Pressed up against the border with Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, Kashgar – also known as Kashi – is the westernmost city in China. Frequently described as the best-preserved example of a traditional Islamic city to be found in Central Asia, it is hard not to like Kashgar: We’ve already covered the “Kashgar Night Market” and so … Continue reading
During our exploration of Kashgar we came across this blind musician testing out these instruments – known as the dutar – inside a shop: Here is a video of him playing for us after he was advised of our presence: Rest assured, The Velvet Rocket contributed to his purchase of a new dutar. ***** Continue reading
For most of you, this will be the second photo of the day (POTD) on the same day. Such actions may seem to violate the natural order of things, but The Velvet Rocket is warming up for the theme of the next few posts and we don’t want to lose our momentum… Long a site … Continue reading
A beggar at the Kashgar Night Market: Yes, don’t fret, I gave the beggar some money… When approaching the area, one can usually hear Kashgar’s Night Market before they can see it. Granted, we were visiting during Ramadan and so activity was particularly boisterous at sunset when the fast was broken, but I have it … Continue reading
Perhaps not surprisingly to those that know me, I found the military dimension to Arunachal Pradesh interesting. Tensions between India and China run high in this area… Currently, India administers all of Arunachal Pradesh. However, the Chinese lay claim to the majority of Arunachal Pradesh as they believe it to be an extension of the … Continue reading
One issue I think being significantly under-reported and under-appreciated in the West are the stunning gains China is making in its space program. Now, many question the motives of the Chinese and their space ambitions by stating that they are a cover for military research. So what? At least someone is taking action and pursuing … Continue reading
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