Xian's City Wall

Later today we rode a double bicycle around the city wall. We got in lots of exercise and sweat today (hiking & biking). This was lots of fun. At first we wondered if the rickety bike would hold us (we're probably about 100 lbs more than most Chinese that might ride it!) - but it survived! It was a really great experience. It was near dusk so it was nice and cool, and we could enjoy the sunset from up on the wall. The wall is from the 1300's and it's about 14 km. long. We did it in just over an hour - with stopping and talking to a Chinese family from Guangdong. There are so many Chinese people we meet that are really friendly and want to speak english with us and exchange emails, etc. Earlier today, too, some guys (they were just out of university and we met them on Li Shan) wanted a picture with us and chatted with us for a bit. That part is really nice. The majority of the Chinese people we meet are very friendly and helpful and want to communicate with us. I had one not-so-nice experience today though. I was walking behind Bill just after dark and thought I felt the zipper of my backpack being opened. I turned around to see a guy (Chinese, mid 30s?) facing me and he quickly turned around and walked the other way. I was a little shook up, even though nothing happened (thankfully!). I was really thanking God that I didn't leave our camera on top in the backpack (I had it there earlier and moved to my pants pocket).