With an average day temperature of 0-3 degrees Celsius, plus occasional wind/rain/and snow(!), winter in Suzhou can feel really cold. I haven't felt this chill for the past 2 years and sometimes it just demotivates me to do anything but stay at home. The shivering is definitely one thing in Suzhou that I didn't miss! But looking at the bright side, it allows me to appreciate Sydney's fine winter [10 degrees Celsius!] so much more.
As it is holiday, everyday feels rather monotonous yet relaxing. Sleeping 10 hours, waking up to do nothing [using the computer but not knowing exactly what you're doing], and sleeping again feels like the holiday that I dreamt about during semester in uni. Sometimes, I might go out to eat or shop, and that contributes to the casual holiday mood. Other times, I might go out to meet up with some few old friends who happened to come back to Suzhou for their respective winter breaks. Sydney and uni suddenly seem so far away in the past now. Just thinking of going back and being proactive/resourceful/productive feels a little overwhelming.
Despite the passive mood, I did end up going to Xi'An with my older brother for a 3-day trip. We visited one of the most well known wonder in China -- the pits where the Terracotta armies were buried. There is a lot of history behind the wonder and if you want to know more about it, Wiki it or go there yourself. Definitely a worthwhile place to go, if you are ever in China. All I dare tell you now is that it was discovered in 1974 by a local farmer and I saw that guy living his now 'comfortable' life sitting in a chair and charging for autographs. Other than the Terracotta army, Xi'An offers some other cultural/historical sites including the Big Wild Goose Pagoda [one of the places where Buddhism first spread into China as it was the pagoda where Xuanzang (the fictitious Monkey King's master) brought his sutras after his journey to India] and the City Wall [a well-survived military defense system from the past]. Some photos follow:
Due to the cold, I have had second thoughts on travelling, especially anywhere higher in latitude than Suzhou. But on the other hand, I get to spend more time in Suzhou with my family, which I feel is more important right now. Also, less money spent on travelling also means more money to spare for photographic accessories (:D)!
At times, it feels so cold that I can't wait to go back to Malaysia and bathe in the warm sun. But knowing that I will definitely be leaving in less than 3 weeks from now, I'd better stop thinking about going back and enjoy my days in Suzhou while I still have time. After all, I doubt I'd be coming back to Suzhou for a long while to come.
