*Post China Debriefing Entry #2

When I chose the graphics I used to build the header image for Shen's blog I didn't realize what an important landmark the Bell Tower is in Xi'an. It stands in the center of a larger roundabout that you cross using brightly lit subterranean passageways. You have to pay a fee to enter the Bell Tower, as you do most significant historical landmarks in China. Since we had the boys in strollers we weren't able to explore too much of the building because of all the stairs. But on the evening we chose to visit, we happened up into the tower just in time to take in a bell-ringing performance. The musicians played a number of traditional pieces then ended with "Auld Lang Syne", it was quite surprising to suddenly recognize the melody being played!

This is a video of a dance piece I captured using our new digital camera. There are other clips on YouTube of performances at the Bell Tower, but this one is shot at night, and the room was darkly lit, it made it feel very romantic. Shen and Kai both really enjoyed seeing it, and we felt very lucky to just stumble upon it.