Kashgar
Saturday, October 27th, 2007Yesterday felt exhausted after the 28 hour trip here, not sure if its possible to get bus lag but certainly felt it. Journey nothing special in the way of sights and more than happy to arrive. As it was dumped in a sandpit on the outskirts of the city, not sure why they can’t use the bus station. Decided to stretch my legs and walk in and find a hotel which proved surprisingly difficult with constant ” no foreigner”. Started to take a serious dislike to the place as the hotels were decent places so no reason. As it was eventually found a very good place.
The Chinese centre of the city modern but dated or just felt a bit run down but with lots of redevelopment taking place. Today spent the time wandering around Old Kashgar, some great places. Lovely traditional streets and full of character. If I ever need to buy carpets, silks, woollen hats, handmade knives. spices, grapes etc etc I know where to go, can even get new shoes for a horse. Some great craft places and largely all the action on the streets. The “old town” that costs 30y to enter a waste of time, completely deserted, I only hope they don’t only preserve the official tourist areas and not the whole of what remains – would be a great shame to lose such great places but this is China and development takes precedence. The city fairly mixed in cultural terms between muslim uighurs and chinese ( admitedly mixed is probably not the right word ) and not as many people wearing the burka as I expected and overall seemed fairly relaxed and friendly enough. Also some great food but had better kebabs in Turpan – and I’ve eaten a lot of kebabs !
Tomorrow of to Karakul Lake.
Info. Loads of ATMs. Caravan Cafe closed since May. Post Hotel near main post office on main street good value in central location 130y. The Ex British consulate area hotels didn’t look great but has more places doing travel arrangements – however with no tourists this time of year, no tours.
petefurlepa