Above: Plov, Central Asian style rice, in an extremely large pot.
Exploring Kashgar’s fake old city
We have time to relax again, with a lazy morning in bed followed by some muesli and fruit.
Late morning, Kim, Jo and I popped out for a wander and found a Uyghur eatery just outside the fake old city that did kinda local-style calzone or meat pie. It was yummy! We also had mini dumplings in a soup with goji berries, cloud ear mushrooms, potatoes, carrots and chickpeas.
We took a walk to the Qinivake International Hotel where we stayed in 1998. The shorter block of the hotel was the only tall building in the dusty town back then.
The old city of Kashgar didn’t really exist when I visit in 1998. The fake old city that we see now is a pretty awesome make-believe that’s full of atmosphere. China went through an era of big utiliarian buildings, so I’m glad they made an effort to create something in keeping with the history of the place.
I used to disagree with how China builds fake historical attractions. But the population is so big that if people were only limited to real historical and cultural sites, they would be overwhelmed. I think if them as historical-themed parks.
Text continues after this gallery.
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- Fat-tailed sheep.
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- Even though Kashgar’s old city is argely fake, it is still a lovely place.
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- Even though Kashgar’s old city is argely fake, it is still a lovely place.
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- Even though Kashgar’s old city is argely fake, it is still a lovely place.
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- Even though Kashgar’s old city is argely fake, it is still a lovely place.
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- Sheep’s head.
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- Plov, Central Asian style rice, in an extremely large pot.
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- Bactrian camel for photo opportunities.
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- The animal market in 1998 vs now.
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- Kashgar skyline in 1998 vs 2024.
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- Site of the bazaar in 1998 vs 2024.
The old city is bisected by Jiefang Road and we were staying on the western side. In the afternoon, we walked the eastern side which has a fake old city gate and a tower or pagoda (which I visited last time but not today).
I was keen to introduce Kim and Jo to a specialty that I had tried last time. It is cumin-flavoured fried bread and lamb. So unhealthy bus so delicious. We found a place that had it on the menu and it didn’t disappoint them. M even had a couple of pieces of the bread even though it had been cooked with the lamb.
Internet helpdesk
Much of the time at dinner was spent playing internet helpdesk for M’s internet connection hassles. We had told her several times that Chinese wi-fi does not support WhatsApp, Facebook, Gmail etc, and that her roaming connection is good for all those without a VPN.
Despite that, she had been using the hotel wi-fi and saying that nothing works properly.
She’s the first to admit that she’s technologically-challenged but some things just don’t sink in despite our repeated efforts.