May 13th Kashgar

Our first stop today was a local market that was about 45 minutes out of town. It was in the village that held the weekly Tuesday market. The parade of transportation heading to the market was a sight to be seen, camels, horse and buggy, donkey carts, farm 3 wheeled vehicle's loaded with animals not to mention cars packed with people. We walked through the various market areas and watched the bargaining and inspecting of the animals by potential buyers. The fat tailed sheep are particularly valuable as the fat is used in the dumplings and other foods.

Prized fat-tailed sheep

Taking wife to market

Shaking on sheep sale

 Food stalls were busy making the famous Lagman noodles as well as the dumplings and doughnuts.

Men selling baskets

David inspecting camels

Baked dumplings

Dumplings?

Pilau

Farm equipment was also being sold.

Harnesses

We then went to the Abakhoja Mausoleum built in 1640 of interesting Islamic architecture.

Tires recycled

We then drove back into town and walked through the old town area

where many potters are still living and practicing their trade followed on by a tour of the Mosque.

Eidkah mosque largest in China

The Grand Bazaar of Kashgar was our stop after lunch and though Sunday is the busiest day there was still plenty of activity on Tuesday.  We enjoyed the fragrance of the freshly ground spices on sale as well as all the colorful Atlas fabric that was being sold for clothing as well as for home furnishings. There were also many fur items available for purchase.

Fur hats

After the Bazaar we passed by the old Russian Consulate and noted its plaque.

We had dinner in the British Consulate which is now a Chinese restaurant. We had wanted to see the foreign embassies because of reading about "the great game" between England and Russia over these areas in the1800's.

British Consulate