#118 Teaching at Taizhou Teachers College, China (Part 1,The Silk Road near Urumqi/Turpan, Xinjiang)

Asia » China » Xinjiang » Turpan
August 28th 2009

Published: August 29th 2009

The summer of 2009 will be the one I remember with special affection, for it took me to places that have long been in my imagination and in my dreams. These summer travels and experiences also remind me of the diversity and vastness of this amazing country called China. Much of the thanks for my unique summer adventure is offered to my wonderful College, Taizhou Teachers College, it's genteel an... Read Full Entry

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Hans J. Schneider

Hans

After 38 years as a Foreign Language Teacher and Foreign Language Dept. Chair at Coral Gables Sr. H.S., and A.J. Professor of German at the University of Miami, I have left Florida in June of 2006, where my home is in Miami Beach, Florida, USA. I have just signed another year's teaching-contract (my 8th year now) with Taizhou University in the city of Taizhou, located about 3hrs north of Shanghai, in Jiangsu Province, CHINA. I thought it would be informative for others and rewarding for me personally, to log the progress of my efforts from beginning to end, as a Travel and Photo Jo... full info

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The Oasis-City of Turpan, Photo #2

Views from the car-window. The city population is mainly of Uighur origin, reflected in their dress. Their religion is of course Muslim.

The Oasis-City of Turpan, Photo #3

Driving through the city of Turpan, the flavor is that of another world. I dream now of visiting again, and perhaps having the opportunity to spend more time in this exotic section of China.

The Oasis-City of Turpan, Photo #4

Life remains simple in this green Oasis city.

The Oasis-City of Turpan, Photo #5

An Uighur family is waiting to cross a not so crowded street of Turpan.

The Oasis-City of Turpan, Photo #6

The grape harvest is in full swing, and todays pick is sorted and packed. The vineyards are located right behind the clay brick walls and homes. Perhaps some day I can explore more of this fascinating Oasis town.

CITY VIEW OF URUMQI, XINJIANG

THE LAST SECTION OF THE PHOTO JOURNEY IS OUR TRAVEL ON THE SILK ROAD, THOUGH WITH MORE MODERN TRANSPORTATION. OUR BEAUTIFUL AND COMFORTABLE HOTEL WAS THE STARTING POINT. FROM HERE WE TRAVEL ON THE SILK ROAD TOWARD TURPAN, NOW OF COURSE A MUCH MORE COMFORTABLE JOURNEY. COME ALONG, PLEASE.

From Urumqi, on the Silk Road to Turpan, Photo #1

Still in the city of Urumqi, we pass through the Uighur section of town, and can catch a quick glimpse of the Grand Mosque, just behind the tree.

From Urumqi, on the Silk Road to Turpan, Photo #2

Just outside of Urumqi, on the now modern high-way, but once part of the Silk Road, I catch another quick view of a small Mosque. It reminds, that the main religion in this western region of China is Muslim.

From Urumqi, on the Silk Road to Turpan, Photo #3

Some miles outside of Urumqi, along the ancient route of the Silk Road we pass huge "wind farms", providing clean energy to the region. There must have been thousands, with many more under construction.

From Urumqi, on the Silk Road to Turpan, Photo #4

We had a chance to take a closer look at this source of clean energy and enjoyed the photo opportunity.

From Urumqi, on the Silk Road to Turpan, Photo #5

Arthur had some competition from these 2 Uighur gentlemen at the wind-farms, but I like the contrast of the two cultures in this photo.

From Urumqi, on the Silk Road to Turpan, Photo #6

Fields of Sun-flowers provide a great contrast to the blue desert skies, and the emerging mountains on the horizon, much as it has been throughout the history of this region.

From Urumqi, on the Silk Road to Turpan, Photo #7

We pass a grave-yard along our journey toward Turpan. It has existed for centuries and is still the way the dead are laid to rest. What progress they must have been witness to along this fabled road? The mounds remind me, that life is short, and one must make the most of every minute.

From Urumqi, on the Silk Road to Turpan, Photo #8

Life along the Silk Road has changed little. Generations continue to live a simple life, though a difficult existence, in homes that have witnessed the passing of time along this famous route toward the West.

From Urumqi, on the Silk Road to Turpan, Photo #9

The road begins to traverse stark mountain ranges, devoid of any green. It must have been an ominous sight for the ancient travelers along the Silk Road.

From Urumqi, on the Silk Road to Turpan, Photo #10

Transportation through the mountain ranges has become comfortable, as the Silk Road has been turned into a high-speed Highway. I dare not think, how to traverse this region, sitting on a camel.

From Urumqi, on the Silk Road to Turpan, Photo #11

The mountains begin to recede as we continue our journey on the Silk Road toward Turpan. The terrain though continues to be inhospitable, offering no vegetation, only desert blue skies and cold stone mountains.

From Urumqi, on the Silk Road to Turpan, Photo #12

We have passed through the mountains on our way to Turpan. The terrain takes on the look of a true dessert, and the heat is intense. The contrast are beautiful.

