Kashi (kashgar)

The train ride took 24 hours from Urumqi to Kashgar. On the way, i met a chinese family that shared the same room as me. They were extremely curious of me and extremely friendly. We ate together and laughed together. Wheni reached Kashgar, i was awed at the difference between this city, compared to the rest of china's big cities.

5:00pm, Kashgar Train Station
As soon as i arrived, i noticed that the majority race here was not chinese. It was Uighur. But i also noticed some Kazakhz, Uzbeks and Pakistani. This whole town is filled with ethnic minorities, hui muslims and few han chinese. It was nice just walking around. There were less spitting, croaking and shouting! I wondered and wondered around town and found myself standing in front of the Id Kah Mosque which is supposed to be about 600 years old. After greeting some mulsims, i entered without paying and walked around the corridor of this ancient structure. Then, i continued into Kashgars Old Town.

7:00pm, Kashgar Old Town
As i was walking, i noticed how friendly this place really is. I passed a bunch of guys playing guitar and they invited me to join them. I took the guitar and played some malay tunes (kau ilhamku, warisan wanita terakhir, belaian jiwa). They laughed and started playing more upbeat Uighur music. I continued walking and a bunch of kids ran to me forcing me to take their photos. They wouldnt let me stop snapping. Soon, they were jumping and singing and screaming in delight. I walked to the peoples park, passed mao's statue and was reminded once again that i was in China. I walked back to my hostel, its 9:45pm now and tomorrow i will take the bus to Karakul Lake.

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