The train trip wasn't as exotic as I had imagined. We were booked into the top class sleepers - 4 to a compartment, individual TVs (Chinese programs only!) and a bunk only marginally softer than paving stones. But it was still reasonably comfortable, and we arrived at Xian at about 8.30am. This was the former capital of China, and it looks like a fascinating place. After a quick walk to orient ourselves, I stayed on "Calligraphy Street" for about 30 minutes before lunch...
After lunch we headed out of town to see the Terracotta Warrior Army. They really make an awesome sight, all lined up waiting to defend their dead Emperor. There are 3 pits, all inside massive buildings to keep them safe and protected. As Ewen said, we're visiting here purely to see a magnificent sight - there's not a lot of photographic value here as there are limited viewing areas and everyone takes pretty much the same shots. But I'm happy with the ones I got - I think I got some interesting viewpoints.
Back to the hotel and then we went to the Muslim Quarter for dinner. Magnificent. As Xian is at the eastern end of the Silk Road, there is a definite Muslim influence here, no better seen than in the style of food we had tonight. The food I've experienced in the past week has been stupendous, and because Jason and Ewen have been here so many times and speak passable Chinese, they simply order for all of us and we share the lot. After dinner some of us wandered through the Muslim Quarter streets for some night photography. It was great fun and I took more shots tonight than any other single day so far. And I could have eaten my way from one end to the other - exotic and wonderful food being sold at street stalls everywhere, all surrounded by the usual cruched mixture of people, bikes and cars all trying to share the same space, horns blaring, people shouting and laughing, and all having a great time going about their business. It felt just so safe and natural walking through the bustle - not a worry about personal safety at all. It's just bloody wonderful!
Lorraine (Melbourne), Helen (US) and Ewen (Melbourne/Asia)...
My photography has also developed in a new way, possibly noticeable by what I've posted here. Ewen has talked to us about how to engage with people, asking for their permission to photograph them and sharing the image with them. Up till now I've avoided street photography, because it's confronting to ask a stranger if I can take their photo. But it's becoming easier, and it's certainly a buzz when you show them the shot you've just taken of them - the smiles of delight are wonderful, and you really have a connection with them.
One thing the Grasshopper guys do that's really nice is that they ask clients to send them images of the locals that they've taken on the trip. They then print them, and when they're next in that location, they try to find that person and give them the photo! Jason gave an old Chinese guy his photo, taken last year, when we were visiting the hutongs in Beijing. The look of surprise and delight on the old man's face as he recognised himself in the photo was truly priceless.
3 comments:
This holiday sounds like something that I should be doing, minus the photography part. A lot of great shots, particularly of the ordinary people doing their thing. I love the photo of what appears to be two kids working out the back of a restaurant/kitchen. The main kid stares right into the camera whilst the other chats on his mobile. It seems nothing really changes no matter where in the world one is. I must say, though, that you seem to be in love with Ewen. As Kramer says, "You love him". It's a bit like George and his infatuation with the rock-climbing Tony. All I need to hear from you now is how you made up sandwiches for him. Enjoy.
Love the photos. Good job....
Step off Vince, just step off.
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