A stroll through the market (in Xian)

We were captivated by the Muslim quarter in Xian, with its open air market and tiny restaurants that kept us fed for less than a dollar a meal.In the evenings, streets are a writhing blob of pedestrians being pushed out of the way by electric bicycles, scooters, and fruit sellers with neat stacks of their goods stacked in their cart. Vendor after vendor proudly displays their dried fruits and awaits any potential customer. Scewers of meats and vegetables are on display to lure you into the restaurants. Men sit out in front of their shops with their shirts pulled up on their big round bellies as if trying to emulate the laughing Buddha.Women fan themselves wildly to alleviate the heat. By day, umbrellas dot any sidewalk from a birds-eye view as people hide from the sun's intense rays. Perched on stools around low tables, bawdy games of mah jong and cards help pass the heat of the afternoon as men slam cards down on the table and draw in crowds of spectators. Chinese tourists in short skirts, high heels, and tank tops (making me feel like a prude, after our time in India and Nepal where modesty reigns!) wander the streets hopping from shop to shop picking up kitchy knick knacks. We spent a good chunk of our time wandering the lanes and enjoying the bustling activity.