Day 243 (China): rest day in Xian II (sightseeing, internet, bumming around)

The plan was to do a bit of sightseeing today and not much else. This is what I did. First off, a mosque which doesn’t strike you as such unless you take a look at the skullcaps on people’s heads. Otherwise, it is Chinese-style and my comment that mosques have been replaced by temples was a bit premature. Islamic faith is still pretty strong here it seems judging by the number of mosques I have encountered up to now.

Then, it was on to the Large Goose Pagoda. Pretty impressive building I must say. The tourist groups were out in droves though. Here is the square - another big one:

And here is the actual pagoda - also big.

There was small stuff though too …

Other than that a restful day full of food and the like. I will be heading out again tomorrow to cover the remaining distance to the Yellow Sea. Unsure how I feel about this overall, but this is just the way it is. On the one hand I am seeing the goal in sight (1200km, roughly 750miles to, not much in the grand scheme of things - which sounds strange for most I gather), but it also means that the trip will then be over (at least the biking part). Will have a few days to ponder this though. And just as I need it, the weather report indicated rain and snow for the area I am heading into … starting tomorrow.