Bazeklik Grottoes
About a 45 minute drive from Turfan is Bezeklik Grottoes. The drive passes the famous Flaming Mountains which are red in sunlight. Flaming Mountains were on the Journey of the Monkey King, the popular version of the story of the monk Xuanzang “Journey to the West.”
Turfan / Turpan / Tulufan
Flew from Kuqa back to Urumqi. Not much of a problem figuring out which plane returned to Urumqi. It arrived from Urumqi at 9 AM and it was the only plane on the tarmac so it was clear when we boarded which plane to take.
Subashi and Lunch
Subashi is a site of ancient Buddhist Monastery, active between the 3rd and 9th centuries. Kuqa being a major crossroads between the South and North Silk Road routes was an early major Buddhist center. It has been said that Buddhists on the Silk Road would stop at Subashi for months to hear sermons.
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.
On to Kizil Caves
Photos: D
Drying peppers at road side.
Mountainous route to Kizil
Kizil Entrance
Walking to the East Caves
Kissing Under Kizil
In Urumqi
Sunday morning was scheduled for a trip to the market in Urumqi. JoAnn had expected something like the Kashgar Market which includes livestock, but Urumqi’s was a sedate inside market with the usual stalls for tourists. We wandered, avoiding the cashmere/Pashmina scarves, bought two Uighur caps for Rich, and were getting bored when we found the rug merchants in the basement.
Kumtura Photos
Photos of Cave 30 in Kumtura, Linked Caves in Kumtura – Connection and Tarim Basin, Kumtura, Sandstone Mountain.
Urumqi Street Food
Photos of … Bagels in Urumqi??? …JoAnn found her “street food” feast. One Kebob….Hawkers drumming up business.
On To Urumqi
A four thirty wakeup call and a 7:45 AM flight from Beijing to Urumqi. The hotel kindly had prepared a breakfast in a box for us to take. A four hour flight to Urumqi was very smooth. Wondering whether Chinese Airlines endeavor to fly differently that US carriers. The take off and flight path seemed very deliberate and comfortable.
On To China
The flight to Beijing was almost routine except for Anthony, my seat mate. We were seated in the first row of coach, a wonderful place with no seats in front and good stretching room. JoAnn and I were early, as usual, and seated aisle and middle. Getting close to final boarding the window seat was empty, every long distance travellers dream. But then comes the flight attendant leading….mother and infant. Every travelers dread. The thought of the screaming infant for 15 hours sent tremors. Further, the bassinette was hung on the wall at eye level and Anthony could sit up and stare at me with wonderment.
Silk Road - Starting Out
Seven days until we leave for China’s part of the Silk Road. Quite an itinerary. “Thirty Caves in Thirty Days.” Actually 10 cities in 22 days and 9 cave sites with hundreds of caves at each site. Start from the far west, Urumqi, we’ll trek eastward to Luoyang. Plane, train, boat, car and camel plus some hiking and maybe a donkey. The big stuff is set. Hotels, trains, and planes are reserved. On site details will depend on conditions. We’ll be flexible.
