Past Expeditions China 2005
This is the transcript of the journal written by the students participating in the expedition.
Day 1 - 27 July 2005
Everyone arrived on time (between 7.00 - 7.30) eager and ready to go. A new member to our group who arrived with Becky at the airport was PK the Duck.
We departed England at 10.30 am for Helsinki . The flight journey was two hours. During that time we talked and tried to sleep. We arrived at Helsinki at 3.15 pm. ( Helsinki time). We then practised Thai Chi for a few minutes and then went for a little explore around the airport, we discovered a café where we could buy food or drink, and so we sat and talked for a while. Then we all walked through to the departure lounge where Georgia found some interesting objects hidden in her rucksack. We departed Finland at 6.00 pm (Fin time). We then had a very relaxing journey to China . (This included watching Donald Duck and the Pacifier)
Jacob
Day 2
Today has been possibly the most surreal ever as if waking at 5.00 and staring down at a desert thousands of feet below you weren't strange enough. The day only continued to get stranger. We landed at 6.50 am in 30 0 C heat. We met our guide Li at the airport and he showed us to the bus. We went straight to Tiananmen Square and had a look round and took some photos. We all got harassed by the street sellers and Mike finally succumbed to the pressure and bought 5 'genuine' Rolexes for $10. (Well done Mike the bargain hunter) After Tiananmen Square we drove to the Temple of Heaven and walked around the park. The Temple was very impressive with all the different colours and carvings in the stone, equally impressive were the old people in the park (sounds weird I know). They were dancing and doing lots of different exercises. From the Temple and park we drove to a restaurant for dinner and then to a hotel for a shower and a rest. I think PK has enjoyed his day but he can't comment as he is asleep.
Rosie
Day 3
Beijing - Urumqui
After a much needed repose in a Beijing hotel it was back off to the airport to fly to Urumqui - which happens to be half way back towards the UK !
Upon passing though customs we encountered the first tragedy as Becky and Paul were forced to endure the sight of their entire evening's supply (about 3 litres) of rather expensive single malt, being poured away.
The leaders are still coming to terms with their loss but are determined to re-supply. Upon reaching Urumqui we were treated to a night time tour of Urumqui which happens to have a night life equivalent to Halifax on a Saturday night. Complete with midnight barbers. A very short night's sleep followed by a breakfast of quite spicy noodles & a watery ' gloop ' that no one could identify. Then it was back on the bus for the trip to Turpan.
Charlie
Day 4
Urumqui to Torpan
Today we learnt that the meaning of heat as we sweated in the thousand Buddha caves in Bezeklik - a series of underground caverns filled with images of Buddha. On the way out Phil who was obviously bored of staring on ancient gods and felt he had all the time in the world, hopped onto a camel and set off into the dunes.
Unfortunately everyone else had boarded the coach and Paul was forced to track Phil down and explain to the bemused camel guy that it was, in fact time to go.
Later on we visited the Gaichang ruins where we were once again surrounded by the hoards of street merchants.
Union regulations apparently go out of the window here as they unleashed their secret weapon - children. Who could resist those cute, sweet little kiddies! After another hour in the blistering heat it was back on the bus to Turpan.
Paul continues to mourn the loss of his whiskey but is more than happy to survive on the Chinese beer.
Anon
Day 5
The previous day didn't end until around After a couple of hours sleep we were woken by rather sour faced leaders who looked capable of breaking our necks with a single blow. We were ordered never to smile or look to be having fun. We got on the coach and were given a lecture before setting off on the sweaty, sweaty bus. After around half an hour we arrived at the Jiaohe Ruins. We walked around the ruins in the absolute blistering heat & it is no lie to say several buckets of sweat were produced collectively. We then returned to the nice warm coach to be then taken to learn about the irrigation system which I think is possibly the highlight of the trip. This was then followed by a 9hr trip to the hotel with only a brief stop for lunch, where the toilets were like the hell of all hells. The coach journey was hot and rather uneventful if you ignore the fact we almost sent a cyclist to his death and tried to ram straw trucks and lorries off the road in a frantic effort by the driver to be crowned king of the horn.
Emma Brown
Day 6
Korla - Hotan.
A day of Driving. It would take Mike wouldn't it? Only Mike could be taken off the bus by the Korla hotel staff and asked to pay for a pack of condoms, which for reason known only to Mike he had looted from the hotel room.
We can't help but think that we are leaving quite a reputation behind us - forced to pay for stolen condoms in Korla.
Nothing has happened yet
I've seen a bike in the grass, no signs of life.
My right ear is being pierced by Emma Brown singing, which can be heard amongst the noise of singing of others.
Oh - previously stopped by the police for not honking enough or possibly being followed by the authorities after a tip off from the hotel about Michael's master plan.
Further more nothing.
Being driven to the edge by the continued singing of some unknown noise from the stereo.
Ground covered by snow like material which means the bike could belong to a yeti or maybe an un-named member of the trip which it resembles.
The bus drive is also quote 'Bumpy as my ass'
It's raining in the desert! Well only on the right side of the bus.
11.50 - few minutes later a stop to utilise the many bushes and experience the rain.
12.15 - first proper 'honk' today.
12.35 - turn south into the Taklamakan proper - cross the Tarim River and into the desert
Oil wells stop.
1.01 - honky definitely back in business. ' small honk, large honk, small honk' at truck. Honky seems to have regained his confidence and honking randomly.
Lunch was very nice.
4.40 - Vicki lying in unfortunates positions. Honk - bike
Arrival at place at 9 - Ming Feng
Anon
Chaz is a page hogger & food hogger. In fact general hog - Chaz = hog.
The members of the group who weren't ill enjoyed their meal shortly after 10ish . The people who were ill stuck to the bread and dumplings. Shortly after we took a trip into Ming Feng to explore its small market to which the lack of bananas disappointed.
This led to a laze in the lounge part of the hotel and the boredom was too much for the few Ninjas among us - high on Red Bull & Coke, we fought bravely - with cushions. The others remained in the lounge being boring. Disturbed by Emma Brown, Edd, Vicki & I.
Sleep started around 3 with great difficulty due to Brown being on the floor & her scary upside down sleeping.
Anon
Day 7
National Army day today, were meant to be meeting some members of the Chinese Army but unfortunately it was cancelled. We all got on to the bus for our last day of travelling by road for a bit. A few people nearly left with their room key, why they would want to keep them I have no idea. The showers had no hot water and gave you 'brain freeze', if you stayed in them for too long and hardly anyone's toilets flushed. (But the beds were surprisingly comfortable) Some people went out to buy some last minute fruit for the journey. A watermelon was soon carved into, (given a face), of which Ed decided to replace his head with, some would say an improvement. (But that would be a bit harsh). Many photos were taken of 'Watermelon Ed'. Again we listened to 'The Rivers of Babylon' and a version of the 'Titanic Theme' tune. We can probably all hum the song off by heart as it has been drilled into us. This however was a better option compared to Mike's karaoke. He swears the woman in the shop said it was good but I think it's his bad taste. (Another thing Mike managed to buy which was a waste of money.) We arrived in Hotan for about 4.30 pm . The dinner/lunch was commented to be the best yet by Emma Brown but then again she said that yesterday as well! After dinner we went to look for some Jade, a few people getting some good bargains, others were ripped off for the price of fruit. A few of us managed to find a cyber café (more like a room) and emailed back home. This was amazingly cheap for about 1 yen for 45 mins (only 8p)!
