Rachael, our writer for today, ascending the stairs to the xi'an city wall at the South Gate:

This morning before we left Xi’an to fly back to Shanghai we went biking along the Xi’an city wall.  It was very windy and a little chilly but at least it wasn’t raining.  Everybody zoomed off, just anxious to get around as quickly as possible.  [Xi’an has an intact city wall that surrounds the whole part of the city].  I did the same but then I realized that I was zooming past a spectacular view of Xi’an.  I slowed and really began to enjoy myself. 

I think that when you are traveling it is very important every once in a while, to step back.  It’s something I’ve been trying to do a lot on this trip.  I’m so busy taking pictures that I miss the actual experience.  If you just stop and really take a moment to look at where you are it becomes more meaningful.  I still have to remind myself every once and a while that I’m in China and to not take this whole experience for granted.

This whole trip is flying by.  We just have a few days left and I hope that by the end of it (in addition to some great pictures) I also feel like I’ve been somewhere different and really acknowledged it.

We don’t realize how far away we are because it takes a relatively short time to get there.  (I know 14 hours is a long time but think about how long a boat would take)  I’m half way around the world and only just beginning to realize it, before it‘s time to go home. 

Here we go, our AACE group preparing to bike along the top of the city wall.