Like Russia, China has one time zone despite the fact that it’s  almost wide enough for three so my flight from Almaty arrived @ 1 o’clock in the morning. and after three security checks, three passport reviews and as many Xrays of person and things, I found no ATM or foreign exchange available so ….. no local currency. Deep joy! As you might have guessed, the almighty dollar (US) works wonders but at about four times the standard rate of taxi fare – more joy. 

Check in was relatively easy at 3 am and bed beckoned to be followed by a misty, sub-zero two days in Urumqi. People are kind when asked for help and occasionally some one speaks a little English. Except for the taxi driver I have not had to use Google translate as yet but it comes in handy for signs and words. I am a little wary of engaging folk in more than the most basic, or business-related, enquiries as the police are ever present and prolific. There is a police office/base in practically every city block with officers using patrol vehicles and foot to mind their patch. When on foot, they move in single file, in threes, and are dressed for trouble. Having said that, I have had no issues, but I would just hate a local person to get in trouble because of me. As a side note, every store has security (guard, scan, bag X-ray as minimum), and even my hotel has all these plus three shields in case of riots. I only had six security checks yesterday and five today.

Walking is a great way to see a city and, despite the mist, climbing Hongshan Hill yesterday was well worth the effort. Old snow still decorated the sidewalks, and the hanging lanterns, the bare tree branches looks more interesting for their icing coated branches, Christmassy decorations are all over the city and the streets are lit with big and little lights to add to the festive vibe. The giant Ferris wheel was fun although the mist made views a fuzzy idea rather than a vista to be ogled at. I could not see the southern face of the Tian Shan range but I hear they a beautiful viewed from here. Today was a meander to and around the Bazaar – in th Uyger enclave and with heavy security to get in and when walking around. The highlight was watching local folk enjoying dancing in the freezing cold to ethnic music with great enthusiasm and verve. 

I know I have only have two days here and will be heading east rather than try to visit more of this huge province but with so much history and cultural depth, I can only wish that I get to come back one day and see more of this fabulous intersection of Silk Road history.