The showers were even colder, if that's possible, than the last hotel but overall the hotel is better by a mile or two. Finally a lot of packing was to be done, ready for our 3 day trek into the Taklamakan desert.
Fern
Day 8
The coach stopped in the road, no desert in sight. It was to collect the food supply; Britney the sheep. As the terrified sheep was loaded onto the bus we went for a tour of the local silk factory. We saw the whole process of making silk, right from the cocoon. We watched old women making carpets that sell for about 10,000 Yuan, they get paid only 300 Yuan a month, barely enough to live on. Nearly everyone bought beautiful silk scarves, which came in handy when we entered the windy desert. We ate lunch while the camels were being loaded, Britney perched high on one of the tallest. Then we were off, headed into the dunes looking like we should be in a film. We took turns riding camels and walking, one uncomfy and one v hard work. We were glad to set up camp in a sort of valley that sheltered us from the wind. There was a bit of excitement as Britney escaped and was chased round the dunes before being rugby tackled to the ground by Sam. We then settled down to one of the best dinners so far and were sent off on our own for a while, just to relax and think. By this time it was starting to get dark so people started to go to bed, some in tents, some just on the ground. The camels were nowhere to be seen.
Anon
Day 9
For breakfast we had eggs that were 100 years old (and black). I bet the camels were glad to get rid of them at last. We then did some tai-chi with Martin, whilst the camels were loaded up.
We set off from the campsite at about 12 noon , after discovering that it was to be Emma (Birtwistle) that had the pleasant task of killing poor lovely, adorable, sweet Britney. Unlucky for her.
The Temperature rose and rose and according to Martin, owner of 'Ye Sacred Thermometer', it was 43 0 C at its highest. Although it wasn't windy today, the heat made walking just as hard or even harder. We stopped for lunch in the boiling heat and had some processed jelly, pot things. ( yuck ).
When we arrived at the campsite I discovered that my golden brown tan was in fact sand and I am actually still as white as Hilary (almost). Tea was yummy, although the thought of eating Brittney kebab was not . Mike is going to write a bit about the cruel and horrible way in which fluffy Britney's life abruptly ended. After tea we went up a sand dune and watched a beautiful desert sunset, although it was blurred through clouds.
Important revelations of today: Jo is no longer vegetarian, (poor Britney) but a fully fledged carnivore and will be for ever more. I at least am no longer constipated. Celebrations all round. We got a photo of PK on a camel.
Anon
P S Becky is pink and lumpy. Are we going back to England ?
The Slaughter
We tied Britney up and dug a blood draining pit. We then gave him its last drink, then the camel herder closed his eyes and slit the sheep's throat and then blood drained out, the sheep's heart was still pumping for maybe 2 minutes. The camel herder put a slit in the leg of the sheep and blew its stomach up (it was like a furry balloon) then we punched and kneed it until the contents of its stomach came out. The camel herder then slit from its goolies upwards to make it easy to deskin it. Once deskinned its legs were snapped and me and another held it while the camel herder took its organs and unnecessary items out like it lungs, liver, intestine, heart and bowel which was very full at the time the sheep had been slaughtered. I started a BBQ going and left that to create Britney kebabs (they were very good) but some of the camel herders spiced them up with salt and pepper all of my hard work paid off. I ate 6 and I could do with another right now mmm !
Britney Kebabs
Mike
Day 10
Before I begin today's entry I'd just like to point out that
Britney was a man ( I know I saw them cut it off)
The camel men took 92 cans of beer into the desert. The alcohol ban was not lifted.
This prompted a nickname giving session -
Paul's being simply 'Arsehole'. It can't be just us because his Mountain Rescue people call him Paul McBastard but he actually delights in telling us this.
Martin = Granddad
Becky = Lumpy (The eye has not decreased in size)
Sam P = Coma (No one's ever going to let it go)
Ed, Dave & Alex = The 3 wise monkeys ( Seenoevil , Hearnoevil , Speaknoeveil ) interchangeably
Vicky = Hot pants
Emma Brown = Jar Jar ?
Emma Birt = Roley (i.e. Rolex)
Me (Natalie) = Mazza (i.e. mascara because I can't live without it. However it is now lost. I blame this entirely on Paul)
Naomi = Bandy (headband)
Georgia = Oops - say no more
Harriet = Nicoless (due to nicotine withdrawal)
Grace = Foul (short for foul mouth)
Charlie = Ray (as in Ray Mears)
Tom = Meatboy (always has been always will be)
Rachel = Laptop (i.e. Lesbian Laptop, too much to explain)
Oli = Baby - (Hmm)
Meg = Winnie (as in Winnie the Pooh, i.e. Winnie the Poo only she's constipated so that's a cruel irony)
Fern = Flo ( Florence of Arabia )
Jo = Carnivore
Phil = Bart (he can't barter; he's just ambled over claiming he feels 'a bit shitty'. Ahaaaaaa
Sam G = Sandy
Hilary = Squeaky (clean)
Mike = Butch the Butcher
Rosie = Tick Tuck (She had a tick Ugh)
Jacob = Enti (entomologist)
Laura = Di for Diamond. Ughhhhhh , Die
Evening
The stars were nice
The desert was hot
The new campsite is full of starving beggars
The new campsite is full of ants
Everyone is asleep.
Natalie
Day 11
Oh . . . this is going to be a really boring entry - I apologise!
After a night of pure hell - described by Emma Birt as possibly the worst in her life - we decamped in the rain, ate some mouldy bread * got back on the coach to head back to Kashgar. On the way we were entertained (yet again) by Miss Spears and some Jackie Chan filmage . Stopped off at a knife factory & all got some - coz obviously they're gunna be so useful back home. Urmm what else, oh yeah, got stopped by the police coz Honk (the coach driver) woz speeding: that's bout as exciting as the day got. Ate some, drank some, and slept some. End of.
Anon
Day 12
The day began as per usual, with someone having to pay the hotel from the night before for something they had stolen/broken - in this case Georgia and Emma who were said to have broken an ashtray. The mega bus was cruelly taken away from us today along with Britney Spears & Jackie and we had to make do with 2 smaller minibuses & the backdrop of spectacular mountains, so I don't think people minded too much.
