WUWEI - REST DAY

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WUWEI - REST DAY 10.6.14



Slept in until 8.30 which was great. I don't realise how tired I am come rest day, after waking at 4.30-4.45 am daily, mediocre breakfast, then cycling 125-150 Kms. Passed on Chinese breakfast today and set off to explore WUWEI.

This city of probably 1 million + citizens, is not as skyscraper ridden as many other Chinese cities. Buildings generally no more than 5 levels. Every thing is sandy colour, or that might just be dust.

Last night ate a tasty meal of Eastern Muslim delights, lamb on the bone, spicy beef, green Bok type veg., and chicken. Meals cooked with mild chilli, cumin, and other similar spices. 1 beer each, for 4 people, $10- ea.

Wandered widely this morning and fell upon a sprawling street market, selling mainly foods- meats, seeds, dried fruits, roasting nuts- walnuts, peanuts, almonds; clothing, shoes, etc. very busy with people going about their usual morning practices. Very friendly, many hellos, nods, smiles. My experience here so far is all very welcoming. Makes you wonder why the press or politicians, demonise people or governments of other lands. Travel is very instructive in this respect.

Nearby the market was a large temple with pagoda, prayer temple, reception hall and central square. Met a young Chinese woman who with her mother volunteers to clean the temple. She spoke good English and insisted on showing me around.

After a full morning wandered back to hotel. Bought a bun, but tasted stale and devoid of flavour. Also a pear juice, delicious. The other day I had a frozen peach juice by the same manufacturer which was also delicious and more satisfying than than the Pepsi or sprite consumed at refuelling stops on the bike. Haven't seen much coca cola here in China .

Tomorrow we start camping in earnest, 4 nights out of the next 7, so need to reorganise my bags, as only one comes off the truck, ensuring camping gear and daily necessities are in the one bag, and my party clothes( ha ha) are in the other !

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Comments

[Peter Carson]

Well Earned Rest Day
Roger, I did like your comment about not realising how tired you were after getting up at 4.30 each day and cycling 125K - quite frankly if it were me I would have collapsed. Happy Camping! Peter