Kuqa Foods and Vendors
Photos:
Melon Vendor
Potato Vendor
Potato Vendor
Local Produce - Raisins, nuts and dates.
Local Produce – Raisins, nuts and dates
Subashi and Lunch
Photos:
Subashi
Sandstone Ruins in Subashi
Lamb piled on Uighur Bread
Spicy green bean lunch dish
Spicy Noodle Lunch Dish
Kizil Caves
Kizil are the better known of the Kuqa caves. They are about 50 miles from the city of Kuqa and quite into the mountains. They are on the Muzat River. They date from the 3rd to the 8th centuries. There are 269 existing caves in the Kizil group.
Even driving you get the feeling of isolation that the monks were seeking. You are driving through the Tarim Basin of sandstone cliffs with jagged edges jutting upwards at steep angles. After the last mountain you come upon the Muzat River and the valley where the monks found peace and isolation.
Kumtura
Kumtura is a lesser known Buddhist Grotto in the Kuqa region. It dates from the 5th or 6th century. It has about 112 caves. The caves are in three periods, the first of the period of the Kuqa Kingdom is heavily influenced by the Gandarian Style with a central pillar. The second period is of the 7th and 8th centuries with the Grand Anxi Militant Government Period. The third phase is the Uighur Period from the 9th century and after.
On to Kuqa
Another early wake up call, today at 5 AM to catch the flight to Kuqa at 8 AM. Cab was waiting at 6 AM and he first asked for 80 RMB for the trip. When we arrived the ride was 30 RMB I knew he was high so I countered with 50 RMB which he accepted. Arrival at the airport terminal I gave him 50 RMG and he said I owed him 80 RMB. Not to be intimidated, and with enough Chinese to argue, I told him he agreed to 50 RMB and if he did not accept I would call the police. This went back and forth for a bit and fortunately my loud voice can be very unpleasant even if my Chinese is not perfect. Finally, I offered his 10Y more as a way to conclude, for a total of 60 RMB.