The drive from Kashgar to Kara Kul took approx 4 hours, including a toilet stop, where Phil who seemingly couldn't be bothered to walk far, relieved himself right in front of our bus & was encouraged by certain 'mature individuals' (including myself). On arrival at the Kara Kul Lake we were greeted by an amazing view of mountains & a very, very blue lake (the idea of swimming came to mind but this was later crushed when Dave, Meg & Charlie, who were already in, were told they would have to pay)
After lunch and quite a few (pointless in my case) bargains from the stalls we set up our tents, whilst being studied intently by some Kirghiz people. This was amusing because most people feared for their belongings. We keen walkers amongst us walked around the whole lake whilst the soft ones opted for the shorter version, then turned back when the mosquitoes attacked.
Anon
No one was particularly looking forward to dinner as it was at the same restaurant as lunch, which wasn't the nicest but it turned out to be better than usual as we got chips! We looked as if we hadn't been fed for months as people (especially Mike) grabbed handfuls of chips & the plate was cleared in a matter of seconds. We were however allowed 2 cans of coke/sprite per 10 people, not enough to cope with the spicy noodles, so we had to drink the tea. Oli trying to make his look nicer, put a 'confident shovel' of what turned out to be salt in it, some may say it was cocky and brash.
Other random things about the day:
Harriet says the altitude is sending her insane
Natalie's head is about to explode
PK's voice box was ripped out by either Victoria or Ed - we do not know which as they each claim it was the other.
I was offered to exchange PK for a rather attractive necklace however I resisted as I felt I would suffer the same fate as Britney.
Day 13
We began this morning somewhat colder & wetter than usual, by Lake Kara Kul , after a spot of litter picking, breakfast and relieving ourselves behind rocks we set off on the mini coaches again. After a fairly boring journey during which we were all driven insane by Stevie Wonder's 'I just called to say I love you' plus Ollie and Mikey's major 'sugar rush' & comedown, we arrived at Kashgar around 1.30 pm for lunch.
After lunch we visited an animal market - another delightful array of dead animal carcasses, a carpet factory and the much awaited Sunday Bazaar - where everyone was ripped off for some piece of junk or another. We went for tea at around 8.00 pm - the usual noodles, cucumber, beef, chicken bones blah, blah, blah . However the highlight of the day came in the form of the after dinner dancing (if you can call it that). This is where we saw Ray Mears dancing prowess shine through, as well as others - Mikey & Martin - I am looking at you.
To top off the day we were informed of our flight to Urumqui's delay, which leads me up to the current point - sat in a hotel at 12.30 am waiting for PM'G to tell us what's going on …… Time for sleep.
Brandy (Naomi)
Day 14
'Quack . . . I'm tired . . . . . . quack'
Thanks to a tropical storm in Southern China , my flight has been delayed. I'm thoroughly quacked off. I've just been down to reception with Phil to phone his sister. Up stairs Tom is asleep so we are going to be very quick and quiet getting into the room so that we do not wake him up.
Z z z z z z z z z z z . . . . . . z . . . . . .z z
( knock , knock)
Oh no, we have only been asleep for five minutes and the hotel worker has come upstairs and told us that we have to be downstairs - pronto! I'm watching Phil trying to cram all of his things into his hand luggage. He should have done this before he went to sleep.
We are now sitting outside the hotel waiting for the coach to take us to the airport. Hillary keeps making me squeak and quack. Oh no, now she has gone to sleep whilst hugging me . . . Help!
Yeah this is great - we are at the airport and maybe this time we will be getting on the plane. A few of us sat round and had an ice cream but I can't because my beak is stitched together.
Later I was taken through a funny machine in the shape of a box. Do you ever get that feeling that someone is looking right through you?
Yawn! We are on the plane . . . Time to go to sl . . .
One and a half hours later . . . Bang! Ace we have Landed - won't be long until me, little PK is tucked up in bed. Hey wait, I've lost my bow-tie. Oh No! I can't find it anywhere. It's not helping me think listening to Ollie tell his Mexican jokes.
: Why are Mexicans never cold? And
: What do Mexicans put down before their carpets?
It's still not here and I can't believe that Paul, Becky and Emma brown are still in hysterics over Emma's face of cutlery. No, we are leaving the plane and I still haven't got it. Oh it's there, Phil was sat on it - it's safe now.
After the short drive, back on our coach to Urumqui, it was straight to bed. By now it was 6 o clock and the beds look so comfy. Unfortunately the hotel has a no chick policy on the furniture so I will have to kip on the cold, hard floor. Great, we had a lie in until 11.30 and had a nice breakfast complete with white bread, marmalade and coffee.
At 2.00 we set off on the coach towards the Tian Shan Mountains . On the way we stopped at the Xinjang historical relic museum. Displayed in the museum were finds excavated from tombs in the Taklamakan Desert , some dated back from around 800 years BC. After the museum we stopped for dinner and then got to the mountains at six. I had to walk half of the way to the camp (I would rather fly!) and then the bus driver took us the remainder of the way after he had dropped off the bags.
After setting up camp we had a briefing session about the dangers of the mountains, including snakes. Aghh ! I'm not sure whether snakes eat duckies like me or not.
PK (through the pen of Phil)
Just to add it was Fern's birthday and she was given the most amazing cake ever! Everyone was glad to have a piece (pineapple and sponge flavour)
Day 15
Currently sitting in a tent which threatens to collapse for the second time any minute. The thunder of the rain mixes with the constant roll of thunder and flashes of lightening, to produce a beautiful song! Only worry is that the rivers on either side will flood during the night and we will be stranded on an island for days (and with no Britney may have to resort to cannibalism!! Who will be first to be eliminated from the Big Brother Island?)
Today has been beautiful both the weather and the horse ride through the Tian Shan Mountains . The slight delay at the start due to some discussion over alcohol and desertion by the Kazaks. This obviously is not worrying at all, who'd want to leave us lovely lot in the mountains? And obviously the shared water bottle at our first break contained only water!
Lunch was good - Chinese Mars Bars, bread (sweet or savoury), spam and another meat but the tea was even better (as always when we are not sitting in a restaurant) rice, egg foo-yung and other dishes.
All in all not such a bad day, well if you forget the delay, when horses had to be sent to retrieve about 6 people's bags and still managed to leave Laura's! I think today's been great fun, especially the thunderstorm and the river crossings (though my horse always steps in the middle to drink) and hope tomorrow is as good or even better (though a dry thunderstorm would be preferable!)
Rach
Day 16
The first proper horse trekking day!
PK had an unusual night on a dinner of ants, spiders and a strawberry lolly kindly donated by Rachel, he got wet wrapped in a fur hat due to the massive blobs of rain running through our collapsed tent.
1. I've woken up to Paul McBastard yelling and shaking our tents for a hot breakfast and coffee - er umm!
2. There were more conflicts by the gangster with the briefcase
3. We have two rivers.
Today has actually been excellent even with the ups and downs in my relationship with Ginny. And I am now snuggled up in my sleeping bag listening to Emma, Charlie and someone else talking about underpants! And Mikey having just broken a zip!
