kjp

I'm in Dunhuang at the moment. 1/2 hr by bus outside of town there is the Mogao Caves. These are bunch (700+) of caves that have Buddist paintings / muruals and statues in them. They were created between 300 AD and 1300 AD. ie: they were being worked on by people over 1000 years, over 10(?) Chinese dynasties. Pretty impessive.

Some of them were to praise various buddhas. Some where done by travellers about to embark on travel over the silk road (in particular the desert in western China), so that they would have good fortune.

We went in about 10 or so of them. At any one time there's only a limited number open. No bags, cameras, etc allowed inside, so no pretty pictures.

There were some pretty big buddhas - standing at the base of a 35+(?) metre buddha with all of the walls, ceiling, background painted / with statues that were made 1500 years ago is pretty awesome. Very interesting art.

The night before last (in Jiayuguan) was pretty interesting - enroute to the night markets I ended up talking to a mother and (school aged) son (both wanted to practice their English). I had skewers and beer with 2 local engineers at the market themselves. All 4 were very friendly and open people. Was prety cool. Last night was at the Dunhuang night market. Similar deal of skewers with mutton, along with noodles, and a breadish thing, and potato skewers. Very yum.