Turpan- Ancient cities and Mummies in the Desert

One of my last days in Xinjiang, we set out for a day adventure to the nearby city of Turpan. We took the highspeed train and reached the city in roughly an hour. The temperature was vastly different from Urumqi! It was like we transported directly into the middle of summer. Maybe it something to do with the fact that its a desert.... 

First stop was food. Our driver that we met at the train station took us to a local Uyghur place that was delicious! The Polo we ordered was 100x better than the stuff we had earlier in the week in the capital- probably the best I've ever had! And we had grilled meat kebabs also.... mmm, good! It was hot in the restaurant tho! whew. 

Next we went to the city museum. Some museums are cool and others are lame, but this one was interesting. Outside of town are some ancient ruins of a former city. In these ruins, several mummies have been found. They weren't embalmed like the Egyptians used to do to their dead, but simply because of the dry heat of the desert, these bodies have been preserved. One of the first things you see in the museum is several mummified hands. Kinda of startling if you aren't expecting it. Farther in are several full mummies, some remarkably preserved. One guy even had his toenails in tact! The history was interesting to read also- all the different peoples that inhabited that region over the centuries. There were a few dinosaur skeletons also. 

Now on to the ancient city itself! We drove out of town a little ways past vineyard after vineyard. The area is known for its grapes, raisins and wine. The green of the grapevines stood in sharp contrast against the tan sand. We also drove past the Flaming Mountain- its red rock sides look like flames of fire. Being non-tourist time, there was practically nobody at the ancient ruins. We wandered through old houses, climbed walls, peered into dried up wells and created random stories about the former inhabitants. I love history and geography, so exploring ancient ruins is right up my alley. 

Nearby is a traditional Uyghur village where the inhabitants still reside in mud/clay huts. This particular town has been in that particular location for hundreds of years. Now it has been partially commercialized, but still it was neat to visualize how these people lived for generations. The view was incredible, as the village is set back against the hills. Within walking distance are some old Buddhist caves that unfortunately we didn't have time to visit. Turpan is a place I'd like to visit again, for sure! 

Last Days in the Tropics

While life in Fiji was slower than my own crazy life at home, I still found plenty to do. Always helps that I had some awesome new friends to spend time with, as well as old friends that I hadn't seen in a while! I enjoyed my time with the Grays. I hope they were as glad to have me as they said they were. I can attest that it is nice to have someone from home visiting. Tho' I couldn't bring the cold, snow and hockey sticks, we still had a good time. And we've made plans for when they come back to Alaska.... I think somehow I owe the boys a steak dinner. Haha

Some things I experienced were brand new experiences.... like standing outside waiting for the bus.... it's bright and sunny and in a matter of seconds, the sky opens up and dumps buckets of rain. So I go back to the house to get an umbrella, head back out to the edge of the driveway.... now with an umbrella, one that leaks a bit, I must say. After waiting in the pouring rain for about 45 minutes I decided to change plans and stay in that day. Sunshine and rain is a good description of Fiji. 

with my leaky umbrella

My final week at the Grays, I got the urge to do some baking. Course, they were pretty okay with that, seeing as they have three older boys who like to eat. :) Bro. R had some misgivings about my cooking abilities, though in the end I think he conceded that I do know how to cook. Pretty sure he just liked to give me a hard time. One day I made cinnamon rolls; a double batch to be exact. That was a lot of rolls! but they were gone within two days. I also made apple pie that week. And gave them a recipe for BBQ sauce (thanks Carpenters) that we made pulled pork with. It had a slight twist to it, so it was more like Fijian Louisiana bbq sauce, but it was still good. 

half of the batch

yum!

 We had Youth Night my last weekend in Suva. Many of the youth I had met previously, but we had others show up also. It was a grand time, I mostly just hung back and watched the excitement. The highlight of the night had to be CG acting like a pig. Ha! And Bro. J did an excellent job teaching and sharing the Gospel. 

yay! their team won!

Saturday we went out visiting. During the time I was out and about that day, I baked in the sun (the most sunburn I had of the entire four weeks) and got drenched in the rain. Like I said, Fiji = sunshine and rain. The morning was sunny and HOT and then the afternoon was cool and rainy. There was impressive thunder and lightning! I LOVE thunder & lightning. But my friend who was with me doesn't have the same appreciation. :) 

I am so grateful I had the great opportunity to travel to Fiji, visit my friends, make new ones and mark another country off my list to visit. :) The people are very friendly and I have many wonderful memories of my time there. Hot climates are not my favorite, but it was an awesome experience. 

last Sunday

my amazing housemates

Glimpse of my Week

You can't have a glimpse into my week without food being mentioned... :) I love food. I enjoy making it, seeing people enjoy it and eating it myself. We have a kitchen at my office, so frequently I put it to good use while I'm at work. Sometimes I wonder if that's why my coworkers like me so much.... cause I cook for them. (just kidding) 

I've made "from scratch" bread twice now at work and pretty sure it's been a hit. Especially when it's served fresh with lots of butter! Yum!

fresh out of the oven

And then one morning, I fried some eggs and sausage and made egg, sausage, cheese biscuit sandwiches! I think it turned out to be lunch for that day, but boy, were they good! 

Wednesday's lunch

And the best one yet! Thursday, Sarah and I partnered to make the best lunch we've made to date. (well in my opinion at least) I barbecued chicken and corn on the cob and she did the shrimp and asparagus on the grill. We also had cucumber/tomato salad, fresh bread, sauteed zucchini and oven-roasted potatoes! Everything was perfect! Feast your eyes below. 

Thursday's lunch

Last summer Tanna and I worked together a lot! Usually about 5 nights a week, we were at the airport goofing off, uh, I mean working. This year we both have been working less. She is scheduled for two nights a week and I've just been filling in here and there. But this past week we ended up working two nights together. Of course, we made it fun! :) It helps break up the craziness of our job (mostly caused by other coworkers). One night I couldn't find a regular sized vest so had to borrow another persons.... a person who is somewhat larger than myself. So, Tanna had the bright idea of seeing if we both could fit into the one vest. Yep, we could. 

And that was only one of the crazy things we did this past week at work. Well, she did more craziness than I did. ;) 

working hard

Saturday was a full day. In the morning/early afternoon  went on bus route with the best bus ever, #109! Had to take a picture of us eating ice cream for our missing worker, Caleb! Miss you, friend! 

When I walked into the church Saturday morning, Tanna spotted me right away and immediately burst into laughter! Once again, without planning it (because of course, it's childish to do so....) we had worn the same shirt! We only have 3 or 4 shirts that are the same, yet we've done this at least 3 times this summer! Once we did it twice in one week! I only have twenty other shirts to pick from.... oh well. 

Also, on Saturday met up with a coworker to play Tennis!! I've been wanting to play since I came back from Indiana, even bought a racket and balls. Just had to find someone to play with me. It was a beautiful day - sunny and hot. Maybe a little too hot. The courts were in direct sun and it was the hottest part of the day, which I'll have you non-Alaskans know is about 5-6pm. But it was fun and we got some exercise. 

tennis!!

The fireweed this summer has been incredible! There are many sections of the fields ablaze with the vibrant purple of the fireweed! Not only is it beautiful, but it's also an Alaskan summer gauge. As the flowers bloom farther up the plant, it indicates the nearing of autumn. When very tippy top blooms, you know winter is just around the corner. If the plant below is any indication, we still have lots more summer to enjoy! 

Alaskan Fireweed