The updates I intended to post while in Xi'An will be delayed. The net at our hostel only actually functions on their computers and I won't sit in the lobby to compose them (or pay for internet that supposedly comes with the room for that long). But I haven't forgotten and I'll try again when we're in Lanzhou in a few days.
For Trill, here are the promised photos - no narrative yet unfortunately.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8414475@N06/sets/72157627044625225/