We finally set off from our camp at about 12ish all eager to 'get active' and I finally got a chance to ride without a lead - hooray! The day consisted of crossing many gushing rivers and a mini competition over who was leading the group - I think I lost! The countryside was gob smacking and I went off on a snap happy spree with the perfect sky and towering green foliaged mountains that surround us - Jacob said it reminded him of Switzerland and I found I was singing 'the hills are alive', courtesy of Martin (unfortunately I could only remember 4 lines.)
ANYWAY!! We soon stopped off for lunch, which was strange sugared bread with spam, a Luna bar and jelly, about halfway up a mountain. I happily spent this playing with a ladybird (with a broken wing) which liked sugar. For now we just enjoyed the sun and happily plodded about, winding our way along the tracks, crashing into trees, falling off and trying not to trot up hills. My pinnacle moment arrived 500m from our camp, when trying to clamber back on my pony it took offence, wheeled around and kicked, not a happy pony.
Still we were in gorgeous surroundings in which we could see Russia , Kazakhstan and Mongolia . I saw lots of sheep, goats and horses too. Our path was pretty interesting too as we travelled from open countryside to small rocky wooded areas winding their way round the hills. In one section the path was so steep we had to go on foot down to an extremely ferocious river. I got rather light headed on the way down and so pitched about quite a bit when trying to clamber back on my pony. This was only intensified when a Kazak, climbed up behind me and rode across - I felt a bit sea-sick, although it was rather exciting, as it was the fastest I managed to get all day.
We arrived at camp around 5.00pm after a good riding day, to gently rolling hills and our rucksacks waiting to be collected. Everyone's was there so tents were erected quickly. Emma was then tied up in a sleeping bag and spun round and Jo did a bit of bareback riding. We were also told not to feed the ponies as it would seem an insult to the Kazaks and I finally managed to laugh a little bit - thank God!
Horses legs are tied together - they hop
2 goats a 1 sheep were massacred for dinner.
There was another conflict, this time over grassland between the Kazaks and a sheep herder. This was compromised by pegging the horses. I also found out Li's Company subcontracted to Alip's company which then subcontracted to Hassan's Company.
Dinner was gorgeous with lots of group hugs, piggy backs, screaming, running and talking - I was told I looked like an axe murderer.
The flood we had last night flooded a small town we had walked from, collapsing a couple of the houses. Unfortunately most of our Kazaks came from this area, so many were using the satellite phone to check up on their families - as for as I know they're all ok.
Last night (or was it the night before) we slept on a battle field in which over a dozen men were killed. ( a few years ago.) It was a conflict between two tribes over land, so our Kazaks were worried about camping there.
Our late start was due to a power struggle between the tribes as new people have been subcontracted in. This led to a few strikes and arguments as well as anger over the signing of a contract.
Olli missed out on jelly at lunch, some Kazak just fell over our tent and PK kissed Meg goodnight.
Day 17
Soooo cold! woke up this morning and slithered up one of the valley sides and de-thawed over the gradually advancing sun line. Soon sun was coating the whole of the camp ground and like lizards we all became more active, finishing breki and packing tents.
Breki - good old Li - instead of getting the normal Nescafe shot, I was offered an altitude suppressing tea, as the thick beige slime fell out of the tea pot, I realised my mistake. I politely finished the salty yak butter tea in front of Li's earnest nodding face. "It's good", I lied.
Despite our speedy tent packing, we ended up leaving later anyway. The storm that earlier in the week had left us relatively unscathed had in fact caused great damage down in the valley, potentially killing the Kazak's families and destroying their farms. A couple went down to check; some had houses flooded and livestock killed. It made for a rather sombre start to the day.
We all got onto our horses and continued the climb. I have to tell you about my horse, which thanks to info from Jacob (he plays Polo with the Queen, therefore our horse expert) is the best. This not to do with being faster, bigger, stronger or particularly more attractive but out of 60 horses being the only one with 'balls'. He is The Italian Stallion! How others tremble as me and Tauro proudly pass, balls swinging in the wind.
Anyway, disappointedly our guide Yeas ("What is your name" - "Yeas" - "no what is your name" ) was not so drunk today and so we were treated to less crazy-horse - related shenanigans but Naomi, the other member of Yeas's group/family was kept entertained all day long by a trumpet recital from Tauro's backside.
As we moved up the ominous, rocky valley sides, they became more shear and the flora and fauna more sparse. At the start this morning the snow glacier encased Bogda-Feng (5445m) was a distant misty triangle, now its vastness occupies almost a whole field of vision.
Li Alip
Paul, Martin, Becky
Mikey & Georgia
As from the previous entries there have been arguments but today was the best yet, caused by the horses having no place to graze. Soon the cooking area (the battle zone) was filled with loads of Kazaks, who despite their small size have been putting down and out manoeuvring snarling beasts since infancy, also the altitude plays into their hands. The main guide Hassan a Kung Fu Master, who's father was a notorious Ninja, confidently remained seated grimly sucking on his cigarette, while a Kazak leader shouted in his face; more shouting continued with the cooks brandishing their sharp meat cleavers.
As the temperature continued to increase (it was actually quite cold . . . but you know what I mean!), Paul, Martin, and Becky joined the fray, with Martin ready to calm the mood with some Tai Chi but it was too late for that as a jacket was thrown to the floor and Hassan's fag torn from his mouth. Ultra fit Alip used his bulging muscle to keep the main protagonists apart, but it took Li to act as the peacemaker, offering everyone fags in effect solving all problems and making everyone happy.
All of us shocked and open minded youngsters decided as a result that smoking is cool and sexy AND solves your problems; so we shall all be starting when we get home. Oh and something exciting probably will happen tonight making everything that I have written superficial (i.e. Mikey is starting a fire, so expect burns tomorrow).
Day 18
HAPPY BIRTHDAY PMcG
FREEEZINGALING!!!!
Big mistake leaving hat and gloves in London , what use are they there? There was a battle for food this morning, chip butties - yum yum . Tastes like happy. As we packed away we got attacked by a huge evil cloud, apparently full of killer imps!
If you asked anyone what they missed the most at this stage of the trip, I would say food. Most of the time all I think about is Mama's cooking. I still can't believe we're in China !
Melon one minute . . . 8 pieces is my record, it's the only thing that I actually like that we had every day. Yummm !
Oh horses, that one's white. I love riding horses so much, it's great fun, especially when you go into third gear and 'canter'. However it does chafe a bit but I look past the pain. I think this song sums it up:
I love horses
Best of all the animals
I love horses
They're my friends
1.55 - Luncheon, hands frozen, BISCUITS.
