KASHGAR DAY TWO

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KASHGAR : MONDAY 7.7.14

Today I walked to the old town ( or part of the old town) ( 7 centuries old), an interesting area built on a clay hill. It had myriad lane ways, much like I suspect, an ant hill. Much of it is in a decrepit state, erosion and crumpling construction. Just down the road a new town is being built to house occupants. It doesn't have the same atmosphere or history,but I suspect it will be more comfortable. Many small artisan type businesses now occupy the old township.

In my wanderings went through a central area which had a heavy police and army presence, due to today being an anniversary of an aborted Uighers 'uprising.

Revisited yesterday's bazaar. Not very busy, I was there early, a possible explanation. Interesting but nothing worthy of purchase. Mainly materials.

Walking to the old town I wandered down an appealing looking street, with vendors selling bread, groceries and butchered meat, sliced and diced on the street. No refrigeration here. I spied a fat bottomed sheep waiting its time, and another already dealt with. The bottom looked to be solid fat, which confirmed my assumption that it was a food storage area for lean days on the fields of China, which appraising the scenery, may be quite a few.

Another rider announced today that he was quitting the tour, bad knees and flu like symptoms which weren't improving. He departs tomorrow. He had previously ridden the TDA Africa ride, and said he thought that the Silk Road was tougher, because, whilst the daily distances were similar, most of the terrain was friendlier ( not as much climbing), there wasn't the prevailing dust, the campsites were vastly better, with grass and water, the food was more abundant, resting was easier, and from Kenya South, English was readily spoken. Jed, who flew out today, has previously ridden twice across the US. His opinion was that each of those rides was easier than the Silk Road. Again English, better and more abundant food, better camp sites and roads and lower daily distances were his comments.

Tonight a local menu is planned to welcome the new riders and farewell Dr Clare, who was only ever riding to Kashgar, before flying off to Australia for a medical board meeting, to obtain approval to practice in Australia as a doctor for 18 months, commenting September. Apparently an in person meeting was required.

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Comments

[Georgie]

Glad to see you brought the camera today! You are definitely looking like you have a tan! Interesting to hear the others thoughts regarding the ride!! You have definitely seen a few animals along the way of this trip! Great photos xx

[BKKCYCLIST]

K2
Thanks G. On city tour tomorrow, but think I have already seen main sights. Walked many ks today. Mum got off ok? Spoke to her at ap and all ok. She told me she had discussed with you about nana and A Ag. I will SMS u when I can confirming arr. if you need me SMS me on the phone no. We have been using. I look at it at end of every day. You are only member of 'team' in Oz. So hold the fort, haha. Love dxxx