a rather surreal experience to wend my way through it. I bartered for a fox fur scarf, and was about to walk away from the deal when the vendor gave in, chuckling with his cronies. I suspect we are the source of much amusement to them. Instead of going to the government store that is so high on the list of sites the tour guides like to show you, I spent my time walking up and down the street, snapping pictures of ordinary citizens on bikes, teenagers making themselves up at a beauty shop! an old cook making dumplings and a group of Chinese men playing cards on the sidewalk. We bought some local beer and drank it on the bus.