The horse ride to lunch was great; the scenery was amazing you could see for metres around. Mist, Mist and more mist! I was kept amused by the singing Kazak and the magical flying horse in front of me. Otherwise it was rather uneventful. My horse bites!! Beware of Boris.
We rode the horses round a glacier and up a steep, scree slope. The horses kept slipping. Oh and when I got behind a different horse this time, which farted even more. Gasbag! We reached 3980m and threw a few snowballs, then headed on foot down the either side.
FOOOOD = NEEEET
Mist = Mist
Everyone = happy
SLEEEPS
Dave
Day 19
Heavenly Lake
Well everyone seems pretty thrilled at the fact that we need never put up the tents again. Well apart from those who thought it a good idea to book 5 days camping straight after the expedition. If that's not bad enough it is in Leeds !!
Although I think everyone has enjoyed the mountains, my suspicions lead me to believe that we are all desperately awaiting a hotel shower. Today has been a very nice chilled out day. Camping next to the beautiful scenery that is Tian Chi and the Alpine hills that circle it, it is simply perfect.
After a very philosophical talk with Martin, Becky and Paul, the first group headed off on the horses for a trek. It was very good if a little fast, still enjoyable. After an hour we headed back to the camp for lunch. Lunch, well it was amazing spicy noodles with veg and meat. God I'm such a pleb!!
After two more groups of riders came and went, Charlie collected up 1000Yuan donations for the Kazak men whose houses and everything had been destroyed.
I am currently sat on the edge of the lake on a log. The water's flowing, the hills are encircled around me, there are wild horses drinking from the stream and the weather has not been this nice for a week. WOW!! Lucky me.
Georgia-Rose
Day 20
I woke up colder than ever before and I emerged from my soaking tent to find it semi-covered in snow. We all congregated around the table and had another filling breakfast of near mouldy bread and jam tasting like washing detergent, claiming to be strawberry. We all filled our bottles with hot water to protect our hands from reaching the air temperature of -2 0 c.
The day has been fairly uneventful really. No fights, however I did hear some shouting, cold angry, Kazaks, when I woke up for the first time. I can hardly blame them. They have about 3 tents for about 20 of them, whilst the 'superior Chinese' have about 2 per huge tent
At about 11.30 (fairly early for our standards) we set off walking because some of the horses had been lost, causing another delay. Lunch was a bit tense because all of the meat was devoured by about 2 people, causing irritated leaders.
When we reached the lake I was in agony and very happy to dismount my horse. The ' Heavenly Lake ' or Tian Chi. It looks a bit dreary and misty and at this moment not very heavenly. Hopefully when the sun is up it will look a lot better.
At this moment once again we are dreaming about pizza or just some English food. We are all waiting to be fed but bright's specimen (another sheep) is currently being slaughtered, so we have a while to wait. Some people are desperate they are even looking for Chinese takeaway!
Now as the mist has cleared and the sun is setting, the lake fits its name perfectly.
Anon
Day 21
YOU'RE A DISGRACE TO CHINA !!
This morning started off as what we thought would be another day lazing about the campsite trying to look as we had actually been in a hot country. The morning went as planned until some strange men from the Authorities that looked like admirals arrived with a woman, who should have been punished for crimes against fashion.
Everything went to plan until after lunch, when we were told to pack our belongings as we were wanted out of the area due to severe flooding in the area where we were going or what we were doing was still unknown.
We crossed the Heavenly Lake and then the drama began. By this time it had emerged that we would be spending an extra night in a hotel in Urumqui, which had created a degree of ecstasy amongst the group.
Then suddenly out of nowhere there was an eruption! It emerged that the Authorities had taken photos of the individual Chinese and Paul flew off the handle. This is the quote of the day "You're a disgrace to China !" The day only got better when everyone got to the hotel and had a wash after 8 days and went for a full meal. Today was one of the most enjoyable washes so far especially as it was unexpected. The mood of the group was boosted by the end of today.
Grace
Day 22
I am writing this a day late because I am incompetent, so I apologise for my stunted memory of the day's events.
Awoke in hotel with the knowledge that we really were meant to be camping - so had another shower to make up for a week's worth of dirt. After a breakfast of a variety of different dishes, we set off to a market where we were given an hour and a half to shop. After shopping around trying to located illegally large Chinese weaponry with Mikey, somebody sighted a KFC …. Don't think much shopping was done!
After lunch we got transferred to everyone's favourite hotel where a couple of hours after Mikey purchased a crossbow, with the intention to post it back to England . Some of the group went swimming, which seemed like it was v enjoyable. We however went for a shopping session where we got accused of stealing 'Hello Kitty' merchandise! Today was a very important day because the Director of the Tourist Board came to present us with certificates for surviving the desert and the mountains. V swanky.
There were also some 'erotic' dancers present for our entertainment. Had a lot of dumplings for dinner, surprise, surprise but also what we suspected was duck - thrilling? A thrilling day it was.
Emma Birt
Day 23
Woke up and headed down for breakfast but didn't quite get there as was warned not to bother as it consisted of a stale piece of bread. Our next venture for the 2 hours we had spare before having to check out, was a shopping trip in the centre of Urumqui - although it was a hard task trying to explain to the taxi drivers we wanted to go to the centre - and still turned up not were we wanted, but nonetheless we tried to find shops - only a CD shop. Then to the KFC it was for a snack, oh dear not again! The pop corn chicken and chips is taking over our lives!!
We were back at the hotel by 11.30 to pack & check out but with Alex left in the bank changing money. Then we were given a strange combination of crisps, chocolate bar & water for lunch, while we waited for the coach for 45 mins, before rushing for the train station & having a little trouble with the knives we had bought earlier on in the trip - not likely to cause trouble with them really though.
Jumped onto the train to find chaos and bed confusion. Very cramped train here we come. Snoring man next to me! Yay , also Emma Brown will suffer from the snoring. A new & fantastic game was discovered - a cheap game boy only Y15!! Bargain but problems with the loud music/trash being blasted out of it; it needed the use of Oliver's pocket hammer-tool to cut the speaker wires. Uh-oh - sick. What else to do on train? Nine carriages must be walked through - amounting to approximately 42 miles there and back.
Smithy had a panic with his money belt that a policeman had picked up, Dave left the train fest early because his bed was miles away unfortunately & me & Emma & Edd had to find ways of entertaining ourselves late into the night, while Li slept, as for some reason our carriage lights weren't turned off until much later. Agh! Ill again and again, agh and again. Never mind, at least it was something to keep me busy. Soooo many hours left on this train but actually I suppose I don't really mind it but I wish there was a little more room to run around. Hmm … lets try fit 4 people + in the 3 rd layer of a bunk bed - yes?
Vickitoryaya
Ohh dear - results day (AS/A2) tomorrow.
Day 24
Results day!!! OMG!
