Our drive paralleled the northern edge of the Tibetan Plateau. Yep, STILL, in the desert. Rocky low rise mountains quickly backed by staggering snow covered cliffs-you can make them out in the distance. We will be skirting the plateau, easterly and then south, for the next few dayd, going up into the outskirts of Tibet just before heading east again to Xian. Excitement lies ahead!
We arrived in Jiayuguan late afternoon. Another huge city in the desert expanding with major construction projects in every direction. The parks, squares and boulevards were grand.
The Chinese emperors saw Jiayuguan as the end of the ancient civilized world. Beyond the fortress and Great Wall was barren desert and the barbarian hordes of the west!
This city was the beginning of what we now call the classical Silk Road. From here to Europe began a system of caravanserai and oases linking the major cities of Central Asia (been there). Caravans of merchants said goodbye to what they knew as they ventured into the western desert in search of new markets.
We arrived too late to do any sightseeing and decided to settle in at our hotel a bit early. So...lots of photos tomorrow. Yeah, no bush camping tonight or tomorrow!
For dinner we visited a local hot pot restaurant. The selection of fresh veggies, meats and fishes was great. They had a huge assortment of mushrooms-some I had never tasted before. The simmering pot in the middle of the table was shared by everyone. As usual the floors and toilets were disgusting. The food and utensils immaculate. So odd! It was a unique experience. Similar to San Francisco but different. Ha-ha. Wonder why?
Sent from Leopard's iPhone. Read my blog at www.leopard2013.blogspot.com
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