Every corner a postcard

I finally worked out the smell that was coming from my hotel room - ammonia! The staff here use ammonia to clean everything. It sure keeps me up at night! Well blog on.

Today China celebrates its 57th Anniversary since Chairman Mao came into power. So I thought it is appropriate to wear red.

Blurry eyed from the little amount of sleep from last night, we headed west 500km from the Pakistan border. The country walled by the Himalayan Mountain. The journey to and fro would take a good part of 8 hours. We also had to bring our passport to the first of three checkpoints. However, we did not have to go to the second and third as the lake is just before the second checkpoint. All along the way, with every turn of the bus, the scenery is picturesque and spectrum of colours truly astounds.

We stopped at the Ka La Ku Lake situated 4000m above sea-level. The air here is a rare and after a while, I felt a little dizzy. Worked out that I need to have my lunch any way. Camels, horses and donkeys are the means of transport. This makes walking quite treacherous - dodging camel, horses and donkey poo!

After a lunch break and 300 shots later, we journeyed back to Kashgar and visited the Ancient City which dates back to Jesus Christ 2000 years ago. The entire city is built on straw and mud and the odd adobe brick. However, the Uygurs who live here are happy and the children are happy to have their photos taken.
The narrow lane ways are no wider than 5 feet in the old measure. The fringe of this old city is dominated by stores and shops selling handmade pots, vegetables, door hinges and the like. But its the children that brought a smile to my face. As you walk pass their home you would hear "hello" coming from various directions. They are mesmerised by the digital technology. Bemused by the fact that they can see themselves a second or so after on the back of the camera.
Still with a little time, we ventured over to the livestock bazaar. Goats, sheep, donkeys, horses and camels are sold. A lamb costs around ¥150 or A$30 each. A strong donkey will set you back ¥800 or A$130. The cacophony of noises adds to the colour of the bazaar.

Tomorrow is our last day at Kashgar. We will visit a Uygur Mosque. The afternoon is spent at the tombs of the family instrumental in building Kashgar. Then we take off to Urumqi at 5.30pm Beijing time.

Blog soon from Beijing. Thanks for spending time here. Makes it worth the while blogging. The rest of my images can be found at: http://homepage.mac.com/caseywong/PhotoAlbum5.html

Blog soon.