Let’s see, I’ve probably gotten to sit down in my office…maybe MAYBE…3 times in 4 months. Well, here you go!
I probably talk way too much about the potty on this blog…but when it’s the only, daily, regular occurrence…the only thing that can pretty much be expected…I mean, come on…what do you expect? I can count on potty breaks more than I can on food or a place to sleep. Shit!
I even took a few jumps off some…I already had sand everywhere, so why not?
Instant Oatmeal, Raisins, and 2 powder packets of milk tea (for my sugar rush).
My cooking skills were dramatically improved after touring with Brandon, a trained chef. I’m still working on getting that rice pudding as good as his.
You can also see by the color of my skin that I got a healthy dose of Vitamin D the other day too.
A storm was rolling through all day…even a few raindrops.
Everyone seems to be under the impression I am Russian. I have nothing against Russians but in China, random Russian women walking about are stereotyped as prostitutes.
So, I don’t know if I’m getting denied cheap places to stay because I’m a foreigner or they think I’m a foreign prostitute.
Either way. Today was fantastic coming West along 315, after sleeping in the desert for the past 2 nights.
The sun was shining brightly and 50km East of Qarqan I entered small Uyghur villages. It’s March 1st and they have begun to till the fields.
A mother was washing laundry with her little boy standing next to her, the sun bouncing around his sequin embroidered hat. A group of 3 women kneeding naan dough around the outside oven, their white head scarves dancing in the wind. A simple hello and the blank stares go to smiles and even a few “ooOOoohs” from some older women.
Yesterday, it was overcast and even was granted a few raindrops on me. I watched the grey clouds go from North to South. It was good because it prevented additional sunburn, as my face and skin is so damaged right now. The corner of my lips broken and cracked, my nose so raw and sore, deep creases in my forehead.
I’ve got 19 days to get to the border.
This young man, and his friend, fed me at their little outpost off of Route 218.
I discovered the “Doesn’t Tumbleweed”!
You wonder how I entertain myself, well…I find ways.
Loving most things I find in nature…the sticky bush is one I dislike. Especially, when our initial greeting a week ago was when he snuck into my little girl’s room at camp. Sticky bush!!! Keep your thorns to yourself…
But, Mr. Sticky is great for cleaning your fingernails. Just keep it away from those tires, and socks, and shoes…and panties!
Eastern edge of the Taklamakan
