#121 Teaching at Taizhou Teachers College, China (Part 3, Desert & Crescent Moon Spring and Mingsha Sand Mountain, DUNHUANG, Gansu)

Asia » China » Gansu » Dunhuang
March 9th 2010

Published: March 8th 2010

Dunhuang is a small but ancient and historical city in China's province of Guansu. It is an Oasis city along the fabled Silk Road, leading from the important city of Xi'an (home of the Terra Cotta Warriors) toward the countries of the West. Dunhuang is the half way point from the ancient metropolis of Xi'an to the borders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Pakistan, and India and was an impo... 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 Crescent Moon Spring, #12

Green spaces surrounding the Oasis near the Crescent Moon Spring, with the large sand dunes of Mingsha Mountain in the background.

The Crescent Moon Spring, #13

Green spaces near the Crescent Moon Spring of Dunhuang, including some wonderful topiary that bring a smile to the visitors to this small desert oasis near Dunhuang.

The Crescent Moon Spring, #14

Yes! People still live here among the few green spaces of the Crescent Moon Spring Oasis.

The Crescent Moon Spring, #15

I few flower beds and crops try to survive under the summer heat of the Gobi Desert, a few 100 feet from the Crescent Moon Spring, as a portion of the Mingsha Mountain looms in the background.

The Crescent Moon Spring, #16

We now leave the Oasis of the Crescent Moon Spring and are on our way to meet a caravan of camels. I could not resist to take this last photo. It continues to be my hope, to re-visit this one-of-a-kind spot of nature.

PHOTO JOURNAL, PART 2: Camel-ride to Mingsha Mountain, #1

We have just left an almost spiritual expience behind us, visiting the inspiring Crescent Moon Spring. Now let have some fun with the camels and sand of the Gobi Desert.

Camel-ride to Mingsha Mountain, #2

My transportation is patiently waiting, a beautiful and rare, white Camel. He/She (I did not check!!) seemed to wink at me, and I knew we were meant for each other.

Camel-ride to Mingsha Mountain, #3

The goal will be the very tip of Mingsha Sand-dune Mountain. It would be extremely difficult to reach the top without the help of these steps, and with them, it was still a challenge I will cherish.

Come with me on a fabulous journey, along trails that have been used by Silk Road Caravans for thousands of years.

Camel-ride to Mingsha Mountain, #2

Our destination!

Camel-ride to Mingsha Mountain, #3

I had to give him/her ( I didn't dare check) a big hug. It was love at first sight.

Camel-ride to Mingsha Mountain, #4

We found each other among this largest Camel gathering I have ever seen. Tourism is thriving here.

Camel-ride to Mingsha Moutain, #5

It was a lucky encounter, and she/he loved it when I kept scratching the scalp. This one had personality.

Camel-ride to Mingsha Mountain, #6

The local guides wait patiently, and smile as we mount our transportation.

Camel-ride to Mingsha Mountain, #7

Just look at that beauty, the camel I mean, isn't she/he fabulous, and even carries the bell around that pronounced neck.

Camel-ride to Mingsha Mountain, #8

We are on our way to the distant sand-dunes.

Camel-ride to Mingsha Mountain, #9

The stark beauty of the desert.

Camel-ride to Mingsha Mountain, #10

Our caravan of tourist snakes its way along the ridges fo the dunes. The green of the distance are the outskirts of Dunhuang, Gansu.

Camel-ride to Mingsha Mountain, #11

Views from a camel's back.

Camel-ride to Mingsha Mountain, #12

More views from my camel's back.

Camel-ride to Mingsha Mountain, #13

This is as far as the camels can take us. The rest of the way to the tip of the sand dune, we accomplish on foot. I never realized how difficult it is to walk up a sand-dune.

8th March 2010

Katherine
non-member comment

wonderful trip
I love that photo of you on a camel. I hope you received the package and letter I sent. Best wishes for the Year of the Tiger.

8th March 2010

Sandra Cordoba
non-member comment

Cowboy!...Camelboy? :)

12th March 2010

June
non-member comment

The precious spring water must have quenched the thirst of many desert travellers? Baked under the blazing sun, the blooming sunflowers look almost orange-ish, so strong and full of life, much better than those in Van Gogh's paintings, I'd love to smell it! Feel warm when look at these boiling hot places, while shivering in the bitter could this Tuesday.

20th March 2010

Victor
non-member comment

beautiful
I also have been there last october,have I seen you?

15th April 2010

Julie
non-member comment

Quake
Hans, I heard about the quake in China. I hope you are safe and sound, and your students and friends there as well.

12th May 2010

Langyi
Andy Yao

Beautiful place!
Maybe I should travel and see our beautiful county !

23rd April 2011

andrewyan83
andrewyan

very handsome
very handsome

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#121 Teaching at Taizhou Teachers College, China (Part 3, Desert & Crescent Moon Spring and Mingsha Sand Mountain, DUNHUANG, Gansu)

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