Blizzardboy | A Kiwi in Australia

Korla to Hotan by bus.

We finished packing and Mohammed helped us to send 3 boxes back to Japan. No problem with all the DVD’s so we should have some stuff waiting for us when we return later this year. Caught the 6p.m. local time sleeper bus to Hotan from Korla. Everyone on board was really friendly, but this time we could communicate more, again thanks to Mohammed. They stopped the bus on the way to show us a 1000 year old tree near Luntai which made us feel quite special.

We arrived in Hotan after 13 hours on the bus and checked into the Hotan Yingbinguan for 20 RMB a night 3 person dorm. Fairly standard Chinese style accomadation. This morning we went past the Happy Hotel which is 30 RMB, also near the bus station. Happy Hotel looked like it has more atmosphere.

Yesterday we started out by going to the large bazaar in Hotan. Really huge and interesting. So many people. Highlights were the doppa’s (Uighur hats), walnut cake and the animal market. We passed on a bargain for 2 adult and 2 baby camels – 7000 RMB! So many people there, getting out was a bit of a mission. Also went to the carpet market, but their stock didn’t seem much different to the shops in Korla and the prices were higher.

After the bazaar we tried to visit a carpet factory (take the 2 bus to the end of the line and change to the number 10 – take that all the way too). Entrance was free but all the staff were on holiday! So we took some pictures (will put them up when I find a cafe with USB). Pretty.

The Yuronhash River is nearby. That river is famous for its jade, so we went fossicking there, but didn’t find any. Really hot so we gave up for an icecream after a short time. Then we took a horse machine (cart) to a Chinese park – Koylin Park. Entrance is 2 RMB – nice a peaceful place to relax with a lake. I took a short ride on a camel for 5RMB so I can say I have done that now. Saw some chinese soldiers shooting at a shooting range. They were pretty good shots.

In the evening we went for a walk around after dinner and came to a big square in the center of the town. There is an enormous fountain there and I was amazed to see a couple of thousand people standing around watching the water and the lights. Very pretty, but I couldn’t imagine so many people watching a fountain in the west.

This afternoon we will head to Kashgar on a regular bus.

Sorry I haven’t replied to peoples comments:( Will try to do so in Kashgar.