Blue and White Porcelain Vase Bookmark

Reading is also one of my interests but I just start to collect bookmark.  On the last day of my Xi'an Trip (25/12/2012), I bought this Blue and White Porcelain Vase Bookmark from Muslim Market which is located opposite to Citadines, the hotel where I stayed.

Since I did not check baggage, I almost had to leave it behind in Xi'an because of its bladelike shape.  I then explained to an official at the immigration counter that it's a bookmark I bought from a souvenir shop and I love it so much.  Finally a young official (man) seemed to understand an old lady and allowed me to carry this bookmark with me on the plane.

It has already been used once when I read Thai novel about Chinese Dress (Chi-p'ao or Qipao in Thai; Cheongsam in English).

Jade Bracelet

Jade has a long history in China, and is note for its strength, beauty, ethereal power. The Chinese word for jade is "Yu" meaning "one who rules".  It is a Chinese culture for parents to give their daughters jade bracelets because they believe the jade bracelet will protect them from evil and disaster.

Jade bracelet is also good for one’s health because of the chemical elements it contained. When worn for long time, it will promote one’s blood circulation.

On my trip to Xi'an (November 2012), my son in law's mother bought two of  this white jade bracelet from a souvenir shop outside the Terracotta tomb and gave one to me.  I was very impressed to receive a souvenir from the one travelling together on the same trip even though it has not been unearthed from the tomb.

Mirror

I visited Xi'an, China during 19/11/2012 - 25/11/2012.  It was a backpack tour.
Bought this as a souvenir to my friends. 

I keep this one for myself

The lady at the front of the mirror represents YANG GUI FEI who was known as one of the Four Beauties of ancient China. She was the beloved consort of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang during his later years.