Blogs from Kuqa, Xinjiang, China, Asia

Kuqa railway station is a modern, stylish and well-managed establishment, we arrived in good time but check-in was very easy and efficient, 30 minutes would be enough to allow prior to departure. Our 2nd Hard Sleeper had already done sterling service and the bunks in our carriage were arranged in tiers of 3 high divided by a narrow passage, with the south-facing window heavily curtained; after many hours, the sheets showed the signs, and our party of three was distributed as one per compartment, each in middle berth. It took some time to discover the folding footholds, which would assist an ascent, resembling those little blocks you see on the walls of establishments that train would-be mountaineers. Anyway, one member of our party announced flatly "I am not going in there", so we used the bunks ... read more

We went out to explore the centre of the "new" town, which was vibrant, and very colourful with New Year decorations everywhere, and a proliferation of China national flags; very clean, most vehicles operating by electricity so the entire environment pollution free and not noisy. Have noticed that litter is not a great feature, in the cities all roads are kept clean although elsewhere there is a fringe of empty bottles and cans; the creeping menace of excess packaging begins to appear, apples and pears are sometimes in little swaddle-coats, and we have noticed oranges packed in individual plastic bags. Hired car and about noon headed off to see ancient ruined city of Subashi. We were the only visitors, luckily enough our driver was able to rattle the gates loudly enough to arrange entry - a ... read more

SECRET DESERT CAMP. SUNDAY 29.6.14 Distance: 150 Kms SubT. 4,140 Kms Bal 8274 Kms Road Condition: highway good other than shoulder debris Weather: hot blue sky Time in Saddle: 7 hrs Av Speed: av. 22.5 kph. Elevation: ? m : Decent ? Calories burned : 5100 Today was hot, long, boring scenery and I couldn't wait for it to end. Another puncture! six now I think! Now I am some what expert at the change of tubes. Have 1 original left!!! Stopped at every service station for cold drinks. None to be had, all were room temperature. Never consumed so much Pepsi, however the sugar content does provide a short term energy boost. Luckily I have a dental appointment pre arranged at tour end. Finally found the obscure camping site, well hidden and avoided the police ... read more

Petit poste rapide sur Kuche (ou KuQa) sur la route qui me mène a Kashgar. La première journée a été un peu difficile avec un gros vent de coté qui me poussait vers les camions et les voitures sur la voie express. Et puis il y a eu cette tempête de sable pendant plus d’une heure où je ne voyais pas plus loin que 10 mètres devant moi. Le sable s’est incrusté de partout dans mon cou et même au milieu des dents… J’ai longé les montagnes à ma droite et l’immensité du désert sur ma gauche. Je me suis engouffré dans un petit tunnel sous l’autoroute afin de passer la nuit a l’abris des regards, mais vers minuit le vent était tellement fort (amplifié sous le tunnel) que j’ai du déménager entre les voies de ... read more