Our journey started with a ride to the airport on the University Van at 6 a.m. We hit the road running when our plane landed at 2:00 p.m. at Urumqi, Western China. This is like flying from Statesboro to San Francisco without any time change. Our tour guide met us with two buses, all 62 arrived near the same time from many parts of China. Our first stop before going to the hotel was to visit the local bazaar. This is now the biggest bazaar in the world as they just surpassed the bazaar they we visited in Turkey. Blocks and blocks of food that mostly consisted on dried fruits – raisins, almonds, walnuts, more and more raisins, dried beans, watermelon, cantaloupe, oranges, apples, peaches and just about anything you could want. Did I mention raisins of all kind? This is the main crop in the area. We didn’t dare purchase any of the food items as it has to be properly washed, etc. and we didn’t want to get sick. One of our friends did eat many raisins and is paid for that three days later. So many scarves, jade, wallets, purses (made out of mutton hide), and jewelry from the area. This was a bargaining mall so you had to be on your toes to get a good deal. This is an autonomous Uygur region which means they are minority Muslim groups that came to this area via the Silk Road many hundreds of years ago from Turkey, Pakistan and other Middle Eastern areas. We both have students from this area. They are not Chinese but speak Chinese and Uygur which is Arabic language. Many ladies were dressed in fancy clothes and jewelry. Apparently, this is the norm when the women go out of the house. They are in high heels, jewelry, makeup, scarves…so fancy. Ugurs (pronounced Wigurs) are Muslims so they figure out very creative ways to cover their hair….just beautiful people and adorable little children. We were told that the Ugur’s live for today and never save money. We found a delicious bread that was quite tasty. We were reluctant to purchase any as it sits out in the open and many hands have touched it. These “non”, as they are called, are big round pieces of dough that could be about the size of a medium pizza, flat bread, that is baked in a hot oven I would presume. The bread is sold everywhere in this part of the country, maybe 30 stacked high. I choose one from the bottom and slipped a plastic bag around it…took a deep breath….and ate it…. So delicious! Two days later and no signs of sickness!
When we arrived at the hotel we were seated a big round tables for a typical Chinese dinner. All meals are served on a very tiny saucer, a small bowl and a glass for hot water…don’t forget the chop sticks. We had plenty to eat and found some dishes rather tasty. The Chinese believe that you should eat like an Emperor at breakfast, a landowner for lunch and a peasant for dinner. Everyone should go to bed on a light stomach. Good advise. People in this region enjoy their food very spicy. The hotel was considered a “5” star but we don’t know what that means in China unless clean sheets and warm water is on the list. We did get the internet to work and sent a quick note home.
After a breakfast fit for an Emperor, to boarded the bus to visit the ancient Uygur Buddhist Grotto that was started in 575 B.D. Approximately 600 Monks lived here at one time. This Grotto was built in a very low valley or oasis. The water continues today to run off the snow covered mountains. Fresco paintings adorn the walls dating back to the 11th and 12th centuries. Absolutely amazing that the pigment from the dyes that were used are still there. Many centuries ago, the golden Buddhas were stolen.
Tyoku Village - we rode the donkey cart to the ruins.Very dusty ride but very fun!
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| Our all-night train ride with Shannon and Jeff Butler. We found the greatest friends in China! |
This rug only takes 1 1/2 years to weave
This is a silk rug they were weaving...takes three years to complete. I can't imagine what it would cost.
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