The second overnight train trip

The second overnight train trip
We found our way to our cabin and were just settling when in came a Chinese man who could speak English. He pointed out his wife and family through the window so we all waved them good bye as the train pulled out. Well blow me down if a few minutes later in walks a youngish lady, who our new friend introduced as his “friend”. Within minutes they seemed so friendly I thought she was going to eat him! And you know these four berth cabins aren’t that large. However, I’ll have to admit to the best of our knowledge they slept in their respective bunks all night – we are also pretty sure the rail tracks were capable of all the “rocking and rolling” of the train.
Any way 11hrs later we arrived in Lanzhou, after getting up at 5.45am not wanting to spend another day on the train. Breakfast and a wash in the hotel and we were off to Xining for the day and night. A 4 hr drive through the lush gardens and smoking factory chimneys from petroleum production kept our eyes on the road. All the farmers here are Chinese, mostly older women and men as the young folk have joined the urban town life. The country side was like a nice tidy patchwork of green. Once again brown Mts line one side of the horizon along with a few snow capped ones.
Xining had a high population of Hui Chinese people and Tibetians.
The Taar Monstary founded in the 15/16 century filled in our afternoon. I’m glad we don’t belong to this religion as prayer time resembled a workout at the gym. Once again we are astounded at the history here and the ever intriguing story behind the Buddhism religion. The restoration and upkeep of these places is huge. Yak butter is used to make flowers for decorations and candles and smells like nothing on earth. There was no shortage of money collection boxes. Today 1000 monks all dressed in burgundy red live and study here.
We bravely took ourselves for a very quick spin of the market. No one bothers to sell you anything… probably can’t speak our language so don’t worry about us.(or knew we were poor farmers) Bill bought a couple of nice shirts. I got a bit worried when 4 very bulky Tibetian men surrounded Bill to practice their English, which wasn’t very good. Generally speaking the Chinese are very curious about where you come from and go out of their way to make conversation, particularly if you are away from the usual tourist places.
Our first meal of fried potatoes since we left home 11 days ago was a nice surprise for dinner along with 2 large bowls of soup, a mushroom stalk and meat dish, noodles and vegs to share, plain rice, and chunks of fried meat. Oh and a desert. Hot rice soup with fresh raisin grapes and pear chunks. Needless to say the guide and driver took home doggy bags as there was enough to feed an army.
Sorry I cant add photos due to slow connection. Taking heaps though.