Today is probably the most boring day I could get to write about. We are on a train all day. It was AS/A2 results day which loads of people are freaking out about, (explains the OMG at the beginning of this entry). So far we know that Sam Priest has knocked up a crazy 5 A's at A2, I don't know if anyone else has phoned up or what they've got. (Well done Sam)
So other noticeable things today . . . we had breakfast at 7.30 and lunch at 1.00 and we'll have dinner at 8.30. These are pretty much the highlights of the day, cos it's booooring .
Apparently the tickets were Y50 a piece which is less that £5 so you can't really complain. Also there's worst seating passed the dining carriage, which is just seating, so things could be worse.
People are finding many ways to pass the time. Apparently Mike found some Americans but that was according to Oli who has had a bit to drink. Lots of people are playing cards (some Chinese kids were watching Emma and Vicky playing Spit earlier). Most people are sleeping. Might be amusing to go down the train with a bowl of warm water.
Eating passes the time so we've eaten about 3 boxes of noodles each. If Vicky pukes again it will be full of noodles. 99 games in 1 still a big hit. This time with sound off. Edd & Emma were passing the time earlier with a game of pain by slapping each other's legs. Chinese man found it very funny.
Crazy knitting lady in bed opposite has managed to finish either one sleeve of a jumper or one sock. She knits very fast it's crazy. There is a man in the seat opposite with a bag full of nuts. That's a lot of nuts! Emma almost blew her face off with spiciness. My 15 Y CD turned out to be half Chinese boy band. Grape stop! Tis is a drawing of the grapes I just ate. I didn't really eat that many but it filled in 10 mins!
Now we're off the train and in Xian, it's raining. The hotel is very nice. We have a new guide called Lily Wu Hu (I think). Can she replace Alip?
Dave
Day 25
It was average day. I awoke after a 7.00am wake up call and went down to breakfast. The breakfast was a Chinglish meal which consisted of bacon, egg and toast also beans. We went down to the lobby and we all found out Georgia had dropped her clothing out of the window onto the restaurant. That's when Emma Birtwhistle's true side appeared. She was abusive to me and others damn her. We have just visited Banpo Village and saw many rocks and bones. Many people spent more time looking at the tacky stall. We are now on our way to the Terracotta Warriors.
The warriors were amazing, they must have taken a lot of work and time to create and build. I bought gnome size warrior and I called him Mini ne Muhahaha . After the warriors we set off for the school to be welcomed by clapping and banners. When we were seated, were given fruit and the local children danced and performed. Then we exchanged gifts with them, I was given a musical egg and a mime mask. In exchange I gave them English coins. After visiting the school we were headed for the hotel.
Once at the hotel we were given some free time, I went and had a cheap hair cut; 10 yen which is less than a £1. After that I went for dinner, which was the dumpling banquet, it was worth its wait an now I'm just finished packing my bag and am watching a Chinese war film.
Mike
Day 26
Xian to Beijing
We had a wake up call at about 7.30, headed for breakfast around 8. Everyone was expecting bacon as there had been some the day before. To everyone's dismay there was no bacon.
We set off to the White Goose Pagoda after everyone had finished paying for all the items they had eaten in their rooms. On the way we received information on the Pagoda and who built it, what it was etc. When we arrived we were given around half an hour to look round the site. Some people bought incense to burn in the temple. We were supposed to meet at 10.30 but we were all waiting on a few people where I received a shouting from Martin for talking while he was talking. He later apologised for this as I was not the only one doing it. He made the point of how we should not have to be kept waiting when we say a time to meet. Next we went to the museum next door. We got to learn more about the old building and city and about the east and west markets, the dress, how many concubines one Emperor had (3,000!) We then went and learnt the similarities between calligraphy and paintings and some people bought some. Jacob bought the most 4 for Y100. We then had about an hour drive to the airport where we had lunch. In the check-in Mikey had his bag searched, not for the 20,000 knives he had but because of the scissors in his Medo -kit.
In the waiting area everyone pigged out on sweets (Cadbury's chocolate was popular). The plane seemed to be a very short trip as we were soon in a very warm Beijing airport. After a short wait for the bus we drove to the hotel. We were given an hour to freshen up. We then headed for a posh restaurant that was very busy, in the entrance. There was an array of lobster, turtle and fish to buy. The meal was alright we got to meet Lee's wife and 3 yr old daughter.
When we got back to the hotel over half went in taxis to McDonalds. Everyone had their fill of a delicious McD's and went out shopping. Several people including myself bought the same pink tee shirts. My was a little too small and made it look like I had boobs.
We went round several tacky stores, the clothes stores were the cheapest, 70p for a shirt. We headed back in a taxi that got lost and we had to walk the rest of the way, where Charlie Boy was upset because I knew where the hotel was and he didn't. At the hotel I gratefully swapped my small tee shirt for Michael's medium and so I look a little better.
Tom ( aka meat boy)
PS Mickey bought some silk boxers.
Day 27
North of Beijing in mid-morning, we joined hundreds of other tourists as we set our first steps upon the famous Great Wall of China . This, the penultimate day of our trip, deserved a special event. Sure enough this visit did the trick; the view of the wall winding up the forested mountain sides, pausing at a settlement or building on one side was truly breathtaking. Moreover it provided good exercise as, despite the sky being rather dull and misty; the warmth in the air and exertion of climbing several thousand steps soon had us sweating buckets on the way up. Becky and PMcG made a heroic circuit of the area of wall we visited - the only people foolish enough to do so!
Anyway after lunch and an hour spent searching fruitlessly for bargains in an overpriced market place, another historical site was invaded by the group. The Ming Tombs were basically 36 statues (in pairs) which lined a long causeway between two gates. Indeed they were impressive to look at. In fact they provided perfect backdrops for humorous photos - such as Edd being stampeded by an elephant. Yet for me - being a stingy git - the real benefactor of the visit was my masterful haggling with a t-shirt seller; it generally only cost me 15 yuan . ( or about £1) Bargain!
The evening meal was seemingly turning out to be another mundane and routine affair and it would have continued had it not been for one man (or actually not quite a man as he's only 17 yrs old). Yes super Dave saved the day for it was his birthday. To celebrate, the largest, creamiest sponge birthday cake was carefully carried in by four shuffling waiters (all sweating from the weight!) Inevitably, portions were massive and wasteful. Yet a new game was born; 'cake shots'.
Sam P
Day 28
Woken up at v early time of 7.00am . Went down to crazy shopping centre-come-restaurant for breakfast. Proceeded to Forbidden City for a largely unwelcome walk. ( for some mysterious reason everyone seemed v tired) pretty cool place, though tres tourist-ridden.
Oh yeah, Jacob got lost, surprise, surprise! Went for lunch, restaurant had groovy chopstick holders. After lunch we went to the bank. Then we shopped in a market hall full of counterfeit produce. I got harassed by a woman trying to sell me fake leather. Bought another Smolex
(Changing from Emma to Tom now)
Everyone had fun in the new game of pick an item and get the sellers down to 1/10 of the original price, then say you don't want it. Classic example me & Mike got a suit from 700 down to 100 and she was begging to sell the suit.
