Miscellaneous Xi'an, China: June 6-8, 2014

Text and images (c) Robert Barry Francos / FFotos by Francos, 2014
All images can be enlarged by clicking on them

Through the days, there were other sights to see, and here is a small compilation of where we went in the early part of our trip to Xi'an.

SHAANXI PROVINCIAL NON-MATERIAL HERITAGE MUSEUM

Photo by Victor.

SHAANXI NORMAL UNIVERSITY WOMEN CULTURE MUSEUM

Examples of women's secret language, hidden within a fan to pass messages.

There were dozens of local cultural costumes on display, modeled by mannequins.

This blanket had the details of an affair sewn into it, but because of the secret language, the husband never knew.

SHAANXI NORMAL UNIVERSITY MARXIST CENTER

We stood with the Vice Dean and Victor. Picture by unknown.

RESTAURANT IN THE INTERNATIONAL BUILDING (aka the "Tetris" Building; see first set of pictures)



A glass elevator with designs in the glass give the transmission tower seemingly appropriate cartoon emanations.

Along with opera and traditional music, the meal came with a marionette love story.

 

Garden in a New District Area, Xi'an, China: July 8, 2014

Text and images (c) Robert Barry Francos / FFotos by Francos, 2014
All images can be enlarged by clicking on them

Out in the suburbs, in a new development area, there is a cultured park, whose name I can't remember (if someone can read the sign and tell me, please do). While there, we had the opportunity to watch the filming of a period soap opera performed by children. Everything in this park is planned, but that can be said about Central Park in NYC, as well. It was a lovely, hot day as we strolled through the pathways looking at new and old buildings. I was reminded of Marshall McLuhan's statement that all outdated technology comes back as art, as old milling wheels by the thousands are used as walkways here. There was another couple while we were there, talking selfies, and they asked if we would have our picture taken with them, as well. The pond fish, by the way, are so well trained, that if you clap your hands, they come - er - running, which is quite a beautiful view.



Peasants keep up the park. You can see some of the milling wheels to the right.

Sculptures of animals, people, and a cross between line the pathway on your first left.



The children getting prepared for their appearance on the soap. They were very playful and generous with their time.

Very old trees, probably remnants of the past area.

This tree was just laying here by an administrative building. Luckily a car was there to show scale.

Lots of happy Buddha statues.

This scenic view shows some of the smog that blights the area.

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Cameras are everywhere so you begin to not even notice. Reminded me of Foucault's panopticon,

We took a break here and watched the soap opera filming below us.

More graffiti.

Tickling the feet of the laughing Buddha. Picture by Victor.

Victor ear-tickling the Buddha.