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don't lose it! I misplaced mine and almost had to buy another one but luckily I found it! In later trips, I rode sleeper cars that were first class. While those are a bit more expensive, I liked that the car had a western toilet and they are cleaner and have doors to the rooms. In first class, there are only four bunks instead of six so you don't have to share with as many people and the door gives some added security for belongings.

I have never had anything stolen in my travels to Asia, but I am very careful. It is still advisable to keep your money on you in a money belt of some sort. As a matter of fact, that is the case in all of Asia, though in the hotter climates make sure to put your money in a baggie to keep it from getting too wet. Your passport should also be kept on your person as well.

Xian is a great place to visit in China and the Terra Cotta Warriors are fantastic. I highly recommend getting the book they sell about them. You can even get it signed by one of the people who discovered the warriors. There is a history museum in Xian that is also good, along with some pretty fancy pagodas. About two days is recommended for sightseeing though if you want to go at a slower pace, three days would work too.

After Xian we went to a Chinese friend's home and spent a couple of days in Louyang. Chinese hospitality is great and her family welcomed us with open arms. Communication would have been nearly impossible if Kelly (the friend) hadn't spoken English since none of her family did. I absolutely loved Louyang. It is highly recommended to go to Longmen Grottoes, home of thousands of Buddha images carved into the rocks. Another recommendation is White Horse Temple which was, reportedly, the first Buddhist Temple founded in China. Both excursions were very interesting.

After Louyang we went to Beijing and visited all the sights there. Beijing has a higher population of English speakers so it is a little easier to get around in. While there, we went to the Forbidden City which is where the emperor lived, the Great Wall at Simatai, Tiananmen Square, The Friendship Store, and the Silk Market. The Great Wall at Simatai is much less touristy than the other options. The wall hasn't been restored so much that you can't tell its age like Mutianyu and Badaling and some of the others. Simatai is higher than Badaling, and runs along a very steep ridge. It appears more authentic since it is in a weathered, partly crumbled state. It is much farther than other parts of

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