I'm in Turpan. After a huge gongshow last night, im in Turpan. But I survived. Perhaps a couple hundred yuan poorer, but still - surviving. Today's schedule has been grueling though. Being a full on tourist hitting site after site has its ups and downs. The weather here must at least be 40degrees Celsius. This is only slightly cooler than being in the Israeli desert, but even then, there's water here. So u can't imagine what it's like without water. So anyway... ...

There's a slight rainbow on the horizon. It reminds me that there are greater plans that God has for me. Why? Because the bus I was supposed to catch is no longer catchable as my train is traveling so damn slowly. So I guess I have to go to the hostel opposite the bus station in town to stay a night. In the morning, I'll go book a bus ticket for the 4 pm bus to dunhuang and perhaps check for other tours. God, please let there be rooms at the hostel. On one hand, ...

I'm about to leave Kashgar. Well ... I say that with abit too much certainty. Truth is I don't know when I'll be leaving Kashgar and I say this while standing with a 12 kg pack on my bag. It's certainly a slimming experience. As I stand here in a 30 by 20 feet ventilation less hall, crammed with at least 200 people... Alas the train arrives and there are shouts, whoops, and relieved sighs. I'm trying hard to keep my cool and sense of adventure and humor about. My...

Lake karakul. Honestly it was smaller than I expected, but it was beautiful. The scenery in the desert changes rapidly from grey shale to lush greenery and then to brick red clay. Sometimes you have all three in one, with the juxtaposition creating great photo opportunities in an instant. The waning culture is apparent though. Instead of sporadic kyrgyz gers littered throughout the countryside, you see massive mining quarries, electrical buildings, and highways ...

Reached Beijing to be greeted by pelting rain. I guess Beijing likes to welcome its guests with much liquid aplomb! I tried to sneak a peek of the lion king from a girl who actually bothered to pay for inflight entertainment, I see my mother in mee. Too bad she didn't seem to appreciate my favorite Disney movie that much, she kept turning it off or falling asleep. But well, I guess I should really try to watch the lion king again. I'm off to find a hourly hotel t...