#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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Grape Valley Oasis near Turpan, Photo #7

And here we are, surrounded by the mountains of the desert, and sitting below the 2009 crop of delicious grapes. It was a special setting and a great lunch.

Grape Valley Oasis near Turpan, Photo #8

We were astonished at the variety of foods, but I enjoyed the"Mutton Cubes on a Skewer" most.

Grape Valley Oasis near Turpan, Photo #9

At lunch and dinner, Mr. Xu usually invited me to take a seat next to him, and I was honored. I will always be grateful for this invitation to accompany him and the other administrators on this adventure to the West of China.

Grape Valley Oasis near Turpan, Photo #10

During the day's journey to Turpan, this young man became my friend. Her rarely left my side. That gave us the chance to practice his English and my Chinese. Sadly, I probably will never see him again.

Grape Valley Oasis near Turpan, Photo #11

Mr. Huang and Arthur cannot hide their satisfaction at visiting this beautiful spot within the desert. The smile also indicates that the lunch was very satisfying.

Grape Valley Oasis near Turpan, Ph oto #12

After lunch, we continue our visit through the Oasis, under the shade of the grape vines.

Grape Valley Oasis near Turpan, Photo #13

I am standing at the abundant freshwater source within the Grape Valley Oasis. But I am still wondering at the origin of this River, and I am still doing my research.

Grape Valley Oasis near Turpan, Photo #14

We continue a leisure stroll toward the local winery and wine museum.

Grape Valley Oasis near Turpan, Photo #15

There are 13 breeds/varieties of grapes that grow within the Grape Valley Oasis.

Grape Valley Oasis near Turpan, Photo #16

The most popular varieties grown here are the seedless delicious white grape, one is called, "grape of horse's mammilla shape ??, and the red grape.

Grape Valley Oasis near Turpan, Photo #17

A wine museum guide explains how the presses and wine-making process has evolved with the centuries.

Grape Valley Oasis near Turpan, Photo #18

Thought I could not understand her presentation on the evolution of wine-making, her demonstations were easy do grasp.

Grape Valley Oasis near Turpan, Photo #19

The tour ended with a happy wine-tasting-party. Many of the wines were sweet, just the way I like them, and of course there were broad smiles and some happy singing.

Grape Valley Oasis near Turpan, Photo #21

Under the shade of tarps, merchants offer their best dried fruits to the visitors.

Grape Valley Oasis near Turpan, Photo #21

A home delivery by the local butcher, who bargains for his best slices of mutton, makes for an entertaining moment.

Grape Valley Oasis near Turpan, Photo #22

Departing the Grape Valley Oasis, we pass a few other smaller museums, honoring local artists.

Grape Valley Oasis near Turpan, Photo #23

I only caught a fleeting glimpse of the local Mosque within the Grape Valley Oasis.

WE NOW ARRIVE AT THE ANCIENT JIAOHE RUINS.

THIS VISIT WAS VERY SPECIAL, TO WALK ALONG THE STREETS OF A ONCE THRIVING DESERT TOWN, THAT IS SLOWLY VANISHING WITH TIME AND THE WEAR OF THE WEATHER. hERE, HISTORY SPEAKS AT EVERY TURN.

Ancient Jiaohe City Ruins, Photo #1

The model of the ancient desert oasis city of Jiaohe shows its strategic location on a steep plateau, surrounded by a curving river.

Ancient Jiaohe City Ruins, Photo #2

Sporting our straw hats to protect from the intense summer desert heat, we make our way toward the main entrance of the ancient city of Jiaohe.

Ancient Jiaohe City Ruins, Photo #3

There are no city walls, since the city was constructed on top of a steep plateau. This street leads us to the top of the plateau and toward the main entrance into the city.

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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