Midnight at the Oasis

Asia » China
October 16th 2009

Published: October 24th 2009

Some say everyday is a gift. If so, these 11 days in Xinjiang were gifts wrapped in quality colorful Hallmark paper with the extra curly bows on top. Yes, the weather was good. The tourism was low and sights were free from megaphone toting tour guides and multitudes of photo popping tourists. We experienced history, culture, scenic beauty, and pure and simple fun. In fact, we racked up 14 di... Read Full Entry

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Schroeder family

Shanghai Sheri

In 2006, our family began what we thought was a 3 year adventure of living and traveling in China. But like Gilligan, our 3 year tour turned into something much longer and deeper than we expected. This was just the beginning of our cultural travels and blogs. 3 years turned into 6 years and included a time of residence in South Korea as well. The kids have all transitioned into and out of college leaving us as empty nesters, but not empty of ambitions to continue to explore the world. Come along with us as we seek to expand our understanding of this marvelous world in which we live! ... full info

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Into the dunes

This range of dunes extends 70km east to west and 20km north to south. A veritable playland!

Oasis in the desert

Nestled in the hills is this oasis creatively named, "Crescent Lake".

Dunhauang Silk Road Hotel

Loved this place!! Views of the dunes out our window, Persian rugs on brick floors, big wooden pillars. The owners graciously provided us au gratis use of a room to shower after our overnight camel adventure, before getting on the plane.

Gobi playland

Sledding, climbing, camel rides, ultralight flights, dune buggies. Jessie's eyes light up!

Ready, set, go!

At least there's no trees or rocks to hit on the way down.

Almost like tobaggoning in Michigan!

Advice: Don't apply lip gloss prior to sailing down a mountain of sand!

Up, up, and away

Boots-10rmb, cart ride out-10rmb, bamboo slide-15rmb, ultralight flight-360rmb, Jessie's squeals-priceless!

Our breakfast commute

6:30am, cold, dark. Out the back of our hotel, using a flashlight, we find our trusty steeds ready to haul us 45 minutes through the dunes to our breakfast. LOOK - see behind us the "dot" of our dining location.

Smile!

Camels are our new favorite animal. Soooo sweet and look how they pose for pictures! Matt on "mama", Me on "baby", and Jess on "daddy" camel.

The kitchen

Inside we hear the sizzle sizzle of the bacon and eggs as we enjoy our coffee and tea.

Sunrise breakfast

Feeling a bit decadent, we soak up the warmth of the rising sun and count our blessings for being able to enjoy this moment, this place, these people.

Mesmerized

Footprints, tire tracks, and camels

Just a few. For this day, it's just us.

Service with a smile

She served us and then joined us for an exhilirating climb up to the top of the dunes. I shared stories of XC skiing on snow and she told us of playtime here with her 6 year old son. This is why I study chinese!

The crew

Our waitress, camel guide, and chef. This team prepared a special event we'll never forget. By the way, our chef is also "The Camel Boss" who coordinated our entire day and prepared meals that confirm the theory that bigger chefs prepare tastier meals!

Mama camel

Love the hairdo and content smile!

Baby with mohawk

Ty, this camel reminds me of you. He's just so cute!

Our private camp

Kick up a little dust

5 hrs. on a camel, dust roiling in the distant horizon. We discover those silk road travelors were tough stuff.

Gobi landscape

Dry, rocky, desolate - but still quite cold. Strange place.

Camp 'Ho!

Ahead is the river bed where we will set up camp, enjoy a BBQ, and party the night away!

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Midnight at the Oasis

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