The Ballandean Branch: Probably the last on Kashgar!

Recently, some of you have said that you are enjoying the Blogs about Western China. That's good, because I can do quite a bit more on this fascinating part of the world.

I think that I shall make this Blog a potpourri of some of the sights of this fascinating city...Kashgar.

I am probably repeating myself when I comment that you could be in Turkey, or somewhere similar, when you wander around Kashgar. But it is true....and you will be able to judge for yourselves by the photos. Do you agree?

Preparing to bake these local rolls, covered with poppy seeds.

And the second man fixes the rolls to the side of the oven, for baking.

All this happens in the street...as you can see by the background.

Choosing some bread for a snack.

And sitting to enjoy it.

.....although not everyone looks enthusiastic!

Not far away was this shop....a mixed business!
There is minced lamb, dumplings ready to be cooked, and whole lamb carcasses if you so need one or two!

...and he has a mobile phone to his ear.

Next to the above establishment was a street food shop, where this family was enjoying their food. (In the background you can see the previous photo's stall and owner)


A family at lunch, with the mother coping with her youngest. The elder boy is amused by us!

And if you fancy some fruit, choose pomegranates!

We decided that a cup of tea would be refreshing, and went to this establishment...supposedly the oldest tea house in Kashgar. It was used in a few scenes in the film, "The Kite Runner"


Old tea house, Kashgar.

Another view, showing some market activity in the area.

We sat on the verandah, and enjoyed fragrant, aromatic tea, served from an ornate teapot, and drunk from small bowls. Delicious. We had our pot refilled many times that afternoon.

And there were three Uighur men at the next table, drinking their tea and enjoying a long, animated discussion.

They did not appear to mind our presence.

Their teapot does not look as ornate as ours. Maybe because we were visitors we were given the "special" teapot??

And sitting on the verandah, we could also see the street scenes below.


The street was a hive of activity...lots of trading and bargaining. And then there is The Western Lake.

And as a form of entertainment, and light relief, Chinese nationals, and others, visiting the city, can boat on the Western Lake, in paddle boats, the designs of which seem to be based on the symbols for the Chinese Zodiac.
The boat above represents The Year of the Dragon.