Far West (ii)

I stand in awe of the mountains behind.

Dear Smelly, 

Muiido was probably a lesson planted by the producers to steel me for this episode in a yurt in Karakul. Pretty similar conditions as our “summer hut” in 2012 : 

i) no decent toilet. I had to pee in a transparent bag (at least you had a green one!), which I failed quite miserably. Thereafter, I decided to find secluded spots to relieve myself. The high altitude a guilty accomplice in making one increasingly dehydrated, upping one’s pee frequency. Sian. 

ii) My food stash is pathetic. I just finished my one and only choc biscuit. I have a cup noodle but the only drinking water they have here is “湖水可以的”. 

iii) I thought I could at least photograph the mountains + a blanket of stars, but it is total darkness outside. I might also be the very few guests around here. I’ve got no heater in this 10C weather - just four layers of clothes and layers of thick comforter. It is keeping me warm and toasty, but the comforters are so heavy, they are weighing down on my ankles. 

That said, life isn’t so bad here. Initial uneasiness of being disconnected faded fairly quickly. I’ve just finished reading “The Light Of The Fireflies” which is similar to “Room” (which you introduced me). So as you see, I have been thinking of you a lot tonight. 

Cheers pal. Hope you are comfy & snug in 202 PP Road while I reminise our good times together. WYWH. 

27 July 2016 

9.49pm 

Last point : When I was traipsing on the green pastures earlier in the day, I had my moment with God. The scenery; His creation. I sang the very few worship songs I knew. It was so peaceful.

Came out, found a clean looking space (but is anywhere really clean from animal poop?) and settled down with my Kindle and takeaway lunch in hand. Been eating so much noodles, I decided to dabao rice from Taxhkorgan instead. Definitely tastier than it looked. Not a fan of green pepper though!!! Tossed them 1m away from me. The lambs came swiftly and left no trace of the dreaded green pepper’s existence.

Goodbye Kashgar, I quite adore you.