Watchful scholars,
cure vacant minds
Hands open wide,
catch empty thoughts
The portal opens,
welcoming all
Leave ignorance
standing outside
Entrance to the Victoria & Albert Museum, London
Photo by: c.b.w. 2005
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In honor of Mother’s Day, I hope it can be forgiven that this week’s Sunday Abroad is a day late.
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c.b.w. 2013
Temples to prose,
rooted in earth
Lessons preserved,
wisdom stands still
Should we forget,
the words crumble
Forest of Steles, Xi’an China
Photo by: c.b.w. 2005
The Forest of Steles is part of the Xi’an Beilin Museum in China. The museum holds about 3,000 steles, (both inside and outside) with tablets that date back more than a thousand years. These stone steles serve as markers for historical record, works of poetry and calligraphy.
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c.b.w. 2013
The A to Z Challenge definitely kept me busy throughout the month of April! Between writing six posts a week and keeping up with other A to Zers, I spent more time in the blogosphere than anywhere else! All in all it was a great experience and I met some really interesting bloggers.
As I continue on my journey as a writer, I will look upon my A to Z Challenge experience as one that taught me I can write on a deadline without losing my sense of creativity.
![survivor_[2013]](http://cbwentworth.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/survivor_2013.jpg)
In case you missed one of my challenge posts, here are all twenty-six links to the A to Z Abroad series:
Thanks so much to my readers, old and new alike for stopping by each day. Your comments and likes were an immense source of encouragement to complete the challenge and to continue following my muse.
Congratulations to everyone who completed the challenge. It was no easy feat and you should be proud!
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c.b.w. 2013
A trip to Xi’an, China is not complete without a walk around the famed city wall. First built back in 194 B.C. and rebuilt by the Ming Dynasty in the 14th century, Xi’an’s city wall is one of the most complete and well-preserved relics of Chinese history. Fully restored, the wall looks as good as it did when it was first built, if not better!
As usual, I wandered away from the group to explore the wall at my own pace. While they rode away on rented bicycles, I took a leisurely stroll and followed the red lanterns from one end of the wall to the other.
Xi’an City Wall, China
Photo by: c.b.w. 2005
While first built to protect Xi’an from invaders, the wall today is place for locals and tourists alike to enjoy a walk above busy city streets and away from crowded sidewalks. The wide berth of the wall allows for pedestrians and bicyclists to peacefully coexist!
Walking along the Xi’an City Wall
Photo by: c.b.w. 2005
More than 8 miles long and 39 feet in height, a stroll along wall offers fantastic views of the city and beautiful gardens. The surprising thing about both Xi’an and Beijing is how much plant life is present along the streets. Trees and potted plants are everywhere!
A view of Xi’an from the city wall.
Photo by: c.b.w. 2005
Along the way, there is beautiful historical architecture. Buildings that once served as lookout towers are now tourist centers, retail shops, or exhibits, but the old world flare still flows from curved roofs and intricate stonework.
Architecture on Xi’an’s city wall.
Photo by: c.b.w. 2005
After walking for more than an hour in 90 percent humidity and 90 degree weather, I was thankful to find a kiosk selling Magnum ice cream bars. Surprisingly, I’d never had a Magnum until I went to China! Of course, those delectable ice cream bars are sold back home, but it took traveling almost 6,000 miles to find them.
With Magnum bar in hand, I traveled the red lantern path until it was time to meet back up with the group. I’m sure they had fun flying down the wall on their bikes, but I was grateful for a slower pace and ice cream!
Red lanterns on Xi’an’s city wall.
Photo by: c.b.w. 2005
The red lanterns and flags represent good luck and happiness, which makes my walk on the wall even more memorable. With those bright colors swirling about and centuries deep history beneath my feet, I couldn’t stop smiling.
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Part of the A to Z Challenge!
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c.b.w. 2013
As fate would have it, the Waterford Crystal factory closed down just weeks before we were supposed to go through the visitor’s center. So, instead of marveling at sparkly glass, I got to walk through the streets of Waterford without a tour group or guide in sight!
I first wandered towards Waterford Marina, where sunset cast beautiful colors across the sky and water alike. I leaned against the railing and just watched the colors change and listened to the water lap against against the embankment.
Waterford Marina
Photo by: c.b.w. 2009
With evening fast approaching, I went in search of side streets with interesting stories to tell. I have a small fascination with curving cobblestone streets and alleyways with hidden doorways. Europe, it seems, is full of these narrow links to adventure.
A street in Waterford, Ireland
Photo by: c.b.w. 2009
Waterford, like many cities in Europe, allows for a peaceful coexistence between past and present. Modern buildings of glass and steel rise up around what remains of stone and mortar from centuries ago.
Old and new collide in Waterford
Photo by: c.b.w. 2009
This dichotomy is what I love about Europe. It isn’t so much “out with the old and in with the new,” but rather let the old be and allow the new to arrive.
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Part of the A to Z Challenge!
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c.b.w. 2013
