I'm loving the long spring and all the blossoms.

We finally had a little rain which helped clear the skies and today on my way home from class I took some pictures on campus of all the cherry, pear, and apple blossoms.  We are also seeing more lilacs and the tulips and peonies are starting to bloom.  I try to get in a walk every day because something new is always blooming.

Last week end I went with our department chair and friends of her's to visit a historical site a short distance from Xi'an.  Chang Kai Shek's Cave at Fragrant Springs Park was interesting and the blooms were colorful.  Chang Kai Shek was a southern warlord who came to Xi'an in 1936 for a conference with the northern warlords. The conference ended badly and he had to flee and hide in a cave.  This even is called the "Xi'an Incident."  He was later captured but then freed after agreeing to certain terms. The cave is scooped out of the side of a high plateau with several tunnels and rooms.  The cave was interesting but also a little creepy because it was so dark ... I had to use the light on my phone to see where we were going.  When the communists came to power in China, Chang Kai Shek and the Kuomintang regime were forced to flee to Taiwan. 

In addition to the blossoms on campus, the park continues to be beautiful and many people are out enjoying the nice weather and beautiful color.  I love how the Chinese often pose for pictures.

Today I went with Li Yali again to explore Xi'an and we visited the Beilin Museum with a Confucian Temple, Forest of Stone Tablets dating back to 500 AD and the Mausoleum Stone Sculptures.  Her friend is very knowledgable and was able to give us a great tour and point out some of the most historical and valuable pieces.  He also has pieces that he has contributed to the museum because he collects and sells ancient artifacts. 

Entrance to Forest of Stone Tablets

Making a paper rubbing of ancient stone caligraphy

Ancient hitching posts ...  horses could not enter the Confusion Temple

The turtle is a symbol on longevity and this is a replica of the tomb a young prince was buried in

Door to the tomb

A few more photos from campus taken on Saturday with Chinese friends

posing beside the Ancient Xi'an Jiaotong Bell

The Xi'an Jiaotong University spoon ... no cherry on top like in Minneapolis but ...
4 animals surround it indicating  North, South, East and West

The symbol in the circle is used to represent the university and is on stationary and brochures 

 Last night we had a bridal shower for a young gal from church at a new pizza restaurant close to my university that was recently opened by 3 Canadians.  Her mother and several relatives and friends in the US had sent me letters to read so it was almost like having her family with us.  Tomorrow is Easter and our church group will meet together for an Easter dinner.  I'm on my way shortly to pick up a couple of key lime pies that we all love ... I ordered them from a Mexican restaurant we like to eat at.  :-)