Day 90. Kashgar

We overslept a little so we ate a hurried breakfast as I had to meet the guide to return to the customs house to collect the bike. Robyn opted to stay at the hotel and do a few chores including getting some money. 

The bike process was easy just paperwork really. I was back at the hotel at about 1:30. Robyn had found an ATM that worked so we can eat at least. 

We must spend  an additional night here due to the fact that we are two days late getting here and the border to Pakistan is not open on weekends. 

Kashgar is a pleasant enough city and I’m sure we will enjoy exploring it. 

Our hotel is modern and the room is large with a lounge room and separate bedroom so we will be comfortable. It is centrally located so we can walk to everything. 

We spent the rest of the afternoon just wandering close to the hotel. 

There is a nice craft precinct we looked around so we will revisit there when it is cooler. 

Went out again later on and found a really neat little place for dinner, cooked while we waited and to start an American brand double IPA - perfect. 

I also noticed on the shelf EPIC beer from guess where?  

This old town area is actually a rebuilt old town, done very nicely but still it felt a bit false with perfect cobbles and nothing out of place, I think what saves it is the stall holders are really authentic craftsmen, with earthenware, metalware and textiles etc all made on site in traditional ways. The handbeaten copper and brass items are works of art. 

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The traffic police stationed at intersections are comical to watch, constantly waving their white gloved hands and blowing their whistles more than a French rugby referee.