Just a quick thank you for all, who are following my blog, I hope you are enjoying some of our experiences.

As you may know we are supporting our pharmacy charity: Pharmacist Support. Please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/pharmacistsupport/

Any contributions you may wish to make will be greatly appreciated.

On the road today, approximate 400km journey. While leaving Turpan, we saw large number of newly built flats  all with solar panel roofs – makes sense, since it hardly rains in Turpan.

Rear passenger, whose lights have been knocked out!

Long endless road to Kumul.

On route passed Flaming mountains otherwise mainly dessert.

As an observation we have not seen much or eaten much fresh fruit in China, as we had done in all the previous countries we had passed. It seems we are now snacking more on Chinese biscuits and crisps than enjoying fruit – probably start putting on weight again!

For obvious reasons, there is a distinct lack of well known brands, in the cities we have already visited in China, such as the obvious i.e. Coke, MacDonalds, KFC etc.

From the time we entered China we have been travelling North East, after we pass Hami and Kumul, our destination (after today) will start our dissent downwards towards Tibet, Nepal and India, whereby we will be heading towards a more South East direction.

We are still in Xinjiang Province and tomorrow we will briefly pass through another Province called Gansu Province and then Qinghai Province.

Passed another milestone today of 8,000 miles travelling, a quick stopover for a photo shoot. It seems the world really is a small place.

We also passed the the Mausoleum of Hami Uyghur Royal Family:

Had an opportunity to go to another market – so much life and energy in a market environment. Lots of photo opportunities, all taken with the full cooperation from the locals.

Market Visit CLICK HERE TO WATCH

Chinese people who we have met in this region, do not for one minute look oppressed or under the cosh. In fact I’d say from what I have seen they are quite relaxed, going about their business and importantly with all the dancing going on – they seem to be enjoying life too. Opinion based on what I have seen so far. There is definitely a noticeable police presence and I am sure they will go down hard on any potential trouble. As we saw in the evening when an altercation occurred outside our hotel, between two guys relating to their vehicles. The cops were in there quite smartly.

Went to dinner in the evening to a restaurant which had a lovely setting, treated to some more dancing.

Click-Here-to-watch- After Dinner Dance

We were going to visit a lake, not too far away from Turpan, when we got slightly lost. Found out from a local that the lake was dry anyway, but by now we were off the beaten track, so we did some off piste driving and the LC was more than capable.

However, the main reason for coming to Turpan was to visit the museum, demonstrating  the endless underground water irrigating channels, built nearly 2000 years ago, and which provides water and with it life, to this region.

Peter wanted to convey some of this information by post to friends in the UK.

The Underground Irrigation System:

Karez water system is an irrigation system adapted by local people to solve the problem of water supply. This refers to special wells which are linked by underground tunnels and provide irrigation in the desert. This method of irrigation was passed on to Xinjiang people during the Western Han Dynasty (206 B.C. – A.D. 24). The wells were sunk at varying distances to a dozen or several dozen meters deep to collect undercurrent water from melting snow. The water is then channelled through tunnels dug from the bottom of one well to the next and led to oases for irrigation. Most of such irrigation tunnels stretch for some three kilometres, but some extend as far as thirty kilometres. There are about 1,100 such wells in the area embracing Hami and the Turpan Depression. Today, the total length of such underground irrigation tunnels in Xinjiang runs for three thousand kilometres. The project can well be compared with the Great Wall and the Grand Canal. The world-famous grapes of Xinjiang own their excellence to the existence of these wells.

Interestingly one of the town we had to pass through on way to Turpan, we were again stopped by the police, this time we were also escorted by them and for part of the journey by a squat car to the police station – all very exciting.

Another Intresting Inspection CLICK HERE TO WATCH

At the police station there was ID inspection of vehicle and passport done. All very courteous, sometimes it feels like the stoppage is more about curiosity. You can see the officers sometimes getting really excited when they see the Land Cruiser approaching, they seem to then let the local cars go through, so they can get to us.

Full days driving today to Turpan, almost 400 km but thankfully travelling mainly on the ‘Express Way’. Scenic in some parts, mountainous and then suddenly flat land.
We reached over 450 feet BELOW Sea Level, Turpan is one of few cities that lies so far below sea level.

In the evening we went to a local Chinese restaurant – the food was delicious. Had a glimpse of their kitchen, which is always a good thing. Total cost of meal for five plus 5 beers £35.00!

Returning back to the hotel saw an excellent dance performance from local school kids.

Once we were back at our hotel, Peter was getting ready for a riot – no, false alarm  - no riot and he’s smiling.

Click – here – to – see – school – children – dance – video 1

Click – here – to – see – school – children – dance – video 2

We were then in for a real treat at the local park / square. Went to see what was going on with the gathered crowd and music.
It was local people performing their traditional dance, in this case they were from the Uyghur community – they were graceful, and synchronised and the music addictive. The temptation was their to join in and once the invitation came from a local to participate, it was only a matter of time.
It was great fun, and as you can see we had a little following, all keen to have a conversation with us, it almost felt as if we were celebrities!

Three girls feeling shy and giggling away, because Kirit was trying to take their photo.

Click – to – watch – Dance – Video 1

Click – to – watch – dance – video 2

Click – to – watch – dance – video 3

Had an interesting experience visiting a pharmacy, our first in China. The staff were lovely, very accommodating and friendly. We were all snapping away, they just giggled away. In fact a couple wanted to take photos with us.
Apart from the traditional drugs, that we also have in the UK, the interesting section was the Chinese herbal medicine – deer’s horn, dried turtles, a tail of something or another.
A really pleasant experience.

Korla seems fairly modern with very wide streets.

Passed a little street market, fairly busy, lots of vendors with their vehicles come shop. Bought some boiled corn – felt like a real treat.

Saw an unusual Police golf buggy cart patrolling the streets.

Met the famous actor from Karate Kid – unfortunately he was sleeping after a training secession – ‘wash on, wash off’, I think that’s how it was said in the movie.

Drove 350 km to Korla on the express route.Petrol stations in China not well stocked with chocs ,crips etc but the one we stopped did have riot gear on display – it wasn’t for sale!

Partially scenic route,with different coloured mountain layers and in the distance snow on the tips – very pretty.

Went through a sand storm – looks more dramatic then it was

Reached Korla and we were all determined to get out as quickly as possible,after checking into our hotel.The normal tendency is for all of us to get on the internet and then not get out for hours.Riot gear again visible at the entrance of the hotel