Jacky Boy bought a fake Louis Vuitton bag for 100 down from 1200. We met in the entrance where everyone showed off their buys, everything was fake ! Then we went back to the hotel leaving a few more to keep shopping. We then had 3 hours of free time until we met at 7 for the trip to tea. A duck banquet, everyone was feeling hungry so it had been a while since we had eaten.
When we got to the restaurant we had our own room & Lee had got an 18 yr old musician to play some kind of ancient instrument. This was very pleasant. The meal was very nice, when the duck came in on a tray (whole duck) and the Chef shredded it for us, we watched with mouths open, everyone had the pancakey things ready to fill. Every table had duck and most people tried it. It was very nice. We had 2 plates of duck, when I saw another plate behind me and stole it. We later found out that this was another table's as they only had one plate. Most people were stuffed, when a cake came in for Alex's birthday. Everyone left the restaurant with full bellies and in good spirits.
Some people then went out, I tried scorpion but didn't taste of much but was crunchy. Jacob was trying to get cheap prices for everything. We bought some CD's, had a McDonalds, getting in free which was awful. We went back to the hotel later than the curfew by 10 mins (shock horror) and had to see Sam Glatman's fake handbags, apparently for his sister but probably for him.
Everyone went to pack their bags and went to bed.
Emma Birtwhistle
Tom G
. . . and finally:
Rachel Murphy
I have thoroughly enjoyed the whole of my experience in China and all of it will stay with me forever. I was amazed by the beauty of the mountains and also of the desert and the peace and quiet which came with both. I have also seen the Terracotta Warriors, which I was looking forward to the most and was not disappointed! I hope that in the future I can return to China to meet more of the amazing population and visit more of the diverse towns and cities
Tom Gannon
The best bits I will remember are the solitude of the desert, just sitting thinking and looking around at the beauty, high on the top of a dune; the jumping and rolling down the dunes, the dancing in Kashgar both modern and the performed cultural dances; the beauty of the mountains; the cold; the Great Wall; the markets with lots of bartering. Everyone on the trip had their moments.
Emma Birtwhistle
The whole China trip was absolutely amazing. I expect I will remember it for a very long time. I enjoyed the desert because of my infamous camel 'Gitler' and in the mountains with my equally vicious horse. The landscapes we witnessed were incredible. The food was an experience which will I expect I won't forget. I've made lots of friends & had the time of my life.
Harriet Smith
Muchly enjoyed China , especially Beijing . Maintained the old vegetarianism (not that this was hard as the meat was pretty rank by all accounts) but I did eat a scorpion last night, mefinks that doesn't count. Most memorable thing --- probs being thrown off the Heavenly Lake camping site & the DISGRACE TO CHINA moment. Yeah it was all good. Can't wait to get back in a tent Thursday ho ho ho . Xxx
Natalie Holden
Amazing loved it!
Alex Smith
I would say along with all the amazing things that we've seen , I have been most impressed with the Chinese people, strangers who we've met on the trip. For example in Urumqui, when we met the leaders who were sat with a group of Chinese, who had invited them for drinks and then us. We were then entertained by their singing, especially the policemen and Martin was fairly impressive taking into consideration it was a right handed guitar. The second memorable time, the last day in the desert when we were invited into a man's family home and fed for no reason other just been very generous. Also the friendliness of the students in every place in China where we've been. The people of China have impressed me the most.
Edward Stuart
The things I will remember most from this experience will be the people. Every single person on the expo, every single resident of China I met and interacted with. The friendliness, hospitality and genuine unselfishness of everyone made this trip exceptionally wonderful.
Peace and Love xxxx
Dave
Like everyone else so far I have to say the friendliness of the Chinese people and people on the trip made the month a lot of fun. My best memory will be the night in the desert when we wrestled the camel herders and slept under the stars. It was amazing to be in the middle of nowhere with all the starts out.
Michael
My best memory is of the Warriors and how awesome they were. Also all the moving scenery and people.
Sam
China has been amazing and I have loved every minute of it with the exception of the Chinese loos, which I will never forget. I think my best moment must have been in the mountains when I reached over 4000m but also when a few of us had that meal on the last night in the desert with the Muslim family. That was an example of how amazing the Chinese people were (not including the white witch). I also loved the bartering down of rubbish goods and fake watches.
Thanks Paul, Martin & Beccy for such an amazing time and everyone else
Rosie
The entire trip amazed me & I never missed home because I was having such a fantastic time & the people were all so friendly & welcoming. For me the best bits of the trip were the desert & mountains. I really enjoyed having time to myself to think, sitting on top of a dune surrounded by hundreds of miles of nothing but sand was an experience I will never forget. Likewise watching the sun set over the Karakul Lake ; slipping under the stars and paddling in a freezing mountain stream are all things I will keep with me for a very long time.
Jo
I have absolutely loved everything we have seen in China ; the desert and the mountains were my favourite parts. I have really enjoyed being part of a completely different culture for a month, getting used to the people, the food and the Chinese way of life.
Oliver
Ace Trip! I would try to say a more serious recollection but would be likely to plagiarise; i.e. amazing country, amazing people, blah, blah, blah … So when after spending I hr on a quest to find some num- chukas , (I had drawn a picture), I found out that the women had actually thought I wanted a chest enlarger and as a result had written so on a piece of paper and after trekking through the most obscure shopping areas of Beijing, to find an equally obscure exercising machine I had to smile.
Well done everyone, we made it!
Naomi
I have had a fantastic time, an experience that I will never forget, most memorable part; Beijing undoubtedly loved it, loved the culture, met some great people, seen some amazing things. Sorry to be boring but what more is there to say?
Thanks to everyone for a brilliant month.
Laura
So many memorable moments. The past month has been an experience I'll never forget. Although it's hard to choose, my favourite bits were sleeping under the stars in the desert, watching the sunsets in various scenic locations & of course Beijing . I've had the 2 best showers of my life (1 after the desert and 1after the mountains) and eaten food I've never eaten before (& never will eat again!).
Thank you everybody for such a fun time, the people have made the trip what it was. Xxx
Gracey
This has been a month of vast variation, moving from 50 0 C in the desert to -5 0 C in the mountains. This degree of contrast has been what made the expedition for me. One of the most stunning images that will remain in my mind is the symmetry of the architecture particularly the Wild Goose Pagoda, although I will always re visit the natural scenery in my mind for years to come.
Sam P
One could write a great deal about the major tourist attractions which we visited; namely the Great Wall or the terracotta Warriors. Equally one could focus upon the hospitality of the Chinese people. Indeed both these things have been fabulous, yet what has made this expedition so excellent for me was our adventurous escapades in the mountains and desert. After all, how many westerners particularly of my age (18) - can say that they have trod our path through the Taklamakan desert with Uighur camel herders, or into the Tian Shan on horseback to 4000m with a group of crazy Kazaks? Not many people, I'd say. It is this unique aspect of our expedition which I am really pleased about.
