Kashgar

The Silk Road. Largest Mosque in China. 2^nd largest Mao statue in the country. (in)Famous Sunday Bazaar. The Old City. 

Just a few of the things that make Kashgar, Xinjiang a magnificent city. We spent several days exploring and wandering the city. There is so much history contained in one little area of the world. Seeing the largest mosque and second largest statue of Mao is not something that I would say is exactly enjoyable. It is a part of the people’s lives, but a part that to me is sad. I couldn’t help but think of the blindness that surrounded me. Spiritual and political blindness.  Only the One who is the Way, the Truth and the Life can open their eyes. Praise Him for the opportunities we had to spread His Word. 

largest mosque in china

My favorite part of Kashgar was wandering the streets of a part of the Old City. It was almost if I had walked back into the past. The streets and walls were all made of brick and mud – narrow, winding streets with ancient, wooden doors opening into a Uyghur home, where one would sit to munch on nuts, dates, fruit, nan and drink tea.

an old street - wonder whats around the corner?

Or a doorway would lead to a part of the house where a man was sitting in the floor maneuvering a pottery wheel, carving out simple, yet beautiful pots. And they used the simplest tools, such as a piece of wire and a broken off piece of wood to carve the designs. Amazing. These men were doing the same work their great-great-great grandfather had done years before. 

potter at work

trying on atlas -
once described as "material a rainbow threw up on"

A charming part of the city, yet many old sections are being torn down to make room for newer developments. Progress and future – is the Chinese way. No matter that one’s family has lived in that house for perhaps 200 years or more. 

I did enjoy a few of the more modern, developed attractions. The ferris wheel in the center of town was fun (and cheap). Also, after the ride above the city, we decided to have a little fun. Heehee Bumper Cars! I’ve always wanted to do it, but was never at a place where they had them. So, for less than $2, we had quite the time! Sorry, no pictures.

in the ferris wheel - overlooking the city

Kashgar was lots of fun…. Yes, even the Sunday Bazaar – which uh, was quite interesting. ;) But we had fun shopping. We bought many scarves, the brighter the color the better (or so they think) and matching skirts. In Uyghur culture, if you are good friends with someone then you wear the same outfits to show the world. Haha, completely different than back in America. 

mosque above the bazaar