From Urumqi, on the Silk Road to Turpan, Photo #13

We have arrived outside the oasis city of Turpan. The statue to the right is of the "Monkey King" heading West toward India in search of the Buddhist Scriptures. It would be a dream journey for me to follow beyond Turpin, but here is where our journey on a portion of the Silk Road comes to an end. The Flaming Mountain stretches along the horizon, waiting for sunset to begin its red glow, from which it gets its name.

GOOD BYE FROM THE GRAPE VALLEY OASIS, NEAR TURPAN, XINJIANG.

The day's journey had been filled with experiences that will remain in my heart forever. My travel companions made this a journey as family, and we all shared in each others joy and amazement. So, 'till soon from the center of the Grape Valley Oasis. Thank you for your time, to share with us this journey few are willing to make. If you do, and you have the opportunity to visit Xinjiang, you will never regret it, I promise!

In China it is all about food, but there are no smiles on this pig.

I was offered the snout, and it would have been an insult not to eat it. During one of the Banquets in Xinjiang, our guest offered me the first bite. How do you say no? More about our journeys through Xinjiang in the next TravelBlog. There is much research to do, and photos to select and commentaries to prepare. Hope you enjoy my presentations and send me suggestions, thoughts and any questions you may have. Thank you for your time.

29th August 2009

Sue
non-member comment

Oh, I'm sooooo envious!
Hi Hans What a fabulous trip! Definitely on my "to do" list. Looking forward to the remaining blogs from this trip- and even more to catching up and listening to your stories in person next year. 2010 trip most likely second week in May. Will only be 4weeks, so not really enough time to catch up with everyone and travel to the NW, but we'll see! I've finally started back with my blogs. Edited & loaded up an additional 6 blogs worth of photos last weekend. Hoping to finish the trip this weekend, so I can free up some space on my computer. Then I can get on with publishing! Hugs to all, Suexx

29th August 2009

Mississippi
Alex Don

such a nice trip
i am here in Tsingtao, Shandong province. i think you must have heard of it .welcome to Qingdao, i would like to be the free guide for you

29th August 2009

Shane
non-member comment

Great summer!~
Hi Hans, I can tell you must have had a great summer! It's awesome! Looking forward to the other parts of your trip... See you very soon~

29th August 2009

Coky Michel
non-member comment

Wonderful blog!
Hans, I feel that I was right there with you, enjoying the beautiful sights and the delicious food! (Although I don't know how polite I would have been when faced with the pig snout!) I'm learning a lot from your adventures- keep those blogs coming, and have a wonderful academic year! Hugs! Coky

29th August 2009

Sandra Cordoba
non-member comment

Always splendid. China looks divine through your eyes! :]

29th August 2009

Max
non-member comment

it's better than read any book
your travel is better than I thougt. what a wonderful place there and though you I know China better ,and know you better than ever!!!

31st August 2009

Stefanie Kinnamon
non-member comment

Hans! That trip sounds amazing! I don't really have time to travel anymore so I'm envious of you! Of course, in Korea you dont really need much time to go anywhere. The longest bus trip I can take is five hours! I miss you! I'm having a great time here and making lots of new friends. Have fun this semester!

2nd September 2009

HUGH
non-member comment

MISS YOU
DEAR MY HANS, I AM VERY HAPPY THAT YOU HAVE TRAVLLED TO THE PLACE I WANTED TO GO, AND I TRED TO CONTACT YOU DURING THE SUMMER HOLIDAY.WHEN YOU SEE THESE WORDS ,PLEASE SEND ME AN E-MAIL TO MY ADDRESS MENTIONED ABOVE. YOURS HUGH

3rd September 2009

Hans
Hans J. Schneider

Hugh, your email address
Hello Hugh, thanks for your thoughts. Perhaps you will notice, that your email in incomplete, so I don't know how to reach you, I am sorry.

3rd September 2009

vicky
non-member comment

lucky!
Mr.Hans you are so lucky that you can see many beautiful scenes!! Wish you a good journey.

3rd September 2009

Julie
non-member comment

I miss you too!
Hans, you haven't reached me either. I am not sure if you received my emails?? I sent you a message through this blog and also an email to your MSN address. Julie

4th September 2009

mashanzheng
non-member comment

nice trip
i am so happy that you have a great trip there ! welcome to henan , i will be your guide !

5th September 2009

christin
non-member comment

hi
ohh,you have been to such a fantastic place! I guess you were very cool there during this hot summer.

12th September 2009

june
non-member comment

The flamming mountain looks so baren, no wonder the inferno extended 800 KMs and needed a magic fan to be extinguished. Thanks for such bright pictures and I look forward to your next entry.

11th May 2010

This huge thermometer keenly makes you aware of the incredible summer temperature.

g. stoehr
non-member comment

Big Thermometer
Please tell me how large is this thermometer?

12th May 2010

Langyi
Andy Yao

Wah!
So high and big!

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#118 Teaching at Taizhou Teachers College, China (Part 1,The Silk Road near Urumqi/Turpan, Xinjiang)

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