Another vivid impression set firmly in my mind is the foreboding sense of isolation I felt at times (for example under the stars in the desert, or way out of the way high up in the mountains). The feeling that nothing else mattered at a particular time was sensational for a generally busy guy.
The way such isolation can be juxtaposed against the bustling, crowded scenes and colourful streets of the larger cities such as Beijing, Xian or even Hotan on the Silk Road, is indicative of another theme; diversity. China is the most diverse country I have ever experienced by a long shot. I particularly loved the way that during a day's travelling; the generally beautiful scenery could change so dramatically; perhaps transforming from desert dunes to gravely wasteland, then from rugged mountains into Alpine valleys. Amazing - and a touch different to the UK !
And so the YSES Slogan, 'I am a part of all I have met' is, I feel, very apt, for this trip will certainly remain a part of me for many a year to come. Thanks.
Victoria Sutherland
Hmm .. What's going to stick with me (like glue)? The sand, (literally) did stick to me and still I find sand in the sink when I washed clothes! The desert is something I'd never experienced before - the immensity of the sand was amazing and I loved jumping down and running down the dunes. Also the incredibly, unpolluted view of the stars & Milky way that we saw - I had never seen a shooting star and now I'm sure I'm clocking up about 30! The view and experience of the mountains and adjusting to the different climates that we experienced is something I won't forget. I loved the cities & would like to come back & do a city tour - but who with??
I'm so glad everyone who is here, has been through this with me, it's made it so much more fun. But one thing - other than the food - I was surprised by was how people stared at us and took pictures and enjoyed speaking - and feeding a few of us in their home in the desert. This has been the best.
Thanks to everybody, this will stay with me forever.
Georgia-Rose
Coming on this expedition has been an experience that I will not forget for a long time. Of course sometimes it has been very hard but I wouldn't change anything now, looking back. My fondest memory would be the first campsite, the picturesque river and the Alpine backdrop reminded me of 'Lord of the Rings'. I hope I will keep in contact with a people who I have got on with but most of all I'm grateful for the experience.
Thank you it's been educational.
Phil Graham
I have enjoyed the whole of the expedition and I wasn't disappointed by any part of it. I extremely enjoyed the evenings in the desert because they were totally peaceful and the group created a nice atmosphere. I will also remember our week riding in the mountains as I have never done anything like that before. Visiting the middle school was also an amazing experience that I will hold onto, due to the warmth and kind hospitality of the Chinese. Great hospitality is something I have come across time and time again in China . I would like to return there in years to come.
Thank you for a great experience.
Charlie Rowland
What can I say? The last month has been so full of exciting, interesting and memorable moments that it's difficult to say much more than I have taken so much away from this trip and gained so much. I wouldn't like to say I enjoyed one bit more than another because in truth I have loved every second! The experiences I've shared over the last month will stay with me for the rest of my life; the people, the places, the things we've done, things we've seen - everything. I certainly intend to return at some point!
Emma Brown
This has been the most amazing trip but the time has passed far too quickly. The people I have met & the things that I have seen and done have been unforgettable. To think back, the things we have done seem almost unreal, for example, sleeping under the stars on dunes in the desert, wrestling with the Uyghurs on the dunes. Being taken into somebody's house for food, this whole trip has been such an experience, one I won't forget. I would like to return but I feel it won't be the same without everybody who I shared this experience with.
Thank you for this amazing month.
Fern Carver
There trip to China has been something I'll never forget and I have met some good people that I'd definitely keep in touch with. (From England & all across China ) I would love to return to China and now with some Chinese contacts it should be even more of a possibility. To say which specific part I enjoyed the most, would be hard but I enjoyed the cities especially. Also the train journey was an amazing experience, even if it was 36 hrs. There is so much interesting culture & history to every part we visited and I have learned so much from every guide we have had, (Li and Alip and Lily). I have had so much fun and wouldn't change anything. I can't believe it's gone so quickly.
Thanks for all the experiences.
PS My favourite food was my birthday cake - most amazing I've seen and had!
Jacob
The trip has been really fantastic, I've enjoyed every minute of it. I enjoyed sleeping under the stars in the desert and riding camels. I thought the mountains were beautiful and I loved riding the horses. It was great to experience an overnight train and I really loved Xian with the Terracotta Warriors. I thought the Great Wall was brilliant and of course Beijing . I loved buying loads of cheap stuff and trying scorpions. The people have really been the soul of the trip, every one has been great.
Thanks for a great trip
Hilly
Thank you! Everyone for a grand trip. I've enjoyed every moment through the strops, arguments and conflicts we've had. I will never forget any of you - even though I've called many of you by the wrong name and I think you're all wonderful. It's hard to tell you my best moments but the riding in the mountains, the Great Wall of China and the dumpling banquet were the things Ill remember the most and will really miss our group's antics. Georgia chucking her washing out the window, Mikey's knife collection and Phil's bartering skills. I would love to return to China and revisit the cities as there is still so much to see and of course I still haven't tried locusts or scorpion! I would hopefully return to the desert and sleep under the stars again as well as meeting such unusual people, even Emma's camel 'Gitler' again!
It's been a great experience - thank you again.
Meg
The China trip has been the best month of my life; the best trip I've been on and China is now my favourite country that I've visited. The question 'What did I like the most?' is hardest to answer, as so many different and contrasting aspects of the trip were all so amazing. To be general; I enjoyed 'the people' the most. I love meeting new people, especially from traditions and culture that I'm not familiar with. Although we met so many people of different origins, they were all so friendly and eager to make friends, which is something I value highly. Making a decision; I think the times when we trekked with the Uyghurs and Kazaks were my highlights of the trip. I also enjoyed visiting the school and the dancing restaurant in Kashgar because I met some really sweet children there. I've got so many things from the trip and I've come out of it a more confident and a happier person. I really enjoyed it all and I'm sad to be going home! I plan to return and I've made many Chinese contacts. I've also learned a lot on the trip and I'm very grateful for the opportunities I've been lucky enough to have.
Thanks to everyone who has had an input to the trip, no matter how great or small and every nationality.
Li Li- jun
This has been my second exploring trip to Xinjiang with Paul. We've become very good friends now, even after a five year gap. Since the same purpose of ours is to make the trip an extraordinary one and to make sure that all students enjoy their hiking and to go back home safely.
On this trip I used to question my co-workers from Xinjiang about how many Chinese students of the same age would take such a trip while they were on summer vacation. The answer I got was, frustratingly; none!
I truly admire all the students on the trip for their optimistic, firm and indomitable temperaments. They did suffer a lot in the desert and in the mountains, but they made it. After suffering comes happiness!
I hope that the journey into the future is as pleasant