#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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Camel-ride to Mingsha Mountain, #14

And this was the rest of the way, where camels did not dare to climb.

Camel-ride to Mingsha Mountain, #15

Arthur too appreciates these sand-steps, that makes it possible to reach the top. You may notice the our herd of camels below, watching our ascent.

Camel-ride to Mingsha Mountain, #16

There are frequent rests, as our legs are put to the test.

Camel-ride to Mingsha Mountain, #17

We have reached the top of the mountain of sand. The camels wait for us below, and Dunhuang Oasis is seen in the back-ground.

Camel-ride to Mingsha Mountain, #18

These graceful concrete mythical figures are part of this regions history and have been placed at the top for some tempting photo-ops.

Camel-ride to Mingsha Mountain, #19

The way down, to meet our camels, was easier. There are sandslides, that bring us many laughs.

Camel-ride to Mingsha Mountain, #20

We return to meet our camels, and to my shock, my lovely white camel had disappeared. I had to find another to make my journey back into the oasis.

Camel-ride to Mingsha Mountain, #21

And this was my new partner.

Camel-ride to Mingsha Mountain, #22

Our return journey was a little more dusty.

Camel-ride to Mingsha Mountain, #23

We have arrived back at the base.

Camel-ride to Mingsha Mountain, #24

My thanks and good bye to our camel-guide.

Camel-ride to Mingsha Mountain, #25

A local photographer is offering the photos he made of us during our journey. The dis-interest on the faces is part of the bargaining process.

Camel-ride to Mingsha Mountain, #26

What a great day it has been, camel-riding the dunes of the great desert near Dunhuang, Gansu. We have made our way back to the small shop and are returning our orange shoe-covers.

Camel-ride to Mingsha Mountain, #27

When you visit the historical province of Gansu, and travel the ancient Silk Road, do not miss the spectacular desert regions surrounding the city of Dunhuang.

Return Flight to Nanjing, Jiangsu

The next day, our plane takes us back to Nanjing in the East China.

The new airport of Dunhuang, Gansu

China's infrastructure is expanding at an amazing scale. Even a small community like Dunhuang has been blessed with a beautiful and efficient new Airport. It is now common knowledge, the my city of Taizhou will soon have its own new national airport.

Birds-eye view along the Gobi and the Ancient Silk Road.

From the window of the airplane, I get a last glance along the expanse and vastness of the Gobi Desert Region and the the ancient Silk Road. China's Western Provinces are huge, and much of its ancient history has evolved from here. It is a region, that will take a few additional visits in order to explore the many historical-sites and their ancient treasures.

High above the skies of China, it is time to reflect.

Looking out of my window, I can now reflect on the additional new places that have been opened to me in the West of China during this journey, and arranged by my college. I am so grateful, that I had been included to see some of the wonders of the world.

Wonderful Moments in Taizhou, #1

PHOTO JOURNAL, PART 3: Special Moments in Taizhou, Jiangsu. After the wonderful summer excursions to the West of China, it was time to return to enjoy the entertainment within Taizhou Teachers College and the city of Taizhou.

Wonderful Moments in Taizhou, #2

Beijing Opera at Taizhou Teachers College.

Wonderful Moments in Taizhou, #3

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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